The study was comprised of 442 patients in Switzerland who underwent bariatric surgery from 1998 through 2005. Of the total, 221 had the gastric bypass procedure and the other 221 a gastric band placed. The patients were matched according to sex, age and Body Mass Index (BMI). In order to qualify for surgery, patients had a BMI of greater than 40, or greater than 35 with at least one other disease (such as diabetes). None of the patients had a BMI exceeding 50. After a year, the average BMI in the bypass group fell below 30, and the gastric band group fell to about 34. A BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese. The researchers found that for gastric band patients, maximum weight loss was achieved at 36 months, while the bypass patients achieved maximum weight loss at 18 months. Immediately following surgery, the gastric bypass patients had more complications, with a complication rate of 17%. This is not surprising, however, considering that the gastric bypass is a more complex procedure requiring longer operative time and hospital stay. The gastric band patients had a complication rate of 5.4% immediately following surgery.

At Surgical Specialists of Louisiana, we believe that it is important to the success of patients to have surgical options when choosing which surgery best fits your medical situation, comfort level and lifestyle. We are one of the few programs in our area which offers patients a choice of the full spectrum of weight loss surgery options, from incisionless procedures such as POSE to more traditional weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass. You can learn more about our program here.

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The study is a meta-analysis, which is a careful and rigorous review of many clinical studies.   Seven studies out of 4,576 possible papers met the criteria to be included in this study.  Because the seven studies reported amounts of chocolate consumption in different manners, the authors decided to compare lowest to highest chocolate consumption when they looked at the health benefits. The authors of the study explain that the exact amount of chocolate needed to experience the health benefits is not clear, yet.

The study also cautions against large consumption of chocolate. Chocolate is high in sugar and calories and therefore can be destructive to weight loss and overall health.  Dark chocolate, which contains a higher cocoa content, will provide the most health benefits without as much fat and sugar as milk chocolate.

At the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana, we understand that our patients need nutrition plans tailored to their needs—even if that means including the occasional piece of dark chocolate! Balance is always very important. You can learn more about our program and weight loss options on our website, by registering for a free weight loss surgery seminar, or by calling us at 877-691-3001.

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The presentation outlined the methods used to treat obesity from the 17th century through today, starting with the earliest recorded treatments for obesity, which included bleedings and recommendations such as drinking vinegar to dissolve fat and engaging in ‘violent exercise’. Hundreds of years later, during the time of World War II and beyond, quite a few weight loss drugs were developed. These drugs, however, were found to cause too many negative side effects, so their usage was intermittent or stopped completely. The next significant milestone in obesity treatment was in the 1990’s, with the drug Fen-Phen.  It had record-breaking sales, but was recalled in the late 1990’s when it was linked with heart valve problems. Since the recall of Fen-Phen, there have been numerous efforts to create safe and effective obesity drugs; however, currently there are only two drugs that are approved for obesity treatment. The challenge in developing and getting obesity drugs to the market, explains Dr. Mark Fusco, a bariatric surgeon in Florida, is that “they need to demonstrate a significant safety profile to win approval from governmental agencies that are increasingly risk averse.”

Because of the challenges in finding pharmaceutical treatments, surgery and procedures, like POSE, continue to be the most effective in treating obesity. POSE is a new minimally invasive weight loss procedure designed for patients that want to lose 20-70 pounds. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are at the forefront of this new technology and are amongst the most experienced at the procedure in the world. Dr. Michael Thomas explained that no matter what procedure you choose, POSE or surgery, “the most important thing patients can do is go to an experienced bariatric surgeon to get the best results. After that, it’s very important that they follow-up with their doctor to make sure they stay on track and have life-long healthy weight loss.”

Surgical Specialists of Louisiana offers a comprehensive weight loss program that involves life-long care for the whole continuum of patients whether they want to lose 20 pounds or 400 pounds.

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Pre-diabetes is “the state that occurs when a person’s blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes”. Most importantly, people with pre-diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension and stroke. An estimated 79 million Americans age 20 years or older have pre-diabetes. Learn more about obesity and associated health risks such as diabetes.

Who should pay attention to pre-diabetes?
You are at risk for pre-diabetes if you are overweight and 45 years or older. Individuals younger than 45 and overweight, and have any other risk factors such as high blood pressure, a family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, to name a few, are also at risk. Unfortunately, there usually are no signs or symptoms for pre-diabetes!

