We are thrilled to announce the first 2 surgeries were performed at the 
To find out more about the Belmont Surgery Center, please visit their website: Age: 63
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Surgeon: Dr. William Hunter
Indications: stenosis
Procedure: XLIF®
Levels treated: L2-4
Surgery date: November 8, 2010
“Having back pain and going through failed surgeries does more than just hurt your body, it takes away the joy and hope in your life. I was walking just hours after my surgery and was completely pain-free just days after that. I can now spend my time enjoying the things I love rather than feeling like I am suffering 24/7.” – Laurette
Life prior to surgery:
When her traditional spine surgery in April 2009 failed to relieve the chronic back pain she had been suffering with for years, Laurette went into severe depression. Her unrelenting pain limited her ability to work and made it hard for her to sit, stand or lie down. She was often forced to crawl on the floor just to get around. She was miserable and was desperate to find a solution to the pain that was ruining her life. Still, she was scared at the thought of another back surgery but wasn’t ready to consider herself “over the hill” yet. Subsequently, Laurette tried every conservative treatment option she could find including physical therapy, epidural injections and prescription medications to get her life back. Unfortunately, none of the treatments provided any long-term pain relief.
As her pain became increasingly worse, Laurette realized her options were limited — she would either need another spine surgery or be forced to purchase a power chair in order to get around. Wrestling with what to do, she visited her family doctor who suggested she see spine surgeon, Dr. William Hunter. At her initial consultation, Dr. Hunter explained the benefits of XLIF® surgery that used a lateral approach to access the spine which made recovery much different from what she had experienced with her first back operation. Excited at the possibility of a solution to her pain, she scheduled her XLIF® procedure for November 2010.
Situation today:
After undergoing the XLIF® operation, Laurette was amazed at how quickly she recovered. Her chronic back pain disappeared immediately, and she was walking just a few hours after the surgery. She returned home a day later feeling better than she had in years! Laurette now enjoys walking and spending time with her husband and is looking forward to being able to participate in activities like gardening and cooking — things she had virtually given up prior to her operation. She is passionate about her successful XLIF® outcome and the tremendous difference it has made in her life and wants to tell the world.