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Top Five Reasons to Consider LAP-BAND® Surgery

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Five Top Reasons to Consider Lap-Band SurgeryAs you weigh your options for reaching a healthy weight, consider the following draws that lead people to choose the Adjustable Gastric Band.

  1. Investment in Your Health and Wellness — When considering the various weight loss surgery costs involved, remember that the cost of LAP-BAND®, when compared with the lifetime costs of obesity, makes this procedure a wise investment. Surgery through Lap Band Rockies delivers a comprehensive service plan that includes pre- and post-op care, adjustments for three months, participation in support groups, and more.
  2. Experience and Safety — When you choose a center like Lap Band Rockies for your Adjustable Gastric Band, you can rest assured the surgeon and staff will do everything to ensure your success. Lap Band Rockies offers a comfortable environment, with a nutritionist and psychologist on staff. Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum has helped many men and women lose weight and keep it off. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.
  3. Minimally Invasive Procedure — The Adjustable Gastric Band is placed during a minimally invasive procedure. A laparoscopic technique is used to implant an inflatable silicone band into the abdomen, so there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved. Recovery is also quicker than other weight loss surgeries. Read more about how the procedure is performed.
  4. Customizable Results —The Adjustable Gastric Band is customized with an adjustable size that can be modified after surgery according to your needs and the rate of weight loss desired.
  5. Long-term Weight Loss — The Adjustable Gastric Band works by satisfying your hunger with a reduced volume of food, and this in conjunction with behavioral modification, diet and exercise is how you lose weight. Read some of the Lap Band Rockies success stories.

Learn more about the Adjustable Gastric Band and find out if this is the best procedure to help you reach a healthy weight. Please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies today for a personal consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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How to Decide if LAP-BAND® is Right For You

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Weight loss help

Diet and exercise alone may not be delivering the results you desire. If you struggle with being overweight, you should consider the unique way that weight loss surgery may help you achieve your weight-loss goals. As you compare your options for fighting obesity, the team at Lap Band Rockies would like to make you aware of the many benefits the LAP-BAND® procedure has to offer and help you decide if this method is your ideal choice.

Here are a few suggestions to help you evaluate this increasingly popular weight-loss option:

Have Realistic Expectations — The pounds won’t fall off immediately after surgery. Remember that long-term success with LAP-BAND® requires your commitment to following a nutrition plan and keeping up with fitness routines.

Remember That Everyone Loses Weight Differently —Weight loss tends to occur gradually as you burn calories at a faster rate than you consume them. The patients who will see results more quickly are those who restrict their diet while simultaneously improving fitness.

Commit to Lifestyle Changes — Our nutritionist will work with you to design a diet plan that is comfortable and meets all your nutritional requirements. After weight loss surgery, LAP-BAND® patients do not need to attend boot camps or become instant athletes — walking is the most common fitness activity among our patients (or the elliptical machine for patients with knee and joint problems).

Schedule a Consultation — Only an experienced LAP-BAND® surgeon can give you the green light for surgery. First, visit our Candidate Profile page to research the qualifications for LAP-BAND, and view our weight loss surgery photos. Then set up an appointment with Dr. Kirshenbaum to discuss whether or not this surgery is right for you.

Find out if the LAP-BAND® procedure is is a good option for you to accomplish significant weight loss. To learn all you can about the benefits of surgery and get information on weight loss surgery cost, please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies to set up a one-on-one consultation.

— Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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How Weight Loss Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Improve spelled out on a cork board

Being severely overweight is an uncomfortable condition, limiting your mobility and making it difficult to participate in certain activities. But obesity is not just a physically limiting condition — it can affect all areas of your life.

The Effects of Obesity

If you are significantly overweight, you understand the many ways that extra weight can affect your quality of life with respect to self-esteem. In addition, obese individuals are at an elevated risk for developing serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and arthritis.

The LAP-BAND® Solution

If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or 35 or greater with hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pains, or 30 or greater with Type II diabetes, you may be a appropriate candidate for the LAP-BAND® procedure. The LAP-BAND® works by satisfying your hunger with a reduced volume of food, and this in conjunction with behavioral modification, diet and exercise is how you lose weight.

LAP-BAND® surgery can help you achieve many health-related goals, including:

  • Improving serious health conditions
  • Making it easier to become more mobile and active
  • Increasing your energy
  • Limiting calorie intake

Find out if LAP-BAND® is your ticket to a healthier, happier lifestyle and get the weight loss surgery support you need. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies today for details on benefits and weight loss surgery cost. There is no obligation and we welcome the opportunity to answer all of your questions about the effects of obesity and how weight loss surgery can help.

