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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 Losing Weight

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

Have you ever considered how much being overweight may cost you in the long run? Since obesity is associated with a host of medical issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, sleep apnea and more, the financial consequences of obesity could become extremely taxing. And, of course, there’s the toll all of these issues may take on your overall health, well-being and emotional status.

Supporters of weight loss efforts like LAP-BAND® feel that losing weight could potentially save your health and your pocketbook. A recent article from MSN Money compared the cost of major weight loss options and revealed the following results:

The Jenny Craig® program, a 12-month guided, personalized health and nutrition plan, includes sign-up costs of $359 or $399, plus the cost of food, which runs approximately $4368 - $6552 (for a minimum annual cost of $4,727).

The Nutrisystem® program, an at-home prepackaged meal plan, is priced at about $3,599 per year, including food but excluding fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

Weight Watchers, a flexible meal plan with a point system, averages in the $760 range annually (online cost plus weekly meeting fees and registration) but does not include any food.

The Zone™ Diet’s “Chef Selected” delivery program, available in many metropolitan areas and focused on limiting carbohydrate intake, can cost nearly $15,000 if followed for one year!

While these major diet plans run the gamut as far as cost is concerned, each one is only for a limited amount of time. There are no guarantees, and if you’ve tried any of these programs, you know that they have the potential to help you lose weight initially and gain it back just as quickly. The Weight Watchers program is said to have the best success rate with only 5 percent of their participants reaching goal.

The LAP-BAND® procedure at Lap Band Rockies is a comprehensive surgery, nutrition and fitness plan that includes the following:

  • Pre and post-op interaction with Natalie Cardenas, our Bariatric Coordinator, who is a LAP-BAND® patient of Dr. Kirshenbaum’s.
  • Pre-op & post-op consultation with Paula Peirce, a dietitian with her PhD in nutrition
  • Pre-op consultation with Dr. Kirshenbaum
  • LAP-BAND® surgery
  • Post-op care by Dr. Kirshenbaum

Surgery itself includes the following:

  • LAP-BAND® AP System (only available in the US, not in Mexico)
  • LAP-BAND® placement by Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum
  • Surgical assistant
  • Anesthesiologist
  • Outpatient surgery at a JCAHO accredited surgery center
  • Participation in our LAP-BAND® support group run by Susan Silver, PhD in Counseling Psychology
  • Follow-up care and adjustments at no ADDITIONAL charge for 3 months. Thereafter, the charge for adjustments is $15.00. This is an incredible value when compared with other area surgeons who charge from $100 TO $285 for post-op fills!

How much is your health and longevity worth to you? What would you pay to lose weight and keep it off? If you can find a plan that works for you, the benefits could be priceless. The problem is, self-monitoring on a day-to-day basis can be difficult with so many responsibilities to manage. Systems like LAP-BAND® not only give you the physical change as a head start to weight loss, structured follow-up programs help you stay on track over the long term. At Lap Band Rockies, our team is committed to helping you achieve long-term success after your surgery.

If you are tired of trying diet plan after diet plan, LAP-BAND® may be your solution. During your personalized consultation, we’ll go over all the cost and financing information to help you fit weight loss surgery into your budget. To discuss the physical and financial benefits of weight loss, contact Dr. Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver.

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LAP-BAND® Pre- and Post-Adjustment Instructions

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

The LAP-BAND® System is part of a continued program that requires some definite guidelines. If you are interested in the weight-loss benefits of LAP-BAND®, a sneak peak at the guidelines can help you prepare and give you an idea of what to expect after surgery. Here are some of the basic post-surgery instructions:

General Instructions:

  • Eat only when you are hungry
  • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
  • Stop eating in anticipation of fullness
  • Make good dietary choices
  • Drink 64 oz of water throughout the day
  • Large pills and irregularly shaped pills must be crushed: oval shaped pills, peanut size or less, are small enough to pass through the band.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day

Pre-Adjustment Instructions:

  • It is very important that adjustments be performed on an empty stomach. We suggest that you ingest only liquids the morning of an anticipated adjustment.
  • Try not to eat or drink anything for 2-3 hours before your scheduled procedure.

Post-Adjustment Instructions:

  • Staying hydrated is especially important after a recent fill.
  • We recommend you start with liquids & rapidly progress to full liquids then soft foods for the next 24 hours.
  • Do not have any HOT liquids for 24 hours following an adjustment
  • Remember to eat slowly and chew food well. If something becomes stuck you can try drinking ½ tsp of meat tenderizer mixed with ½ cup of water to help soften what ever may be lodged. You can also try drinking small sips of pineapple juice it contains an enzyme that will help dissolve any food that is stuck. If neither of these remedies relieves the problem please call to schedule an un-fill.
  • A tight band is counter-productive. Indicators that you may be too tight include:
    • Difficulty in swallowing food or saliva
    • Regurgitation
    • Waking up at night coughing or vomiting
    • Frequent heartburn/reflux symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact our office immediately.

