Archive for the ‘Lap-Band news’ Category

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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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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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How to Network With Other LAP-BAND® Patients

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

As you begin the journey to a slimmer, healthier you, it can be extremely helpful to talk with other LAP-BAND® patients to discuss your progress, share support, and explore your concerns. And before you decide whether or not to commit to surgery, hearing others’ weight loss success stories can be a very valuable tool in your decision-making process. Here are a few ways you can link up with past patients.

Network Online
First of all, there are a variety of resources on the Web to connect you with others who are going through the same experience. It is a good idea to do some research on your own, but remember that not all information on the Web is accurate and a surgeon’s advice should go hand-in-hand with personal research. Here are two examples of trusted networking sites: www.lapbandtalk.com and www.obesityhelp.com. Click here for more resources.

Ask Your Surgeon
As you set out to choose a LAP-BAND® surgeon, make sure you look for a center that provides its patients with a wide variety of weight-loss resources.

If you are proactive about finding other patients to talk with, you might want to ask your LAP-BAND® surgeon to provide you with information on how to establish a strong network of peers. In the case of Lap Band Rockies, a professional and popular Denver-based weight loss surgery destination, team members who have undergone LAP-BAND® can provide you with valuable insights. This center also offers seminars and other types of group support.

Remember that you are not alone on your way to a healthier lifestyle. To learn more about LAP-BAND® procedure and find out how others have improved their lives through this innovative surgery, talk to the experienced weight loss team at Lap Band Rockies today.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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Tips for Finding a LAP-BAND® Surgeon

Monday, July 27th, 2009

The decision to have weight-loss surgery is an important one that requires careful consideration and evaluation of your body goals. Finding the right LAP-BAND® surgeon can not only make a difference in your results, it can make the whole process a positive one.

It can be challenging to choose an experienced LAP-BAND® surgeon, especially with all of the competitors claiming to deliver great results and personalized care. In order to make an informed decision, you should meet with weight-loss professionals in person to get a feel for how a practice really treats its patients. Below are a few additional suggestions you can use to help you narrow down your list and select the LAP-BAND® provider that is right for you.

  • Make sure the surgeon you choose to perform your procedure has many years of experience and a strong medical background.
  • Talk to your neighbors and friends for recommendations, or visit online weight-loss forums for information about surgeons, the procedure itself, and follow-up steps.
  • Make sure the surgeon that you choose explains exactly how your weight-loss surgery will work in detail, as well as all of the risks of LAP-BAND®.
  • Ask the physician to share past results with you, including patient success stories.
  • Choose a weight-loss practice that will thoroughly explain the fees for LAP-BAND® surgery, and one that offers the option to finance your procedure.
  • Choose a LAP-BAND practice that has a comprehensive follow-up plan to monitor your progress after surgery and provides its patients with a wide variety of weight-loss resources.
  • Find a LAP-BAND team that includes a skilled nutritionist to assist you with a dietary plan.

Remember to trust your instincts and ask as many questions as you need to choose a doctor that is perfect for you. To find out what makes Lap Band Rockies a favorite weight-loss surgery destination in Colorado, please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum to set up a personal consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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How to Prepare for LAP-BAND® Surgery

Friday, July 17th, 2009

Getting ready for major surgery can be a nerve-wracking process. But with careful preparation and guidance from a highly skilled weight loss surgeon, you can go into your procedure with peace of mind and complete confidence. LAP-BAND® surgery is an experience that can change your life. It is important to stay positive, commit to the steps necessary to become successful, and look at a long-term plan for staying healthy after surgery.

Here are some things you can do to get ready for surgery and set yourself up for success:

  • Learn all you can about the LAP-BAND® procedure through Web research, physician information, and talking to other LAP-BAND® patients.
  • Make a list and have your weight loss surgeon answer all your questions about LAP-BAND®.
  • Study the risks of LAP-BAND® carefully and talk to the surgeon about any areas of concern.
  • Make sure you meet the candidate qualifications for LAP-BAND®.
  • Talk to a qualified nutritionist about the dietary requirements necessary before and after the LAP-BAND® procedure.
  • Review a few patient success stories for motivation and inspiration.
  • Use a variety of weight-loss resources to review others experiences and better understand the effects of surgery.
  • Make sure you have realistic expectations of what weight loss surgery can and cannot do for you.

Remember that losing weight and keeping it off is a gradual process that requires continuous effort and attention. To learn more about how you can prepare for surgery and understand your responsibilities, please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver, Colorado.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

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