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.

Image from here

Tweet

I have been going to dog-training classes. My dog is not the problem. I am. I can’t seem to be consistent in my approach to Ruby, so in her confusion she misbehaves.
It’s my responsibility to set boundaries with Ruby so that she knows what to do, but I feel inadequate. I’m too busy. I forget to practice. I’d rather do something else. I have to work. I have a million excuses.

My resistance creates unwanted consequences

For awhile Ruby’s indiscretions (a.k.a. my unwillingness to train my dog) were tolerable. She chewed a pair of my son’s tube socks. She ate the cat’s food. She pulled on the leashwhen I walked her.

But things have gotten worse. Ruby nips me to let me know it is time for her walk. She dines on litter-box fare (yuck!). She jumps onto the furniture when we turn our backs.

I have to get past my resistance

If I continue to let Ruby get away with these antics, and inevitably let things get worse, my life is going to get a lot more chaotic. And the consequences will become dire.

(Sadly, it’s at this point that many families give their pets back to the adoption agency. The problem goes from cute to annoying to intolerable.)

Resistance undermines weight loss surgery progress, too

When my hunger came back after weight loss surgery, it was almost cute at first. I ate half of a french fry and one bite of a dessert at a wedding reception. I felt petite and in control.

I was resisting my surgeon’s guidelines, but rationalized that I followed most of them

For awhile my indiscretions (a.k.a. my unwillingness to follow my plan) were tolerable. I wasn’t gaining weight and I felt great.

But things got worse. I started eating popcorn every night. I quit exercising at the gym. I ate toast with butter at bedtime.

And my food cravings got worse

So, I pushed my limits ever further. As this happened, I began to negotiate with myself about everything. Could I eat this at 3pm if I ate less of something at dinner?

How many calories is that snack food and maybe it’s okay to eat if I skip my protein drink (thus avoiding the extra calories).
It was annoying to always be negotiating with myself, pushing the boundaries. The consequences became more dire; I gained a few pounds.

Now my behavior felt intolerable to me

A few pounds is not a big concern in the vast scheme of things. But it is at this point that many weight loss surgery patients give up. But I didn’t give up.

Like Ruby, I needed clearer limits

I was in pure resistance mode. I was out of control and looking for trouble. Unlike my dog, though, I could identify my resistance and make a decision to set better limits for myself. So, that’s what I did.

I used my husband’s motto to challenge myself

As my biggest cheerleader, Mike has always supported me in my efforts at self improvement and with my dream to help others overcome obesity.

During times when I have felt uncertain or fearful or discouraged he has put his hands on my shoulders, looked me in the eyes, and made me repeat after him:

“I am a winner.”

He makes me say it until I really feel it. Sometimes I get really mad at him, but he persists until he breaks my resistance.

One morning, Mike noticed I did not write down a food plan or seem to have any intention of making one. So, he made me say that phrase. It’s hard to feel resistance and feel like a winner at the same time. So, for a few moments, as we looked into each other’s eyes, I felt like a winner.

Over the course of that day I decided to keep saying it to myself

I got past my resistance to healthier eating using my own version of Mike’s saying:

“I’m a winner, and winners _____________________.”

I filled in the blank depending on what I was doing. So, when I wanted to eat fast food for lunch, I told myself:

“I’m a winner, and winners eat *healthy*, great-tasting meals.”

When I wanted to skip going to the gym, I told myself:

“I’m a winner, and winners exercise daily.”

And when I wanted to eat that french fry, I told myself:

“I’m a winner, and winners eat healthy fats, not trans fats.”

Everyone wants to win

When I look at my choices from the vantage point of being a winner, it’s easy to see which choices will serve me well and which ones won’t.

When I feel like a winner, I am much happier to do the next right thing — to resist the temptation to overeat or to pick unhealthy foods.

Do you want to feel like a winner?

No, you can’t borrow Mike! Go stand in front of your mirror, and look into your own eyes. Smile broadly and say, “I’m a winner!”

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are committed to helping our patients achieve a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight. Whether you are interested in weight loss surgery or medically supervised weight loss counseling, we can help you take control of your eating and your weight. Watch an online seminar now or take a weight loss quiz to help you get started.

This article is from Small Bites, the email newsletter for the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery.

Subscribe today and get your F’REE report, The 10 Most Common Mistakes Weight Loss Surgery Patients Make at www.10WLSmistakes.com.
(c) 2007 National Association for Weight Loss Surgery, Inc. All rights reserved.