As mentioned above, having pre-diabetes exposes individuals to a higher risk for type-2 diabetes. However, studies have shown that losing 5 to 7 percent of body weight through diet and increased physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. How do you make this happen? Healthy eating habits and exercise!

What can I do?
Someone with excess weight and pre-diabetes, or insulin resistance may benefit from limiting carbohydrates in their diet. Carbs raise blood sugar more than other foods and will cause the body to produce more insulin.

Regular exercise helps maintain weight loss and prevent weight regain. It also improves glycemic control (measurement of the effects of carbs on sugar level) and reduces cardiovascular disease. Fortunately it doesn’t take dramatic weight loss to reduce the risk for pre-diabetes or to improve your health. Moderate weight loss can help delay or prevent diabetes-related complications. If you feel like you need to lose a moderate amount of weight, learn more about our MyWeight solution, as well as some of our noninvasive procedures such as POSE and ROSE.

Today’s world of technology and social networking may also help you monitor your health. HEALTHSEEKER is a new healthy Facebook game that was developed by the Diabetes Hands Foundation and Joslin Diabetes Center. The goal is to help players make specific lifestyle changes that focus on healthy eating. Check it out!

The Surgical Specialists of LA are a group of 8 board certified advanced laparoscopic surgeons who specialize in surgical and nonsurgical weight loss. For more information about their programs visit www.whyweight.com or www.poseinfo.com.

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Improve Your Nutrition
Vitamins and protein are key to the healing process following surgery. Protein will help you maintain muscle mass while losing weight and make you feel full longer after your meals. Your doctor will instruct you as to which vitamins and supplements you will need. Plan to incorporate a multi-vitamin, B12, calcium into your daily intake. Start doing this as soon as you can, not only because it will help your health, but it will also to help you get in the habit of taking important vitamin supplements on a continual basis.

Get a Sleep Study
Many over weight individuals suffer from Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) and don’t even know it. SAS is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing. In a recent study of patients who had completed a preoperative evaluation for bariatric surgery, 73% of tested patients had SAS that required treatment. As a result of the study, researchers recommended that patients who undergo bariatric surgery should be screened, tested and treated for sleep apnea.

Start Exercising—everyday
Exercise is crucial to weight loss success; it shortens the recovery period and reduces the risk of postsurgical complications. Our doctors have found that patients who start an exercise program before weight loss surgery are twice as likely to have an easier time exercising after surgery. Because exercise tends to be difficult for people who are overweight, the key is to start slowly. Walk in place for 10 minutes, twice a day. Resume exercising two to three weeks after surgery. Cardio and strength training should be part of your exercise routine, three to five days a week.

Cut Down on Alcohol and Quit Smoking
Smoking can make lungs more sensitive during surgery and can slow the healing process by narrowing the blood vessels and restricting the flow of blood to the healing sites. Smoking contradicts the purpose for having surgery: Improving your health! Alcohol is full of empty calories that provide no nutritional value. Weight loss surgery makes you more sensitive to alcohol, so a little goes a long way.

You have committed to changing your lifestyle. You are ready to achieve and maintain a healthy weight with a regimen of healthy choices. The comprehensive weight loss program, including MyWeight Nutition & Wellness Counseling designed by the Surgical Specialists of LA addresses all of these issues, and we will help you achieve your weight loss goals. Visit www.whyweight.com or call 1-877-691-3001 and ask to speak to a patient advocate to answer questions you may have regarding weight loss and bariatric surgery, including questions about our new incisionless procedure—POSE, a one hour endoscopic procedure that is transforming the lives of our patients.

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The Study

The study consisted of 239 overweight and obese women. The researchers divided the women into two groups. The first group was provided general information on how to eat healthy, effectively manage stress, and build a physical fitness routine. The second group attended 30 group discussion sessions, covering issues such as physical activity, emotional eating, and improving body acceptance and body image.

The study found that the women in the discussion groups developed better opinions about their bodies and were able to manage their diets better. Over the course of a year, they lost 7 percent of their body weight on average, while the other group lost on average 2 percent.

Dr. Lavin commented that “this new research has indicated that having a positive body image can help you lose weight. Developing a healthier body image can come from concrete proof that you’re actually achieving weight loss. Body image issues can be common in overweight and obese people and are often associated with poorer weight loss outcomes. Additionally, poor body image has been linked with negative eating behaviors that interfere with weight loss. Thus, it is very important to address and reduce body image concerns when treating obesity.”

