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Nutritional Supplements Following Adjustable Gastric Band

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

LAP-BAND supplements

The Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® Band) can be an effective catalyst to large-volume weight loss — if the individual is committed to a healthy lifestyle after surgery. When nutrition, dietary supplements, and fitness are in balance, patients can reap the benefits of an ideal body size and shape, increased energy, resolution of obesity-related conditions, and enhanced self-confidence.

Professional Nutritional Guidance

The foundation of a healthy lifestyle begins with a proper nutrition program, led by your physician and nutritionist. At Lap Band Rockies, Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum and nutritionist Dr. Paula Peirce give patients the tools they need to experience success after Adjustable Gastric Band. With 25 years of experience in human nutrition and weight management, Dr. Peirce works with each Band patient to ensure proper nourishment. While maintaining diet guidelines after surgery and small portion sizes are integral, nutritional supplements are also important for long-term wellness.

Personalized Supplement Programs

After a major weight loss procedure, patients must be proactive about getting essential vitamins and minerals. While the nutritionist can provide a personalized plan for optimum success and longevity, it is up to the individual to follow through with these recommendations.

Band patients will need to take a multi-vitamin to meet their daily vitamin requirements, and a calcium supplement will most likely be encouraged as well. Following surgery, you will need to supplement the standard liquid diet with protein capsules or shakes. When you resume solid foods, if your diet fails to provide you with the recommended amount of daily protein, Dr. Kirshenbaum and Dr. Peirce may suggest a regular protein supplement. Remember, the goal is to meet as many of your nutritional needs as possible with healthy foods; supplements should not be taken in lieu of the right foods. If you are committed to adopting a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise, staying healthy and fit should come natural.

  • Want to hear about how past patients have lost weight and kept it off after Adjustable Gastric Band? Read Lap Band Rockies’ success stories and take a look at some weight loss surgery images.

Living a healthy lifestyle after the Band procedure can be easier than you thought with a professional team that is dedicated to your success. To learn more about life after LAP-BAND®, contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum in Denver today for a thorough weight loss surgery consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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Diet Guidelines Following the Adjustable Gastric Band Procedure

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

If you are considering the Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® Band), you probably have a lot of questions about what you can and cannot eat after surgery. The team at Lap Band Rockies has all the information you need to understand what life with a Band is like.

Fruits and veggies in heart tape

After weight loss surgery, the key to success is portion size. The Band is so effective because it helps you achieve hunger satisfaction with a reduced volume of food. But you also need to ensure you are eating healthful meals that provide optimum nutrition from the recommended food groups.

Some patients worry that having the Band means they won’t get to enjoy their favorite foods. While you need to make sure your body receives necessary vitamins and minerals through good food choices, you can enjoy small amounts of the foods you love in moderation. Keep in mind that empty calories are counterproductive, however, and that the more nutritious your food choices, the more likely you are to see results and maintain them over time.

Sample Daily Diet for an Adjustable Gastric Band Patient*

  • 1 to 2 servings of fresh fruit
  • 2 to 3 servings of fresh vegetables
  • 1 – 2 serving of whole grain in the form of bread, oatmeal, or other grain cereals
  • 2 to 4 ounces of lean meat, fish or poultry, grilled, steamed, or broiled, or one egg
  • 2 cups of lowfat milk or yogurt, or 1 ounce low-fat cheese
  • 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter or oil per day
  • lowfat salad dressings and mayonnaise, used in moderation
  • zero or low-calorie beverages including non-carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, clear soup and broths, and water

    Foods to Watch After the Band Procedure

    Because your stomach opening is smaller with the Band, you should take caution with certain foods that may cause blockage, such as peanut and other nut butters, shrimp, dried meats and fruits, thick breads, pasta, rice, popcorn, nuts, and citrus fruits . These foods are not out of the question, they may simply may need to be introduced gradually and in small pieces.

    There are some foods that should be avoided, or used only on occasion, as they are of little benefit to your body. These “taboo” foods include candy, cake, soft drinks, alcohol, rich dips, and fatty meats. You doctor can help you pinpoint what types of foods can inhibit your Band results.

    Don’t Worry, You’ll Have Help!

    Weight loss surgery support is crucial in reaching your ideal weight. At Lap Band Rockies, nutritionist Dr. Paula Peirce helps each Band patient design an ideal nutrition plan to accomplish optimal health while reaching personal weight loss targets. Learn more about what has worked for others by reading a variety success stories and viewing weight loss surgery photos.