The C.H.O.I.C.E. campaign stands for “Choosing Health over Obesity Inspiring Change through Empowerment,” and is an educational initiative. Allergan aims to encourage congress to address the obesity epidemic by working with obese individuals and medical doctors to create policy. Prevention is only one side of the story. We must also address the current obesity epidemic through effective treatments, such asbariatric surgery, for those who are 100 pound or more overweight.

To enter the Live My C.H.O.I.C.E. contest, entrants are asked to submit an essay of 600 words or less, or a 5 minute video. The essay or video should address how obesity has affected your life and why the LAP-BAND is your best option. You can also enter a friend or family member or have a friend or family member submit on your behalf. The contest runs through December 2010. Enter now!

If you want to learn more about the LAP-BAND or other surgical weight loss options, the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana can help. Attend a free seminar or watch an online seminar from home. Then schedule your one-on-one consultation and start your journey to a healthier happier lifestyle!

As of April 9, 2010, Aetna has changed its position on reimbursement for sleeve gastrectomy and will now cover the procedure. This coverage will be the same as other bariatric surgery procedures covered by Aetna. Per the official Aetna coverage policy, “Aetna considers open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), open or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, open or laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without duodenal witch (DS), or laparoscopic silicone gastric banding (LASGB) medically necessary when the selection criteria are met.” (Selection criteria are detailed in the policy-0157). This policy has the potential to impact over 18 million lives covered by Aetna.

If you have Aetna health insurance or are interested in learning more about insurance coverage for bariatric surgery The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana can help. Join us for a free seminar or take a weight loss quiz to help you get started.

A National Public Awareness Campaign Brought to You by the OAC

Your Weight Matters is a National web-based awareness campaign proudly produced and presented by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). The goal of the campaign is to get the public talking about weight as it relates to their health and to challenge each and every American to talk to their doctor about their weight.

Why Does My Weight Matter?

Weight and health go hand-in-hand. Many Americans are not aware of the health risks associated with excess weight and how weight plays a key role in their health. That’s why it’s important for YOU to get involved in the Your Weight Matters Campaign, assess your weight and talk to your doctor!

What the Campaign Offers

The web-based campaign has all the information you need:

• Tools to measure your weight
• Health risks associated with weight
• Health and wellness tips
• A section dedicated just to kids
• And much more!

Get Started and Take the Challenge

The easy-to-navigate web site guides you step-by-step through measuring your weight and gives you tips for talking to your doctor. Once you take the challenge, you will receive a link to the e-toolkit which includes:

• Sample questions to ask your doctor
• Questions your doctor may ask you
• Food log journal
• Health and wellness quick tips
• Helpful resources
• BMI chart for adults
• And much more!

About the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)

The OAC is a National nonprofit charity dedicated to helping those affected by obesity. The OAC brings together individual struggling with weight and provides educational and advocacy resources.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE! Visit www.yourweightmatters.org today and take the Campaign challenge!

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana is a proud supporter of the Walk From Obesity, whose funds support the OAC. In addition, Laura Boyer, RN, CBN, and Director of Clinical Systems for the Surgical Specialists, is a previous Advisory Board Member for the OAC. Laura and James Redmann, MD, FACS, are contributing authors to the OAC.

Learn more about the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. You can get more information on weight loss surgery such as gastric banding, gastric bypass or medically supervised weight loss programs by contacting one of our patient advocates today. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are committed to helping you reach your weight loss goals. Register for a free seminar and see which one of our weight loss programs has proven to be the most effective for resolving weight related health conditions.

Childhood obesity is a serious and growing problem. Over the past 30 years, obesity rates among children have tripled. A recent study In the Journal of American Medical Association shows that gastric banding surgery, such as LAP-BAND^®, can and have been, more effective than traditional weight loss programs promoting diet and exercise.

The February 10th issue of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) reported that gastric banding may be more effective for achieving weight loss than lifestyle changes¹.

The randomized controlled trial conducted by Paul E. O’Brien, M.D, FRACS, and colleagues of Monash University and the Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, included 50 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18, with a BMI higher than 35. Twenty five patients underwent laparoscopic gastric banding, while the remaining 25 entered a program of lifestyle intervention. This program included increased activity level, behavior modification and reduced calorie intake. Participants in both groups were followed for two years. (May 2005-September 2008).

Twenty four of the patients in the surgical group completed the study while 18 in the lifestyle group completed the program.