Positive body image & weight loss options

Bariatric surgery is often a very effective treatment for obesity. However, some people who are overweight (BMI of 25 – 30) or even some who are obese (BMI 30 – 35) don’t meet the qualifications for standard laparoscopic bariatric procedures, according to NIH guidelines. Dr. Lavin explained that there are treatments for these people. “The new incisionless endoscopic procedure, the POSE (Primary Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal), can give these people opportunity for weight loss by curbing their appetite through shrinking the stomach, thereby causing decreased hunger and cravings as well as decreased capacity at meals.” POSE is a one-hour outpatient procedure that is performed through the mouth and does not require any incisions or cuts. It has many advantages, including less post-op pain than traditional bariatric surgery and no external incisions, meaning no visible scars.

Dr. Lavin added, “a positive body image is the foundation for weight management. Procedures such as POSE can help patients gain that positive body image as they begin seeing tangible results after years of yo-yo dieting.” You can visit poseinfo.com, to learn more about the POSE procedure.

To learn more about POSE, or any of other weight loss surgery options provided by Surgical Specialists of Louisiana, please register for a FREE online seminar at either www.poseinfo.com, or www.whyweight.com, or call us at 877-691-3001.

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Pose Information

PoseInfo.com allows you to watch the procedure and listen to patients who have had the Pose. They share their stories, the changes in their hunger drives and their newfound health and happiness. You are also able to watch a seminar video commentated by Dr. Tom Lavin. To watch this highly educational video, please visit us at PoseInfo.com today!

Dr. Tom Lavin and Dr. Michael Thomas are industry leaders in performing the procedure and with educating other surgeons, both domestically and internationally. Because SSL has performed more POSE procedures than any other surgical practice in the world, we have been asked to speak at the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) in Hamburg, Germany at the end of August. Our experience is seen in our exceptional results.

Benefits of Pose

POSE is primarily designed for patients who need to lose between 20 and 70 pounds. Patients report an immediate decrease in hunger drive, a significant change in their cravings, and are thrilled with the speedy recovery and minimal downtime. The reduction, and even elimination, of medications due to the success of POSE has allowed many to not only lose weight but also get their overall health back.

To start your weight loss transformation or for more information, visit us at www.poseinfo.com. You may also call 1-877-691-3001 and speak to one of the seven full time patient advocates who will assist you and answer all of your questions. We are here to make your POSE weight loss a reality!

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There are many suggestions for maintaining a healthy diet and achieving overall health and fitness. In order to reduce the risk of chronic disease and promote overall health, individuals should seriously consider focusing on items such as:

• Developing eating patterns focused on consuming fewer calories
• Making more informed food choices
  • Less dining out
  • Fewer high saturated fats
  • More fruits and vegetables
• Increasing physical activity (2-3 times/week)
• Maintaining a healthy weight

The United States government oversees health and dietary recommendations and by law, reviews, updates if necessary, and publishes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans every 5 years. Each edition is jointly created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 Key Recommendations encompass two concepts: 1) Balancing calories to manage weight and, 2) Focus on consuming nutritional foods and beverages. Each of these concepts includes key recommendations.

Balancing Calories to Manage Weight

• Prevent and/or reduce overweight and obesity through improved eating and physical activity behaviors.
• Control total calorie intake to manage body weight. For people who are overweight or obese, this means consuming fewer calories from foods and beverages.
• Increase physical activity and reduce time spent in sedentary behaviors
• Maintain appropriate calorie balance during each stage of life

Food and Food Components to Reduce

• Reduce daily sodium intake to less that 2,300 mg. People 51 years old, African Americans, diabetics, hypertensive individuals, and chronic kidney disease patients should limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg.
• Consume less than 10% of calories from saturated fatty acids
• Consume less than 300 mg per day of dietary cholesterol
• Keep trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible by limiting foods that contain synthetic sources of trans fats
• Reduce the intake of calories from solid fats and added sugars
• Limit the consumption of foods that contain refined grains, especially refined grain foods that contain solid fats, added sugars, and sodium
• If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation – up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men – and only by adults of legal drinking age.

The Surgical Specialists of LA promote a combination of healthy eating habits and exercise to achieve an ideal body weight. MyWeight is a medically supervised weight loss program where we create a personalized weight loss diet plan designed specifically for you. If you’d like more information about MyWeight and how it or any of the programs offered by the Surgical Specialist of LA can help change your life, learn more at www.whyweight.com, or or call 1-877-691-3001.

