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The History of the Adjustable Gastric Band

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

history of LAP-BAND

When considering a major weight loss procedure like the Adjustable Gastric Band, it is important to learn all you can about the procedure. At Lap Band Rockies, the experienced team of weight loss professionals will help you explore the history of the Band in order to develop a complete understanding and make an informed decision.

Research and Development

The first non-adjustable band concept originated around 1976, and the adjustable gastric band saw development in both the United States and Sweden in the early 1980s. In 1992, the first Adjustable Gastric Band procedure was performed using the laparoscopic technique, a minimally invasive surgical style that involves small incisions and the use of a laparoscope to view the abdomen. Unlike the gastric bypass procedure, the Band does not alter a patient’s anatomy. And since it is placed laparoscopically, there is much less surgical trauma and comparatively faster healing times.

Two FDA-Approved Band Options

After a long series of successful clinical trials that begun in 1995, the country’s first Adjustable Gastric Band, the LAP-BAND®, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June of 2001. In 2003, an AORN Journal article reported that the results of these clinical studies “have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of adjustable gastric banding.” In 2007, a second type of Adjustable Gastric Band, the Realize Band™, received FDA approval also.

Investing in Your Future

With a steep history of success, the Adjustable Gastric Band could be the solution to obesity that you have been searching for. Contact Dr. Kirshenbaum today for a thorough consultation to discuss your weight loss challenges and find out if the Adjustable Gastric Band is right for you. When you choose Lap Band Rockies in Denver, Colorado for your adjustable gastric band procedure, Dr. Kirshenbaum and his team will fill you in on everything you need to know about the procedure’s history, success rates, benefits and risks. They will also be happy to go over the cost of LAP-BAND® surgery and explain your financing options.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

Source: “Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity - Home Study Program,” Dorothy Roedel Ferraro, AORN Journal, May 2003.

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The Benefits of a Post-Surgical LAP-BAND® Support Group

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Business people standing with hands togetherAfter weight loss surgery, it can be extremely challenging to stay focused on your weight loss goals. When you have the Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® or Realize Band™) performed at Lap Band Rockies in Denver, you get the benefit of a post-surgical support team, a face-to-face support group, and answers to your questions when you need them most. It is this strong commitment to ensuring Band patients are doing the right things after surgery that has led to so many success stories.

Support and Success Go Hand in Hand

Weight loss surgery support is critical to short- and long-term success after a weight loss procedure. Statistics have shown that a support network can have a very positive effect on patients who have undergone any type of weight loss surgery.

A support group is a wonderful way to hear what others are going through, share your experiences, and use your peers as a sounding board for ideas about the weight loss process. Participation in a post-surgical group can also help you initiate and manage important dietary changes, stay active with fitness routines, and work on daily behavioral modifications. The encouragement you receive during your time with a support group can be a very motivating factor in your success. Psychologist Dr. Susan Silver leads this group (www.drsusansilver.com).

Find Out More About Post-Surgical Support

During your consultation and pre-operative visits, Dr. Kirshenbaum and his team help you to learn all you can about the Adjustable Gastric Band procedure and answer your LAP-BAND® questions. At this time, the team will also provide information on their in-house support group and the benefits of interaction with other patients who have had the Band surgery.

Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum, along with an experienced nutritionist and psychologist, will help you plan your post-surgical lifestyle changes. A support group can help you stay motivated and give you that extra push you need to gather momentum and achieve your goals.

To learn more about the Adjustable Gastric Band and the Lap Band Rockies post-surgical support network, please contact Dr. Kirshenbaum today. Our team looks forward to helping you reach a healthy weight and begin a healthy lifestyle.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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More LAP-BAND® Success Stories

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Big group of young jumping people.The Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® or Realize Band™) has helped countless people across the country lose large amounts of weight over time. The Band, in conjunction with behavioral modification, diet and exercise, and weight loss surgery support, has proven to be a very successful way for many men and women to deal with the problem of obesity.

In August of 2009, we shared a few patient success stories in the blog “Patient Perspectives: How LAP-BAND® Can Change Your Life.” The Lap Band Rockies team would like to share some additional profiles of happy Band patients whose lives were drastically improved after having this incredible surgery.