    To discuss the dietary recommendations after Adjustable Gastric Band, please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum today for an informative personal consultation. If you would like to learn more about life after the Band, check out next week’s blog on nutrition supplements.

    —Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

    *Dietary guidelines recommendations from www.lapband.com.

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    Myths about the Adjustable Gastric Band Procedure – Demystified

    Saturday, March 20th, 2010

    questionmark

    As with any procedure that promises an answer to weight problems, the Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® Band) has many myths surrounding it. The team at Lap Band Rockies identifies some of the commonly heard falsities about the Band procedure and provides a few broad details to counter the misleading information.

    Myth #1: The Adjustable Gastric Band is a quick-fix weight loss solution.

    Truth: As previous Band patients will attest, it takes solid dedication and hard work to reach a healthy weight after weight loss surgery. Although the Band encourages weight loss by satisfying your hunger with a reduced volume of food, behavioral modification, diet and exercise are necessary in order to enjoy real results.

    Myth#2: Band patients have to give up the foods they love.

    Truth: The concept of the Band is to help you eat less and feel fuller sooner. And while reducing the volume of food you consume is a great catalyst for weight loss, your success is also dependent on your ability to eat more nutritional foods, as well. Because you are eating less, you need to make sure you are taking care of your nutritional requirements before eating foods with empty calories. That said, you can enjoy most foods and beverages in moderation.

    Myth #3: The Band is a new procedure and little is known about its long-term effectiveness.

    Truth: The first Band concept was developed over 30 years ago, and clinical trials have been performed all over the world. There are many resources available online to help you understand the history of the Adjustable Gastric Band and see how past Band patients have achieved weight loss success. As far as long-term effectiveness is concerned, countless patients around the world have been able to keep the weight off by committing to healthy eating and exercise habits.

    Myth #4: After the Band procedure, patients are on their own during the bulk of their weight loss process.

    Truth: If you choose a Band surgeon who is dedicated to providing a comprehensive experience before and after weight loss surgery, you should never feel alone on your journey to a healthy weight. At Lap Band Rockies, patients are set up with many weight loss surgery support tools, including a nutritionist, a weight loss psychologist, support group meetings, and regular check-ups to ensure progress is being made.

    Let the team at Lap Band Rockies help you get all of the important details on the Adjustable Gastric Band procedure. Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum places a high value on patient education and will take all the time needed to make sure you understand the risks and benefits. To learn more, please contact Dr. Kirshenbaum today for an informative personal consultation.

    —Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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    8 Easy Tips for Weight Loss With the Adjustable Gastric Band

    Saturday, March 13th, 2010

    8 Easy Weight Loss Tips

    The Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® Band) is an FDA-Approved surgical treatment for obesity. Band patients can see real results, but only if behavioral modification, diet, and exercise are practiced diligently after the procedure. The weight loss surgery team at Lap Band Rockies would like to share some of their professional recommendations to help you reach a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) after your weight loss surgery.

    1. Seek psychological support from a well-trained weight loss psychologist.

    2. Get weight loss surgery support from peers who have had the Adjustable Gastric Band procedure as well. Lap Band Rockies offers regular support group meetings for Band patients.

    3. Follow the diet, supplement, and exercise recommendations mandated by your physician and nutritionist carefully.

    4. Become a portion control expert. Since the Band makes portion control necessary, make sure you fully understand what quantity (and types) of food should be consumed during each sitting. Your surgeon and nutritionist will provide in-depth instructions during your consultation.

    5. Limit meals out. Preparing meals at home will allow you to control your caloric intake and avoid the temptation to overindulge or eat foods that are counterproductive to gradual weight loss.

    6. Tell your doctor if you are having any trouble with digestion, hunger, or discomfort — you may need a Band adjustment.

    7. Look to various Adjustable Gastric Band resources online and in print to help you understand the weight loss process and learn how others have achieved weight loss success.

    8. Stay committed to long-term success! While the Band works to limit food intake, weight loss only works when you are motivated to adopt healthy living habits not just until the weight comes off, but for the rest of your life.

    Are you ready to explore your weight loss potential and find out where the Adjustable Gastric Band can take you? The weight loss surgery professionals at the office of Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum would love to tell you more. Feel free to contact Dr. Kirshenbaum today for an informative personal consultation or to sign up for an upcoming Adjustable Gastric Band seminar.

    —Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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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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