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Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

For many of our patients, the most important benefit of the gastric sleeve is that they not only begin losing weight right away, but their health can improve dramatically right after surgery. Weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, can be significantly improved or even resolved in as little as one week after the procedure.

There are also several other benefits that the gastric sleeve provides to patients:

• Fewer incisions are made (only three) – one in the naval, and two poke holes the size of a pencil.

• At approximately 35 minutes, the procedure is quicker than gastric bypass or banding.

• It requires no intestinal re-routing, which makes for a less-complicated procedure and results in quicker recovery.

Insurance & Cost

Most insurance carriers that cover bariatric surgery now cover the gastric sleeve procedure, and more insurance carriers are expected to begin covering it in the future. Gastric sleeve is also more affordable than traditional gastric bypass (it costs about the same as gastric banding). Take advantage of our free insurance verification to see if you qualify.

For those interested in self-pay, The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana provide the added benefit of one year’s worth of post-op complication coverage included in our affordable cash price.

Real Success Story

Deke Bellavia, whom you might know as the co-host of SportsTalk and the “Countdown to Kick-Off” on WWL Radio, the New Orleans Saints Radio Network, was type 2 diabetic and had high blood pressure. Deke knew he needed to lose weight in order to get his health back in check. His blood sugar was something he needed to get under control quickly, so after evaluating the options Deke chose the sleeve gastrectomy. His decision was easy – Deke heard SSL is the best weight loss surgery program in the country and he was very pleased with the process they have developed to prepare patients for surgery.

Since his surgery 2 years ago, Deke lost 128 lbs and stopped taking all his diabetes and blood pressure medications. He says: “SSL have changed my life. They really helped me take control of my health and my life. I can take on and do more work; I don’t need as much sleep but feel great. To sum it all up, I am able to do a lot more with my life than ever before.”

If you are interested in learning more about the sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic weight loss surgery, please contact the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana at 1-877-691-3001 or visit them at www.whyweight.com.

About the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana at WhyWeight.com

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana is committed to helping you lose weight and obtain a healthy lifestyle. Our nutritionists are available for one-on-one consultations. Whether you need to lose 15, 50 or 150 pounds, SSL can help you. Our medically supervised weight loss program, MyWeight, combines nutrition therapy, physical activity and physician prescribed medication, if necessary. Our minimally invasive weight loss surgery procedure options, including gastric banding, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and the duodenal switch, are for those who need to lose 50 or more pounds. The new POSE procedure is incisionless and is for patients who want to lose up to 50 pounds. Schedule your free weight-loss surgery seminar today to learn more!

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Why Sleeve Gastrectomy Is So Effective

Sleeve gastrectomy provides a straightforward weight loss solution that has an immediate effect, similar to the gastric bypass. The gastric sleeve procedure removes the majority of the left portion of the stomach where the hunger center resides. The concept is to reduce the stomach size while also decreasing the hunger drive, which results in being able to feel full after eating less food.

Dr. James Redmann, one of the nine board-certified surgeons at SSL, says, “The sleeve gastrectomy works because of two key elements. First, the left side of the stomach, which is the hunger center, is removed. Second, there is only 30% of the original stomach left, which can only hold a little bit of food. The gastric sleeve is so effective because it cuts the hunger drive and provides portion control.”

Not being hungry all the time is a new feeling for most patients, one that changes their lives for good. They aren’t as hungry and they can’t eat as much, so they lose weight – it’s that simple. “One of the biggest advantages of the gastric sleeve is that it makes sense to patients,” says Dr. Redmann. “‘The surgeon takes out 70% of the stomach, my hunger is controlled, I lose weight.’ No diagrams are necessary to explain how it works, and there is no foreign object in the body. This makes sense to the patient and is easy to relate to.”

If you are interested in learning more about the sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic weight loss surgery, please contact the Surgical Specialists of LA at 1-877-691-3001 or www.whyweight.com.

About the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana at WhyWeight.com

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana is committed to helping you lose weight and obtain a healthy lifestyle. Our nutritionists are available for one-on-one consultations. Whether you need to lose 15, 50 or 150 pounds, SSL can help you. Our medically supervised weight loss program, MyWeight, combines nutrition therapy, physical activity and physician prescribed medication, if necessary. Our minimally invasive weight loss surgery procedure options, including gastric banding, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and the duodenal switch, are for those who need to lose 50 or more pounds. The new POSE procedure is incisionless and is for patients who want to lose up to 50 pounds. Schedule your free weight-loss surgery seminar today to learn more!

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