  • “Although my weight did keep me from doing a few physically active things with my family, I have found that it was the emotional and psychological damage that my obesity caused that hurt the most. I would use my weight as a reason not to go out with my family. Since I have lost over 70 lbs in this short time, I have come to realize that I was holding myself hostage. It wasn’t my weight that was keeping me from socializing. It was how I felt about myself because of my weight. It was how uncomfortable I felt in my own skin and how uncomfortable I felt with how I looked. Having the gastric band procedure has helped me change a lot of my habits. It has helped me change what I eat and how I look at food. I have learned that I feel better when I eat healthy food and that portion control is just as important as food choices. I learned that it took me about 3 months for this to become a lifestyle.” —Julie Dearinger
  • “It took me approximately 1 year to lose the 100+ pounds, and I have kept that weight off now for over 1 year! IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE AND I HAVE NO REGRETS! I cannot imagine a more wonderful doctor and staff with which to have taken this journey.
  • I had struggled with my weight most of my adult life and had tried everything I could think of to lose weight. I would often have small short-term successes, but never anything long lasting. I began to look into LAP-BAND® as an alternative and was even considering going to Mexico to have the surgery. In doing my research I heard great things regarding Dr. Kirshenbaum on various LAP-BAND® blogs. I decided to call the office and the process began with a wonderful, kind, and patient staff!” —R. Lee Wilson
  • “I count myself lucky to have had the surgery and begun my weight loss journey because had I not I don’t believe I would be working. I believe my life would have been quickly limited bearing the weight and knowing the condition of my spine. I went forward with a sense of urgency to get banded. I have been very happy with my band and knowing that I am:
    • Still working a full time job.
    • Full of energy.
    • Able to proceed with a rehabilitation plan.
    • Achieving goals rather than looking at years of recovery or an unknown future.
    • Appreciating all the things I will do with my baby grandson.
    • Finding strength within myself I didn’t know I had.
    • Feeling pretty.” —Patty Reeves

Read the full patient profiles here.

If you would like to find out more about how the Adjustable Gastric Band can promote weight loss and discuss LAP-BAND® cost, please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies today.

Dr. Kirshenbaum is happy to share the team’s weight loss surgery photos with you, review more patient success stories, and discuss your potential for reaching a healthy weight.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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How the Adjustable Gastric Band Helps With Weight Control

Monday, February 15th, 2010

drk21710Men and women who have a significant amount of extra pounds often just need the right catalyst to put them on the path to weight loss. The Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® or Realize Band™) has succeeded in helping obese people build momentum where many other methods of weight loss have failed.

How It Works

The Adjustable Gastric Band works by satisfying hunger with a reduced volume of food. The reduced food intake, combined with behavioral modification, diet, and exercise, is what makes patients able to lose weight. The Band is implanted using a laparoscopic technique, so there is no cutting, stapling, or stomach re-routing involved.

Compared to other obesity treatment options, the Adjustable Gastric Band has a very high success rate — both for initial weight loss and long-term healthy weight maintenance.

Customizable Results

The Band is the only adjustable weight loss device available today, a true advantage that lets patients control their rates of food intake (and, consequently, weight loss) based on individual needs. Band adjustments are performed as needed, in the office. During the adjustment process, a needle inserted into the access port is used to tailor the diameter of the band through the addition or removal of saline.

The Band is FDA-approved and has been performed on hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. Although there are some risks, the Adjustable Gastric Band is a very safe out-patient procedure.

If You Are Serious About Weight Loss

Are you looking for an effective, lasting way to return to a healthy weight? Are you are interested in various types of weight loss surgery? Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum and the Lap Band Rockies team can provide you with the answers you need to make an informed decision.

Please remember, the Adjustable Gastric Band is only recommended for people who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or 35 or greater with hypertension, sleep apnea, or joint pain, or 30 or greater with Type II diabetes.

Dr. Kirshenbaum would be happy to give you a break down on the LAP-BAND® cost and discuss the results so you can compare it to alternative weight loss surgeries. You can also view a variety of weight loss surgery photos to see what a difference this method of weight loss can make. Let Lap Band Rockies help you get started today.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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LAP-BAND® and Pregnancy

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Pregnant examined by a doctor

We all know that being overweight can affect one’s health in many ways, including increased risk of heart disease. But women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should be aware that significant extra weight can endanger both mother and child. Expectant mothers who are severely overweight may face additional risks during pregnancy, as well as the labor and delivery process. Obese women are more likely to endure adverse conditions and events, including hypertension, preeclampsia, cesarean section delivery, gestational diabetes, and fetal growth abnormalities.

Healthy Weight Control, Healthy Pregnancy

Various studies have shown that maternal weight can have a direct effect on how much pre- and post-natal care is needed, length of hospitalization, and the cost of pregnancy-related care. With the help of the adjustable gastric band, expectant mothers can reduce their risks. Proper use and management of the band can be highly effective in helping pregnant women to control food intake during pregnancy and regulate the amount of weight they gain for a healthy, gradual increase.