The study revealed that the gastric banding group lost an average of 76 pounds. This is an overall average loss of 28 percent of total body weight and 79 percent of excess weight. The lifestyle group lost an average of 6.6 pounds or an average of 3.1 percent total weight loss and 13 percent excess weight loss.

“At entry, 9 participants (36 %) in the gastric banding group and 10 (40%) in the lifestyle group had the metabolic syndrome. At 24 months, none of the gastric banding group had the metabolic syndrome compared with 4 of the 18 completers (22%) in the lifestyle group,” the authors noted.

“In this study, gastric banding proved to be an effective intervention leading to a substantial and durable reduction in obesity and to better health. The adolescent and parents must understand the importance of careful adherence to recommended eating behaviors and of seeking early consultation if symptoms of reflux, heartburn, or vomiting occur. As importantly, they should be in a setting in which they can maintain contact with health professionals who understand the process of care. This study indicates that, in such a setting, the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding process can achieve important improvements in weight, health, and quality of life in severely obese adolescents,” the researchers concluded.

You can get more information on weight loss surgery such as gastric banding, gastric bypass or medically supervised weight loss programs by contacting one of our patient advocates today. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are committed to helping you reach your weight loss goals. Register for a free seminar and see which one of our weight loss programs has proven to be the most effective for weight loss in adolescent patients in Louisiana.

1. O’Brien, Paul E., et al. (2010). Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in Severely Obese Adolescents. Journal of the American Medical Association, 303(6):519-526.

Research has long linked obesity to such negative health conditions as high blood pressure, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. One commonly overlooked, yet very serious, risk of obesity is cancer. A pivotal study released in 2003 followed more than 900,000 adults for sixteen years¹. When these men and women were enrolled in the study they were cancer free, but over the duration of the study, more than 50,000 cancer deaths occurred. The study concluded that those with a body mass index of 40 or more, those considered morbidly obese, had death rates from all cancers that were 52% higher for men and 62% higher for women compared to people of normal weight. Based on this data, the researchers estimated that 14 percent of all deaths from cancer in men and 20 percent of those in women could be directly linked to obesity. Obesity related cancers include esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas and kidney cancers. For women, there is also an increased rate of breast, uterus and other gynecologic cancers.

Seven years have passed since the publication of that study and much headway has been made in the treatment and prevention of obesity in the United States. Although the obese population continues to climb, options such as weight loss surgery and medically supervised diets are widely available. This June, the Journal of the American College of Surgeons published a report that bariatric surgery appears to decrease the risk of cancer in obese women.

The study followed 1,482 severely obese (BMI over 30) women who had undergone bariatric surgery and compared them to a group of severely obese women who had not undergone surgery. Although the results of the study were not conclusive, the obese women who did not have surgery had a significantly higher cancer diagnosis². These findings may be the first step toward bariatric surgery being a preventative treatment for obesity related cancers.

Certainly more research needs to be done to evaluate the numerous factors contributing to weight loss. Still, for the morbidly obese, weight loss surgery, such gastric bypass or laparoscopic gastric banding, has proven to be a more effective means of weight loss than diet and exercise alone.

1. EE Callee, C Rodriguez, K Walker-Thurmond, M Thun Overweight, Obesity and Mortality from Canter in a Prospectively Studied Cohort of U.S. Adults, NEJM 348: 1625-1638, April 24, 2003, No. 17
2. Cancer in Obese Women: Potential Protective Impact of Bariatric Surgery, 17 April 2009

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are committed to helping our patients achieve a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight. Whether you are interested in weight loss surgery or medically supervised weight loss counseling, we can help you take control of your eating and your weight. Join us for a free seminar or take a weight loss quiz to help you get started.

Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone necessary to convert sugar and starches into energy. Its exact cause is unknown, but genetics, obesity, and lack of exercise are all contributing factors.

Glucose intolerance should not be taken lightly. But, unfortunately, it is not the only concern. Nearly 60-70% of people with diabetes develop some form of nervous system damage including the loss of ability to feel pain. Nearly 30% of adults ages 40 and over with diabetes suffer from neuropathy, impaired sensation of the feet. This means that those with neuropathy can develop blisters or sores on their feet that they may not be aware of.

Despite several visits to specialists across the state and multiple treatments, Steven’s wound on his foot did not get better. Finally, the doctors suggested amputation, and Steven realized that he had to get rid of the diabetes in order to save his leg.