To learn more about your responsibilities before and after the LAP-BAND® procedure, and discuss the risks and benefits, contact Dr. Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver. Our team is happy to discuss all of the details with you and help you decide if LAP-BAND® is your preferred weight loss option.

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Do You Need a LAP-BAND® Adjustment?

Monday, October 26th, 2009

The great thing about the LAP-BAND® procedure is its versatility. Dr. Kirshenbaum can adjust the band to fit your individual needs and to maximize its weight-loss effects. You may need a band adjustment when:

  • Your weight plateaus and everything else is truly the same.
  • The same amount of food no longer satisfies your hunger.

Your First Adjustment

Your first adjustment is usually done four weeks after surgery. Kirshenbaum will discuss with you what size of band you have at your post-op appointment. We will also provide you with a post-op packet of information that will come with an identification card once you register your band online they will send you a permanent identification card.

How Much of a Fill Is Needed?

Every patient is different; there are different size stomachs and different amounts of fat surrounding each stomach. Just because one patient has a fill of 2.5cc and is losing weight at that level of fill does not mean that it is the magical number that will work for another.

How Many Fills to Get It Right?

Dr. Kirshenbaum’s approach is to add fluid until you have restriction and then back off by 0.1 ml. He does not limit any one fill to any specific amount. He wants you to have a effective fill every time you do a fill with him. It may require 3-4 fills before you’re actually at what we call the “sweet spot.” The body changes as the patient loses weight, so the fill volume that is right today may not be right after the patient has lost another ten pounds. In weight loss, everything gets thinner, including the stomach.

The right restriction is one that permits eating roughly a third of pre-surgery solid intake. A band that is too tight will not permit eating solids, and you will be forced to consume mushy foods and liquids which will not allow you to lose weight optimally.

The Days after the Fill

Once the fill has been performed, the band will be tighter. You will not feel it, of course. The urge to eat the same amounts at the same velocity will be there, but the ability to do so will not. Typically, due to inattention, you may ingest food that has not been chewed well enough. When this occurs, you will often experience PBing, or Productive Burping. This is not a burp, but a regurgitation of food that backs up into the mouth from the lower esophagus.

Scenarios: When a Fill May Not Be Needed

Reflux Symptoms

Reflux symptoms are caused by inflammation of the esophageal and/or stomach lining and usually occur after you have recently had an adjustment, or there has been an episode of food dislodging, PBing, and vomiting. Treatment for this is a self-imposed liquid diet. If the symptoms do not resolve or are clearly related to the fill, you must contact the doctor to arrange an unfill.

Band Tightens and Loosens During the Day

Typically, the band is tighter in the morning. Acid contact during the night can cause temporary thickening of the lining and, thus, greater restriction. Keep away from extremes such as very hot or very cold foods that can trigger esophageal spasm and further prevent you from eating an adequate breakfast. Some banded people cannot eat for a number of hours after rising, no matter if they drink hot liquids or not.

The fill is a vital part of band management and you need to be aware of the correct tightness at all times. Also, the fill is an essential part of the overall success of weight loss journey and need attention by your doctor to reach the goal you want to achieve.

Get all the facts on the LAP-BAND® adjustment process when you schedule your consultation at Lap Band Rockies in Denver.

Check back next week for our blog on LAP-BAND® pre- and post-adjustment instructions.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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LAP-BAND in the News: Recent Media Coverage

Monday, October 19th, 2009

If you struggle with the problem of obesity, you may have considered the benefits of LAP-BAND® surgery. This amazing, innovative surgical procedure has helped countless men and women facilitate weight loss and become healthier individuals.

With the many success stories generated from the LAP-BAND® surgery, we’ve seen a surge of media coverage. Golfer John Daly is one of many celebrities that have helped put this procedure in the spotlight.

For people who are interested in learning more about LAP-BAND® and the potential health benefits that come from losing large amounts of weight, researching the procedure is easy with all of the articles, news and talk show coverage present in recent months.

To read about LAP-BAND® and see how it is helping people across the country, please take a look at the following recent media stories:

Find out all the facts on LAP-BAND surgery® at Lap Band Rockies in Denver. Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum and his experienced team can help you make the right decisions regarding your weight-loss issues.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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The Role of a Nutritionist After LAP-BAND®

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Long-term success after LAP-BAND® surgery requires a comprehensive understanding of how the technology works as well as the steps you can take to get the most our of this important tool.

We all know that the Band is a tool to assist in limiting how much is eaten at any one time. Before surgery, patients are counseled to eat three regular meals a day and limit between-meal eating, snacking and liquid calories (since the calories eaten between meals and in liquid form can slow down or stop the expected weight loss). We also know that eating a wide variety of healthy foods is essential for long-term good health and disease prevention.