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The True Cost of Obesity (and How Weight Loss Surgery Can Help)

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

If you are severely overweight, you may often be judged on your size, even before you actually interact with people. But the true cost of obesity goes far beyond appearance issues. In addition to the unwanted stares and lack of self-confidence that come with obesity, extra pounds can have serious health implications, as well.

Obesity Defined

Obesity is a condition of being substantially overweight, defined by most doctors as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or a 35 or greater with associated health conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pain, or a 30 with Type II diabetes.

A Costly Condition

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the last comprehensive medical spending study done by the National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS), with estimated costs of obesity totaling $47.5 billion! Obesity can rob you of your self-esteem, inhibit your personality, and put your body in danger.

LAP-BAND® as a Smart Investment

The LAP-BAND® procedure is one way men and women are taking a stand against obesity. Compared to the true cost of obesity, the financial cost of LAP-BAND® is a small price to pay for your physical and emotional wellness. A skilled LAP-BAND® surgeon will discuss all the benefits of this procedure and show you how it has helped past patients improve their quality of life.

Weight loss via the LAP-BAND® procedure can help you improve serious health conditions, make you more mobile and active, increase your energy, and help limit calorie intake. Plus, our post-surgery guidance and planning program makes it easy to keep the weight off over the long term. Nutritional counseling allows you to structure your meals and teaches you how to eat so your body uses calories more efficiently.

To learn more about the LAP-BAND® procedure and how it can help you escape the hardships of obesity, contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies today.

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LAP-BAND® Recovery and After Care

Monday, September 21st, 2009

When choosing to have an elective surgery, it is important to review the recovery information so you can plan accordingly. Here, Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum, founder of Lap Band Rockies in Denver, Colorado, shares some details on recuperation and what to expect after surgery.

Downtime:

For the majority of LAP-BAND® patients, a recuperative period of five to seven days is standard.  Many patients who have surgery on a Wednesday or even a Thursday are able to return to desk-type jobs the following Monday.

Incision Site Care:

The only special attention necessary for the incision site is ensuring that the see-thru dressings (called Op-Sites) are water-tight to protect the wound. If you are a long-distance patient, you can remove the Op-Sites eight days after surgery. Simply peel off the dressing carefully, in a side-to-side motion so as to not distract the incisions. Do not put anything on the incisions once the dressings are removed and make sure you keep the area clean and dry. Avoid swimming and sitting in a bathtub or hot tub for four weeks.

The Healing Process:

On average, it takes about three weeks for soft tissues to heal. There are two areas that require healing: the stomach-to-stomach sutures placed to avoid gastric slippage and the incisions themselves. For the stomach sutures, avoid vomiting while they are healing, the Band is placed with no fluid in it at the time of the surgery. The first fill is done four weeks after surgery.

Post-Surgery Issues:

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV – this is an actual syndrome) is related to the anesthetic agents used and this phenomenon resolves within 48 hours as the drugs are metabolized and leave the body. Some patients can have swelling of the stomach inside the empty Band and function as if they had a fill.  If this occurs (rare though – less than 1% chance), Dr. Kirshenbaum recommends patients stay on clear liquids until the swelling resolves and then they can advance their diet to full liquids (yogurt, cream of wheat, oatmeal, pureed things, baby foods), then to soft diet (eggs cooked any way), and then real food (small bites, chewed well, of chicken or fish).

Activity Restrictions:

Patients should avoid unnecessary lifting. Here’s why: The incision where the Band goes through requires 15mm, and the tubing of the band is only 3mm, so Dr. Kirshenbaum closes the gap with sutures. This also requires three weeks to heal, so avoiding lifting is necessary for complete healing. The only type of exercise that is allowed for four weeks following surgery is walking or riding a stationary bike. Patients should also avoid especially risky activities, such as horseback riding, rollerblading or trampoline jumping, during those four weeks.

Driving:

It is recommended that patients avoid driving until they are done with discomfort-controlling narcotic medication and feel they can twist and turn (to see who might be heading for them) and can slam on the brakes..

Talk to an experienced surgeon to learn more about the downtime and recovery period LAP-BAND® requires. Please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver today to discuss how this procedure can change your life and to get answers to all of your weight loss surgery questions.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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Pre-Surgery Checklist for LAP-BAND® Patients

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

During the weeks before your LAP-BAND® procedure, you should be preparing yourself mentally and physically for the changes your body will be undergoing. Before your Dr. Kirshenbaum performs the procedure, there are steps you can take to get ready for life with a LAP-BAND.®

Use this checklist as a guide to help you get ready for the big day.

__Pre-Operative History and Physical: During your initial consultation, you will schedule a physical examination with the surgeon to make sure you are a good candidate for LAP-BAND.®

__Nutritionist Consultation: You’ll then meet with an experienced nutritionist to assess your dietary needs and create a long-term plan.