Women who have LAP-BAND® surgery before becoming pregnant can get a head start on improving the odds of a healthy delivery. After weight loss surgery, the band can be adjusted throughout the pregnancy according to the mother’s and baby’s nutrition/caloric needs.

Positive Findings for Mothers With LAP-BAND®

In a study done at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia,1 a group of doctors managed and monitored LAP-BAND® placement in expectant mothers in an effort to successfully control healthy weight outcomes for mothers and babies. The group experienced no premature births, low birth weights, or cesarean births, and the complications were minimal. This study showed that the ability to adjust the band “allowed optimal control of maternal weight change in pregnancy and should help avoid the risks of excessive weight change.” Keep in mind that the LAP-BAND® alone does not guarantee successful, healthy weight management. Supervision by a physician and nutritional specialist, and other types of weight loss surgery support, are crucial for ensuring necessary vitamin and mineral intake (via food and supplementation) during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

At Lap Band Rockies, Dr. Kirshenbaum and his team help expectant mothers reach optimal health with the LAP-BAND® procedure and corresponding fitness and nutrition plans. If you are interested in learning more about how the adjustable gastric band can help women reduce risks and minimize complications during pregnancy, please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at his Denver, Colorado center today.

 

Note: For women who are trying to conceive, weight loss has also been shown to have a positive effect on fertility. Ideally, obese women should aim to reach a healthy weight prior to pregnancy. You may be a good candidate for the adjustable gastric band if you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or 35 or greater with hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pain, or 30 or greater with Type II diabetes.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

1. Dixon, John; Dixon, Maureen; O’Brien, Paul, “Pregnancy after LAP-BAND Surgery: Management of the Band to Achieve Healthy Weight Outcomes,” Obesity Surgery, 11, 2001, pp. 60 – 65.

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LAP-BAND®: Weighing the Benefits and Risks

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Lap-Band Weighing the Benefits and Risks

Lap-Band Weighing the Benefits and Risks

If you’re searching for a successful, long-term weight loss solution, the LAP-BAND® procedure may be on your list of options. But is the adjustable gastric band right for you, and do the benefits outweigh the risks? If you are considering this avenue to weight loss, it is a good idea to thoroughly research the benefits as well as the risks before making a decision.

Benefits of LAP-BAND®

The most obvious benefit is the large amount of weight loss that many patients have experienced. Adjustable gastric bands have enjoyed a very high success rate, helping patients beat obesity and related health conditions like diabetes. Even small amounts of weight loss can cause vast improvement in total health. View some of the weight loss surgery photos from Lap Band Rockies.

One of the most attractive benefits is LAP-BAND®’s affordable weight loss surgery cost — a wise investment when compared with the lifetime medical costs obesity can create.

Centers like Lap Band Rockies provide valuable weight loss surgery support, which helps patients maintain a positive attitude and take the necessary nutrition and fitness steps to reach a healthy Body Mass Index.

Risks of LAP-BAND®

As with all types of surgery, there are risks that patients should be aware of before consenting.

After weight loss surgery, patients must be motivated to stay on track with healthy lifestyle choices. Adjustable gastric band patients must have realistic expectations, and understand the procedure does not guarantee a healthy weight. Without behavioral modification, diet, and exercise, weight loss may not occur.

Potential patients should respect the guidelines for surgery, following through with the procedure only if they meet these guidelines: “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.”

Surgical complications may occur, including infection, band slippage, and stomach obstruction. Set up a weight loss surgery consultation with a skilled adjustable gastric band surgeon to discuss your risks and learn how you can minimize these risks.

If you are considering the adjustable gastric band procedure, get all the answers you need to make an informed decision. Please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver to set up your weight loss consultation and orientation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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Weighing Non-surgical vs. Surgical Solutions to Obesity

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Surgery and Obesity

If you’re ready to get rid of that extra weight once and for all, determination can be a strong motivator to success. After making the decision to change your lifestyle and shed extra pounds, it’s time to choose a path to accomplish your weight-loss goals.

When weighing your options for losing pounds, it is a good idea to consider your short- and long-term goals. Ideally, you want a solution that is going to help you lose the weight effectively and keep it off over time. You are in search of a healthy lifestyle program, not just a quick-fix that doesn’t properly prepare you for a long-term lifestyle change.