Many patients find that after the initial weight loss, they want to pay greater attention to what and when they eat. Some patients want to watch their food intake carefully to lose weight more quickly, while other patients strive to eat healthier foods as part of their “new lifestyle.” Still other patients find themselves slipping back into habits of snacking, or eating sweets or high-fat foods that will slow down their weight loss. A big part of our eating is mental. We eat out of habit, boredom, or as a reaction to stress or one of a dozen other triggers to our eating. Guidance from an experienced nutritionist can help you manage your cravings, adjust to an eating routine, and create a structured plan designed around your unique nutritional needs.

When making changes to our food habits, it often helps to have a coach. A dietitian or nutritionist can be a valuable resource to assist you in clarifying your goals, making the most effective changes, and describing behavior modification techniques and realistic goal setting. A registered dietitian (RD) can also ensure that you are making nutritious food choices, and that your new diet is one that will help you stay healthy for many years to come. The value of working with a professional coach is essential to success. Many patients find that simply by talking about their challenges, they find them easier to manage. Achieving your goals can be even more rewarding when you share the experience with someone who understands where you have come from and where you are headed.

Lap Band Rockies offers a wide variety of support services including nutrition consultations, psychological counseling, and Registered Dietitian advice. Contact our team in Denver to request a consultation with your personal coach.

—Paula Peirce, Nutritionist for Lap Band Rockies

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Paying for LAP-BAND® Surgery: Fees and Financing

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

You may have a desire to lose a large amount of weight, but any elective surgery takes funds. Thankfully, the LAP-BAND® procedure is a very accessible one — especially if you find a surgeon who works to keep pricing reasonable and offers a variety of payment options as well as financing. Remember, LAP-BAND® is an investment in your health and your future.

LAP-BAND® Fees

The cost of LAP BAND® varies from provider to provider. Be careful not to choose your weight-loss surgeon based on cost alone. When weighing your options, you should also consider a center’s experience, personal care, and safety standards.

At Lap Band Rockies in Denver, Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum charges $9950 for the procedure, which includes the anesthesiologist fees, nutritionist consultations, LAP-BAND® support group participation, and other aspects of care. Dr. Kirshenbaum also includes any follow-up care and adjustments for 3 months. After the three months, patients are only charged $15 (the cost of the needle, syringe, etc.) for adjustments.

Customized LAP-BAND® Payment Solutions

Lap Band Rockies works with financing companies to provide patients with easy ways to pay for surgery. Don’t forget, also, that you may qualify for some degree of insurance coverage based on your personal plan.

Pay for your procedure in cash and you could enjoy a tax savings (if the expense exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.) Visit irs.gov for details on the potential LAP-BAND® deduction.

Talk to an experienced LAP-BAND® surgeon today about your situation and explore your payment options. Please e-mail Lap Band Rockies in Denver for a one-on-one consultation, or give them a call at 303-695-1304.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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Behavior Modification Following LAP-BAND® Surgery

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Thousands of Colorado residents have enjoyed weight-loss success after the LAP-BAND® procedure. But the road to significant, stable body fat reduction requires your active participation.

Following the LAP-BAND® surgery, your surgeon will inform you of your responsibilities and help you create a plan to achieve and maintain long-term results. Below, we’ve listed some generalized behavior modification suggestions to give you an idea of the changes that are optimal after the insertion of the LAP-BAND® system. Keep in mind that every body is unique, so each patient’s recommended lifestyle changes will be highly personalized.

Recommended Lifestyle Tips Following LAP-BAND®:

  • Exercise: Your new LAP-BAND® will not limit you physically. Most patients are encouraged to participate in a variety of exercise types, including cardiovascular fitness, stretching, strength training, and core/balance exercises.
  • Nutrition: Remember that your new Band will help create a feeling of fullness sooner, so you’ll eat less at each sitting. You also should make sure everything you eat has nutritional value, avoiding “empty” calories as much as possible. Your personal nutritionist will give you detailed nutritional guidelines to help you ensure you are practicing good portion control and getting the nutrients you need.
  • Supplements: While it is possible to get the required daily nutrition from your daily meals, we recommend that you take multi-vitamins to keep up with important levels of things like Iron, B-vitamins, and minerals like Zinc.
  • Medication: Most patients are able to continue with any prescribed medication they are currently on, such as birth control pills, blood pressure medication, insulin, and others. Generally, it is suggested that LAP-BAND® patients crush all pills to ensure safe swallowing.
  • Portions and Speed: A lot of patients worry about what to do during dinners out or large family feasts. If you go out to eat, order a small portion or split a meal. Chew thoroughly and practice eating at a slow pace. Another trick is to have your waitress box up half your meal and bring you only half at the table.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol in small quantities should not hinder weight loss. However, keep in mind that it has a lot of calories and tends to reduce the effectiveness of vitamins and supplements.

Talk to an experienced LAP-BAND surgeon today about the procedure and how lifestyle changes can help you lose weight and keep it off. Please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum today at Lap Band Rockies in Denver for a personal consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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