Testimonials
Carolyne Adkins
Little Rock, Arkansas
Carolyne Adkins
I don’t have a picture of myself when my weight peaked because I didn’t want to have any memories of that period in my life. I actually stopped weighing myself because I was running out of numbers on my scale. I had a hard time finding cute clothes when I stopped buying sizes in numbers like 22 and 24. I realized that there was a problem when I started to wear Roman numerals and I had to start wearing XL, 2X, 3X and 4X. If my pants or skirts didn’t have elastic in them, I couldn’t wear them. While shopping for Easter of 2005, I realized that the manufacturers had something against me because all of the size 22 clothes were made smaller. My friend Chan handed me a suit and told me to try it on. I did and it fit. I was hurt when I found out that it was a size 24. Three weeks later it was tight. I realized that the next number was 26 and I knew I was too short to be that wide. By September 2005 I was in a 3X and sometimes 4X, so I went on a soup and salad diet. For 4 months I almost starved to death trying to fit into a 24. By December 1, 2005 I knew I needed help. Walking up and down stairs had become a problem; I had to take a break between flights of stairs at work. I had my grandson D.J. in a grocery store. I was checking out so I took him out of the basket. He started running and I could not catch him. I was screaming and asking strangers in the store to watch him. That was so embarrassing because I couldn’t catch him because he was so swift. My hair stylist, Eric, suggested that I call one of his clients, Judy that had the LAP-BAND® Surgery in 2004. I called her and she talked to me about the procedure. I went online and looked at her doctor’s website Dr. Luttrell. I contacted his office one week, went for an orientation the next and within 30 days, I was in surgery. The surgery was simple. I had about 3 days of discomfort but I have now been given 26 months of comfort. I didn’t realize how many things I had stopped doing because I got tired so easily. I started doing water aerobics 3 hours each week which helped me to tone and there was little impact on my knees while in water. i used to think that I was just a cheeseburger away from weighing 300lbs. Dr. Luttrell told me to listen to my body when I eat. I eat from a small plate most of the time and in small amounts. Looking back a some old photos, I can see the old Carolyne, the one that just loves to take pictures. Thanks to Dr. Luttrell, and the LAP-BAND®, I lost well over 100 pounds and I went from Roman numerals to a size 14. I can even wear a size 12 in some clothes. I am happier, I can walk taller, my self esteem has increased and I can now keep up with my grandson D.J.
Shannon Haynes
Judsonia, Arkansas
Shannon Haynes
My name is Shannon Haynes and I live in Judsonia, Arkansas. I was unhealthily overweight in 2006 and my blood pressure was extremely high, which was being controlled by medication. My health was in danger if I didn’t do something about my weight. At that time I weighed over 400lbs. In July 2006, I met with Dr. Luttrell about the LAP-BAND® Surgery. After speaking with Dr. Luttrell it was decided that I was a good candidate for the surgery. The surgery was performed in August of 2006 and my life has changed dramatically. I have lost 155lbs and I no longer need medication for my blood pressure. Dr. Luttrell and his staff are very professional and caring about their patients. I would encourage anyone who is in a similar situation to contact Dr. Luttrell’s Office for a consultation. If you would like to hear more about my experience, feel free to contact Dr. Luttrell’s Office for my telephone number.