Here are a few of the obesity treatment options available:

Self-guided Diet/Exercise

Although some people are able to enjoy success by managing their own nutrition and fitness, it is common to gain weight back and “yo-yo” when using this avenue. A recent study found that less than 5% of patients in weight loss programs were able to maintain their reduced weight after five years.*

Professionally Monitored Diet or Exercise Program

Using a structured diet like Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig may bring positive changes, but these programs may not incorporate exercise or help you keep the weight off. Hiring a personal trainer can set you up with the right principles of fitness and weight loss, but again, you are on your own once the sessions come to an end.

Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery (AGBS)

This procedure which includes the Lap-Band and Realize band has been the foundation for countless success stories. AGBS is currently considered to be the least traumatic weight loss procedure. It is also the only adjustable and reversible obesity surgery available in the country — plus it is reversible. View LAP-BAND® weight loss surgery photos.

Gastric Bypass Surgery — Gastric bypass is a complex operation involving multiple areas of the abdomen. This procedure is not reversible and does not involve long-term support.

Liposuction — Fat-reduction weight loss surgery is an invasive surgical process that is not a weight loss technique. It is designed to reduce fat in specific areas, and does not inhibit future weight gain.

At Lap Band Rockies, our nutritionist and counselors set you up with a personalized program designed to help you lose weight gradually — and keep your body in great shape over time. Our goal is to help you stay on track and maintain a healthy metabolism through regular fitness and a diet that is optimal for your body type.

If you are ready to do something about obesity, talk to our skilled LAP-BAND® surgeon about your weight loss options. You can also find out if you are a good candidate for the LAP-BAND® procedure using our Candidate Profile.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

* Kramer FM et al. Long-term follow-up of behavioral treatment for obesity: patterns of weight regain among men and women. Int J Obes 1989; 13:123-136.

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Questions to Ask Your LAP-BAND® Surgeon

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

When preparing yourself for the life-changing weight loss surgery LAP-BAND®, you want to make sure you are well-informed before your surgery date. Your LAP-BAND surgeon is the greatest resource you have in the quest to learn all you can about the process. Many patients prefer to write down all of their questions to ensure a strong understanding of the surgery, as well as the pre- and post-operative expectations.

To help you get ready for your LAP-BAND® procedure, we’ve shared some common questions frequently presented to Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies.

  • How does LAP-BAND® encourage weight loss?
  • How does LAP-BAND® create that “full” feeling?
  • How many pounds can I lose with LAP-BAND®?
  • What can I do to keep the weight off over time?
  • What are the eating and drinking restrictions after LAP-BAND®?
  • How can LAP-BAND® surgery improve other health conditions?
  • What are the risks of LAP-BAND® surgery?
  • Why is LAP-BAND® a better alternative than gastric bypass?
  • Is LAP-BAND® reversible?
  • How does the adjustment process work?

You can find more questions (and answers) on the Lap Band Rockies’ frequently asked questions page. To learn all the facts about the LAP-BAND®

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Why Experience Matters When Choosing a LAP-BAND® Surgeon

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

If you are ready to make a positive change and kickstart a major weight loss program with the help of the LAP-BAND® procedure, the first and most important step is choosing your surgeon.

With several providers out there, it can be difficult to choose the right surgeon. You’ll need to look at a variety of factors as you weigh different surgeons, including level of service, personalization, bedside manner, background and training, results, follow-up programs, and affordability. But perhaps the most important consideration in your decision is experience.

As LAP-BAND® continues to gain media attention, major cities like Denver, Colorado are seeing a rise in weight loss surgery providers. But patients should be thorough in their search, paying special attention to details like years in practice and number of LAP-BAND® surgeries performed. Here are a few suggestions to help you evaluate a surgeon’s level of experience:

  • Ask the doctor to provide you with patient testimonials and profiles of recent LAP-BAND® success stories.
  • Don’t just accept a list of potential LAP-BAND® risks; ask your surgeon to give you real-life examples of how setbacks or complications have been handled in the practice in the past.
  • Ask your doctor to give you a comprehensive look at weight loss by discussing alternatives to LAP-BAND® surgery. An experienced, patient-focused doctor will want to match each patient with the optimal weight-loss solution, even if it may not be surgery.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask any LAP-BAND® questions you may have and see if the physician and staff provide thorough answers that are indicative of experience.

Finding a LAP-BAND® surgeon with years of experience can help you have a positive, rewarding experience with great results. Find out why so many people choose Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum as their LAP-BAND® surgeon. To discuss the unique benefits offered at Lap Band Rockies, contact Dr. Kirshenbaum today for an in-depth consultation.

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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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