Weight Loss Surgery Patient Testimonials
Dr. Howard helps patients in The Woodlands, Texas, with their weight loss surgery needs. Here are a few of Dr. Howard's patients as they share their experiences of what it's like to visit Dr. Howard for weight loss surgery and the positive impact it has had on their lives.
Katie Payne
Surgery performed: Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Katie Payne, a former Navy enlistee, found comfort and stress relief in running during her military service. After transitioning to motherhood and facing health issues due to a sedentary lifestyle, Katie decided to reclaim her identity and go after a healthier life. Weighing 227 pounds, she opted for gastric sleeve surgery recommended by Dr. Drew Howard. The surgery was successful, and Katie lost 90 pounds, leading to improved health and a renewed passion for running.
With a healthier diet and exercise routine, Katie regained her energy, overcame sleep difficulties, normalized her blood pressure, and eliminated severe migraines. Inspired by her military background, she ran half marathons and set her sights on the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, D.C., paying tribute to her service. Katie, now 43, continues her running journey and credits Dr. Howard for changing her life, emphasizing the parallels between overcoming challenges in running and life through perseverance and determination.
Tamara Blanton
Darrell Ragston
Surgery performed: Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laura
Dear Dr. Howard,
I just wanted to give you a little update on how the surgery you performed has changed my life. Since I first consulted with you. I have lost 160 lbs—I am literally less than ½ my original size of 294 lbs. This exceeded your goal for me by about 30 lbs. I went from a BMI of 40 to a BMI of 23. I am a size 4 in jeans and a size small in most things.
More importantly, I have changed my entire life. I eat completely clean, I exercise every day including running, spinning, weight lifting, yoga and horseback riding. I have become an avid runner. Since my surgery, I have competed in 6 half marathons and am in training with a running coach to run a full marathon in August. It was my will and desire to change my habits that caused this to happen but the surgery was a huge catalyst and I want to thank you for it. I have had no ill effects, no problems whatsoever post-operatively.
I feel like I have been given a new life and I am truly blessed for it. Thank you for the role you played in giving this opportunity to me. I am 53 years old, but I feel 20 years younger and I am in better shape than I have ever been in my entire adult life!
Michael Cullen
Surgery performed: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
"I have known Dr. Howard and his family (parents and siblings) since I moved to Texas in 1988. There was no doubt I would use him as my surgeon. Dr. Howard performed a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) on September 22, 2014. While this procedure is not a cure all for obesity, it is a fantastic tool if you want to bring your weight down at a steady and fairly rapid pace. When following the program set out by Dr. Howard I consistently lost about five pounds per week. After having this surgery, I feel much better and participate in a lot more physical activity than I did prior to the surgery. I have eliminated all prescriptions except for one mild blood pressure drug."
Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery:
Progression After Gastric Sleeve Surgery:
Dr. Howard talks about bariatric surgery during COVID-19 with Hello Woodlands.
Dr. Howard has been featured on Great Day Houston to discuss weight loss surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy, and how it has benefitted his patients.
Angel Torres
I’ve been attending a CrossFit gym for over three years, and while I’ve gotten stronger and healthier in some ways, I’ve continued to struggle with losing weight through conventional diets. I was also dealing with high blood pressure, which was a constant reminder that I needed to take my health more seriously. On top of that, my weight really affected me emotionally—I didn’t feel comfortable with my image, and I often felt like I wasn’t living up to the best version of myself.
That’s what led me to consider weight loss surgery. For me, it’s about taking the next step to finally reach my goals. I want to be in great physical shape, to have the energy I had when I was younger, and to feel confident in my own skin. This decision is really about investing in my future and giving myself the best chance to live the kind of active, healthy life I’ve always wanted.
Since surgery, my life has changed in such a powerful way. I no longer have high blood pressure, and I don’t take any medication for it—that alone has been a huge relief. Physically, I feel like I’ve gotten a second chance. I’m back to competing again in competitions, which brings me so much joy and excitement, and I feel proud of how I look and what I’ve accomplished.
Emotionally, I finally feel like the effort I put into my training and diet is paying off. For the first time in years, following a diet actually makes a real impact, and that keeps me motivated. More than anything, I feel like myself again—stronger, healthier, and more confident. It’s not just about losing weight; it’s about gaining back the life and energy I thought I had lost.
I actually found Dr. Howard online while I was researching different doctors, and his reviews immediately stood out. People had such positive things to say about him and his team, which gave me a lot of confidence to reach out.
When I met him, what really stood out was how he took the time to walk me through all the different options, explaining the pros and cons of each one. That helped me feel informed and comfortable with my decision.
And honestly, throughout the whole process, Dr. Howard and his team made me feel supported. They answered every question, never rushed me, and really made me feel like they were invested in my success. It wasn’t just about surgery; it felt like I had a team in my corner.
I definitely had some fears going into surgery. It’s a big decision, so I was worried about the risks, how much my life would change, and whether I could really stick to a new lifestyle.
What helped was how Dr. Howard and his team handled those concerns. They were really open and honest, explained exactly what to expect, and went over the risks in a way that made sense but also put me at ease. They gave me a plan and the support I needed, which made me feel confident I could do this.
By the time surgery came, I felt prepared, informed, and ready both physically and mentally.
I'd recommend Dr. Howard because he really cares and makes you feel supported from day one. He explains everything clearly, his team is amazing, and honestly, it worked for me. I’m healthier, more confident, and living proof that this can change your life.