Dean Clow
Little Rock, Arkansas
Dean Clow
Being overweight all my life was a way of life. I grew up in a very loving family and FOOD was a show of love. My grandmother cooked the old Southern way–everything fried. So quickly my favorite past time became EATING! I battled this my entire life until I started College. Then I worked out daily, ran, played tennis and lifted weights. That was the only time in my life my weight was under control. But I quickly learned I DID NOT HAVE TIME to do this 4-5 hours each day so the weight won. At 6’5″ I was always told that I carried my weight well. The funny thing about all of this was my blood pressure was good and my cholesterol was always good, I was just overweight. I did not do any thing about it. I would try diets from time to time and never made any headway. My wife was always very understanding and never dogged me and still loved me. Then one night I was watching a TV show on weight loss surgery and talked with my wife about looking into it and she said, “WHEN??? Let’s go!” That’s when I contacted Dr. Luttrell about attending a seminar for surgery, knowing that this would be LIFE CHANGING. I was willing to make a total commitment and follow through with his recommendations completely. I started the process at Thanksgiving. WHAT A TIME TO DO THIS–DURING THE HOLIDAYS!!! But I was committed and felt that if I could do this now during the hardest time of the year when food was at its best, I could really do it. I kept my promise to myself and to this point I’ve lost right at 85 pounds and I’m within 25 pounds of my goal weight. In order for this to work for anyone, you first have to commit to yourself that you are willing to change old habits and learn new ones. That does not mean that you have to give up the foods you love, just eat less of them! I feel that this has added years to my life and the change in lifestyle has extended to my entire family. They too have made changes in the way they look at food and what they eat. It’s absolutely been the best thing that I have ever done not only for me, but for my wife and kids.
Victoria Coffman
Ola, Arkansas
Victoria Coffman
I really don’t know where to start except that I have battled my weight my entire life. I had tried almost every diet plan you can think of including diet pills. I had a little success with many of them but the weight always came back plus some. I realized one day that I had dieted myself to a weight of 269 lbs. I had to do something…I was tired all the time and my health was in jeopardy. I didn’t want to go out with my family because I was embarrassed for them. Moms are supposed to be cute…and you can’t buy cute in size 22. I had considered weight loss surgery in the past but they seemed so risky. Then I learned about a weight loss surgery that was less evasive than other weight loss surgeries. I did my research on line and found Dr Luttrell’s office in Little Rock. Dr. Luttrell and his staff have always been so friendly and helpful. I attended a seminar and with the support of my husband and family I had my surgery June, 9 2008. This has been the easiest weight loss experience of my life including the surgery. I have lost 96 lbs in all and can’t believe the results. I feel great and food no longer rules my life. I have had 3 fills in the past 7 months and after the second I really began to see the results. I don’t think about my next meal all the time like I used to, and just a little food satisfies my hunger. My family and friends are so proud of me and I am proud of myself. When Erin from Dr. Luttrell’s office showed me my before picture at my last visit I cried. I didn’t realize how much I had changed… how much my life has changed for the better since my surgery. I use to always be on the look out for a place to sit down and now I am up and on the go ready to take on the world. Do it for yourself….it will change your life.
Patricia Taylor
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Patricia Taylor
Hi, My name is Patricia Taylor. I work as a music minister at Torncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. My journey began in 2002 when I was told by my doctor I was severely diabetic, with very high blood pressure and if that wasn’t enough I was diagnosed with Lupas. Over time I had become increasingly overweight. My doctor then told me “Patricia you must lose weight, or in five years you will be dead!” I was in shock and desperate to know what to do. I had then a 7yr old to raise, my ex-husband had left me for someone else and I felt totally alone! Why is it we wait until we reach bottom that we then cry out to God. My Lord, who loves me knew what I should do, but I was stubborn to seek his help until I could no longer help myself. To make a long story short a good friend directed me to Dr. Luttrell in Little Rock, AR. He is my hero, and his staff has been my rock of support. I weighed in at the clinic at 284lbs. The two week prep diet before surgery brought me down to 277lbs. This has been a life changing process for me and not always easy. But, with all the tears and laughter I am now down to 172lbs, with only 12 more pounds to lose. My diabetes is under control, my blood pressure is normal, but my greatest thanks and praise – God has healed me of the Lupas! Two years ago the Lord brought a wonderful man into my life, We have been married a year and a half. And not only does Greg love me for me, but he loves my daughter as well. In closing, if you struggle with being over weight – DON’T there is help for you, and I know first hand Dr. Luttrell will take wonderful care of you, and the best news, most insurances will cover the cost of the surgery if it is a health issue, and believe me being overweight is – I know! I pray those that read this will he strong and step foward to change and take charge of your life. Isaiah 40:31 states “Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings of eagles. They shall walk and not faint. They shall run and not grow weary. God richly bless you! Patricia
Bennie Gragg
Harrison, Arkansas
Bennie Gragg
LOST 200lbs “Gave me my life back”