__Pre-operative Diet: You’ll work with the nutritionist to institute a customized diet that will begin anywhere from seven to 14 days before your surgery. The diet start date will be based on your Body Mass Index — as a rule of thumb, if your BMI is under 40, the diet will start one week prior to surgery. If your BMI exceeds 40, you will be instructed to begin 2 weeks before surgery. You’ll need to avoid bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, and anything with white flour (pretzels, tacos, cupcakes, cookies, etc.).

__Payment in Full: At Lap Band Rockies, payment is requested a minimum of 14 days prior to surgery.

__Prescriptions: Be sure to fill your post-op prescriptions before surgery — Dr. Kirshenbaum will give you those scripts during the pre-op appointment, along with a list of over-the-counter medications that you should avoid.

__Post-Operative Diet: Purchase items you need to have during your clear and full liquid phase of the diet. (Dr. Kirshenbaum recommends room temperature and cold liquids for one week following surgery.)

__Post-Operative Appointment: Schedule your post-op appointment before surgery day. If you are an out-of state patient this appointment is not required. During your post-op appointment, you will schedule your first fill appointment.

__Group Support: Attend support group meetings at our office the first Monday of the month or use the support groups that are available online.

__Steps of Surgery: Speak with your surgeon about what happen during our surgery.

__Ride Home: Ensure that you have someone drive you home after the surgery and also arrange for someone to take care of you after the surgery.

__Recovery Planning: Plan to be off work and resting during the recovery period. Normally, a four-week break from any strenuous lifting is advised.

Get more in-depth information about the changes you’ll need to make to set you up for a successful LAP-BAND experience. Please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver for a one-on-one weight loss surgery consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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How LAP-BAND® Can Change Your Life: Patient Perspectives

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

Obesity has been linked to many health problems, including heart disease, infertility and diabetes. Then there’s the toll being overweight can take on self-esteem and confidence. Let’s take a look at how LAP-BAND® has improved the quality of life for these patients who had their procedures performed by Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver:

  • I went from a size 60 to a size 38 my first year after the surgery. I have actually cut a total of 22” from my belt! I am now taking only one prescription medication and that’s for my blood pressure. I decided to have LAP-BAND® surgery in January of 2007 and since then my life has only gotten better…  -Barney Wolner
  • I decided to have the LAP-BAND® procedure done because it is less invasive and safer for women who are planning on having children. I just celebrated my one-year anniversary of my surgery and I am 108 pounds lighter and still counting. I only have 18 pounds to go before I reach my goal! I was also married in November and loved the way I looked in my wedding dress. I never thought I would no longer be the big girl. Now I feel better than I have in years and I have more energy than I thought possible. I love going shopping now and don’t have to go to “special” stores to buy my clothes.  -Kelly Whelchel
  • I’m doing great down to 281 lbs; a far cry from the 406 lbs I was last January. I’m in a size 38 waist now and they are too big! I was size 60 in the waist when I had my surgery. Dr K will never know how much he did for me…. -Shawn Bentley
  • …the surgery has changed my whole life in every aspect. I walk with more confidence and everything around me has been enlightened to my new attitude. I have a higher paying, more gratifying new job, a pep in my step and even lost the old boyfriend. I am so happy with my life and would encourage anyone else considering the surgery to just do it! -Leah Drones

Read their full stories here.

LAP-BAND® surgery may be right for you if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 40; your BMI is over 35 and you have co-morbidity including diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, or joint pain; or your BMI is over 30 and you have Type II diabetes.

An experienced LAP-BAND® surgeon can help you consider the risks and benefits. Schedule a personal weight-loss consultation with Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies to learn more about this amazing procedure.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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The Link Between Weight Reduction and Fertility

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

You’ve probably heard about how the condition of obesity can mean a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Overweight women have an added concern: Obesity has also been linked to ovulation inconsistency and infertility. Also, many obese women have a greater risk of developing minor to major pregnancy complications, including hypertension, gestational diabetes, C-section, early labor, prolonged pregnancy and labor, and toxemia, as well as post-pregnancy conditions like endometrial infection, urinary tract infection.

Research Reports Positive Pregnancy Effects

The good news is: large-volume weight loss may help obese women improve pregnancy rates and decrease birth-related risks. In a special MSNBC two-part series released a few years back, researchers discovered that even small amounts of weight loss had a positive impact on fertility, resulting in menstrual regularity and other indications of health.

A June 2009 University of Sheffield study showed that a mere 5 percent loss of body weight was linked to an average 19 percent increase in blood flow to the womb, which often translated into improved fertility. Participants had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, and most were having problems conceiving due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The improved blood flow from weight loss effectively reduced their testosterone levels and often translated to healthy-functioning ovaries.