In December of 2006, Steven had laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery performed by Dr. Tom Lavin of the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. This minimally invasive, one-hour procedure creates a smaller stomach pouch that allows food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine so the patient absorbs fewer calories. Interestingly, gastric bypass, also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, also affects the hormones that may be behind diabetes. Studies show that 83.8% of patients often resolve their diabetes within days of bariatric surgery.

Since his surgery, Steven has lost 185 pounds and is no longer diabetic. Best of all, his wound was healed and he was able to keep full use of his foot and leg.

Dr. Lavin believes that, by treating the core problem, many obese individuals can solve most of their related health problems. Steven is excited about his weight loss success, but beyond the numbers on the scale he is thrilled to have regained his health.

1. American Diabetes Association. All about diabetes. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/ about-diabetes.jsp. Accessed Nov 15, 2009

2. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). A service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH. National Diabetes Statistics, 2007. Available at : http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/DM/PUBS/statistics/. Accessed Nov 15, 2009.

3. Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA 2004;292(14):1724-37.

Could where you live actually determine how long you live? According to the United Health Foundation, it can! In their annual report, “America’s Health Rankings,” the UHF provides an analysis of the nation’s health on a state-by-state basis¹.

In the 2008 report, Louisiana moved to the bottom position making it the least healthy state in the nation. Joining Louisiana at the bottom were Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Mississippi. Some of the top-ranked states were Vermont, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Utah. Researchers based their findings on several factors, including the personal behaviors of those living in the state, such as smoking, and factors like the rate of uninsured residents, the percentage of children in poverty, or the rate of preventable hospitalizations and cancer deaths.

But another important indicator is the obesity rate, because obesity, can often lead to other serious health conditions such as type II diabetes and heart disease. Since 1990, the prevalence of obesity in Louisiana has increased by 150% percent. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 28.1% of the Louisiana population is now classified as obese².

Regardless of rank, each state has the opportunity to improve the health of its residents. Fighting the obesity epidemic is an excellent way to start – even modest weight loss can significantly improve one’s health. Medically supervised weight loss programs have been proven successful and, for the morbidly obese, bariatric surgery is known to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana offers all minimally invasive options, as well as the revolutionary incisionless weight loss surgery options and personalized non-surgical weight loss plans.

Join the 2009 Walk From Obesity

In the end, the health of our State depends on the actions of the individuals who reside here. As weight loss specialists and Louisiana citizens, the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana joins the fight every year by sponsoring the annual American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s Walk From Obesity. This year, the SSL- and Southern Surgical Hospital-sponsored Walk will be held on November 14 in conjunction with Camellia City Market and Olde Towne Merchants in Slidell’s Historic Olde Towne District:

2009 Walk From Obesity
Saturday November 14, 2009
8:30am in Slidell, LA

Interested in joining the annual Walk from Obesity to help raise funds for the research, prevention and advanced treatments and make Louisiana a healthier place to live? Visit WhyWeight.com to register online or call Kim Mulkey at (985) 661-2172.

1. United Health Foundations: “America’s Health Rankings.”
Available at http://www.americashealthrankings.org/2008/index.html
2. CDC: “U.S. Obesity Trends 1985 – 2008.” Available at http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html

Most weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND® and REALIZE Band), or gastric sleeve are all aimed at hunger control. They limit the amount of food one can eat giving patients the tool they need to lose weight.

But once surgery turns the physical hunger off, other psychological issues may surface. Many patients find that they have a complicated relationship with food and that their new approach to eating causes anxiety. Others have used food as a coping mechanism for negative emotions and must learn other ways to deal with these feelings. Surgery alone cannot repair these issues.

We at Surgical Specialists of Louisiana understand and are here to help. Since 2000, we have been helping our patients address the psychological side of bariatric surgery before and after their procedure.  Our team of weight loss specialists sees patients frequently for the first year after surgery to ensure they have the necessary skills to deal with physical and emotional changes. We continue to guide them through their weight loss journey as they are our patients for life.

Our patients also have unlimited access to bariatric support groups in Metairie, Slidell, Lafayette, and Covington, Louisiana, and can call the clinic staff as needed. We encourage all our patients to attend support groups as an excellent peer-to-peer forum, support network, and educational opportunity.

Ultimately, we believe that a comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure weight loss success. This is why we have a team of highly skilled surgeons, experienced patient advocates, nutritionists and psychologists available for our patients. We understand that nobody is perfect, but with ongoing commitment and communication we can help you succeed!