LAP-BAND® Provides Great Overall Health Effects

The LAP-BAND® procedure is not just an effective tool to help you achieve weight loss; it has many health benefits — such as enhanced fertility — that can contribute to a better quality of life. At Lap Band Rockies in Denver, CO, an impressive number of female patients have experienced improved chances of conception after weight loss.

Lose Weight, Improve Fertility

If you have had problems getting pregnant, learn more about how LAP-BAND® can contribute to improved fertility. Remember, the LAP-BAND® can be adjusted to meet your changing nutritional needs during and after pregnancy. If you are seriously overweight and wish to improve your overall health, an experienced LAP-BAND® surgeon can give you the facts and help you explore your obesity treatment options.

To set up your personal weight-loss consultation, contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies today.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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Step-by-Step: A Guide to LAP-BAND® Surgery

Friday, August 14th, 2009

LAP-BAND® is a complex procedure that allows patients to change the way their bodies process food with minimal downtime. The basic steps patients undergo during LAP-BAND® include transportation to the ambulatory surgery center, general anesthesia, and the laparoscopic approach. Gerald Dr. Kirshenbaum of Lap Band Rockies shares the surgical steps involved.

  • I always look for a hiatal hernia and fix it as part of the procedure (at no additional cost) if it’s there.  If it’s not obvious, I have the anesthesiologist pass a calibration tube into the stomach, distend the calibration balloon, and pull back against the hiatus. If the balloon pops through the hiatus, I fix that as well.  This prevents problems in the future.
  • An instrument is passed behind the stomach and the band is introduced into the peritoneal cavity. The tubing is pulled behind the stomach as is the band. This tubing is then passed through the locking mechanism of the band and the unit is locked. I always include perigastric fat under the band to prevent erosion. 
  • Permanent sutures are placed in the stomach over the band to prevent gastric slippage.
  • Then, the tubing is brought out through the same incision as the band went in. A pocket is created to accommodate the port of the band which rest under the skin, under all the fat, and on the fascia. 
  • The incisions are closed with buried dissolvable suture so there’s no need for removal. The site is covered with a plastic occlusive dressing (Op-Site or Tegederm) so the patient can shower the next day.
  • After the procedure, patients recuperate in the Recovery Room for an hour, then head over to the the Sit-Up area for another hour. Most patients are released from the Surgery Center at this point. I will see each patients at the one-week mark (if you are a local resident). Out-of-town patients can come in for a follow-up visit the day after the surgery if desired. 
  • The first fill of the band is done at one month following the surgery but can be done later if your schedule requires more time after the surgery.

To discuss the LAP-BAND® procedure and find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, please contact Dr. Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies. 

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Five Things to Consider Before LAP-BAND® Surgery

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

If you are ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle in order to beat obesity and enjoy the benefits of weight loss, LAP-BAND® may be the right solution for you. As you consider the positive results of the LAP-BAND® procedure, asking yourself these five questions can help you decide whether or not to move forward with the surgery.

Am I a candidate for obesity surgery?  

LAP-BAND® patients must meet certain criteria in order to maximize safety and effectiveness. The first step in the process should involve a consultation with an experienced LAP-BAND surgeon to make sure you fit the profile and fully understand how this procedure works. To learn more, please review the qualifications for LAP-BAND surgery.

Am I motivated enough to make this work?

Keep in mind that this procedure is not a quick-fix and requires long-term diet and fitness management. Good LAP-BAND® candidates should be motivated to make a variety of lifestyle changes and be willing to work hard to maintain their surgical results.

Am I willing to change my approach to food?

It is important to understand that behavior modification is a necessary ingredient to achieve success after LAP-BAND®. You will need to spend time evaluating the role food has played in your life and let nutritionists and other professionals guide you to a healthy relationship with food. Can you envision yourself sticking to a follow-up plan that includes limiting your food intake and following a physician-approved meal plan?

Am I willing to follow a high protein/low carbohydrate diet?

If you decide to go through with the LAP-BAND® procedure, you should understand that the foods and flavors you are used to may change dramatically. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you must adhere to a diet that includes a variety of protein sources and limits carbohydrates. Your surgeon will go into detail about the LAP-BAND® diet during your consultation.

Am I willing/able to do the exercise after surgery?

LAP-BAND® patients should be willing to commit to a regular fitness routine. Walking 30 minutes a day is the minimum recommended.  Keep in mind that although exercise may be difficult now, movement will become easier as the weight comes off.

As you review all of the benefits of LAP-BAND® surgery, talk to a skilled weight loss physician and staff for personal insights and experience-based accounts to see how the procedure has helped others. If you would like to set up a personal consultation, contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies today.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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