World’s First Bariatric Chef Is Coming To Seattle!

February 4th, 2010 Lap Banding Coordinator 1 comment

Passed along by by wonderful bariatric nutrition specialist, Vicki, here is an event that sounds great to attend!!  I am hoping to get there as there are some very excellent speakers there!!

http://www.seattlebash.org/

http://www.prlog.org/10503524-worlds-first-bariatric-chef-is-coming-to-seattle.html

Rhonda

Interesting facts about obesity

I was reading an article written by Dr. Arya Sharma, who is a Canadian expert on obesity research and management. 

Here are some interesting points:

  • 23% of the Canadian population is obese and 60% is overweight
  • Our country is behind on recognizing obesity as a chronic disease
  • If left untreated, obesity will contribute to other chronic and life threatening conditions

Information from : Parkhurst Exchange  January 2008 ,Dr. Arya Sharma pg 2

I was certainly surprised to see the high percentage of  Canadians that are not only overweight but obese!!

If you look on Allergan USA’s site, it is estiated that bt 2012, half of the American polulation is predicted to be obese!!

I am happy that surgeries such as the Lap Band System can offer a safe alternative for serious weight loss.

Rhonda

Recent Forum Posts on the web

I am signed on to many weight loss forum sites under Vancouver RN. I like to hear from the clients that have already been on their surgical weight loss journey as well as those contemplating starting one.

I have seen some posts regarding the pre-op diet that our facility requires.  I am often asked “Why do I need this pre-op diet 2 weeks before I am having weight loss surgery??”  I address this in my seminars as well. Here are the answers:

1)  Avoids “Last Supper Syndrome”.  This is when clients binge eat right up until their surgery.  Who hasn’t had the ” I will start my diet on Monday so better eat everything I can on the weekend” frame of mind.  I have been guilty of this many times. 

2)  The strict high protein / low fat / low carb diet can shrink the liver 20-25%.  The surgeon needs to move your left lobe of the liver over to see and access the area to be banded!!  If they cannot see the area, they cannot do the procedure safely.

3)  A fatty unreduced liver bleeds very easy.  This is a totally avoidable complication with the pre-op diet plan. There are instances when the liver visualised and is in such poor condition due to non compliance to following the pre-op diet, the surgery is abandoned.  So basically you will wake up without your Lap Band in!!

4) This pre-op diet is the first step of the commitment required for success in the program.

5)  Any weight loss prior to anesthesia is safer for you

 

I have attended conferences and seminars where high volume Lap Band surgeons attend.  They all seem to place thier clients on this pre operative regime. 

We are fortunate to have an excellent experienced bariatric nutrition specialist who can help you prepare emotionally as well as physically for all stages of our fully accredited Lap Band Program. 

So remember, the pre-op diet is extrememly important and is the first stepping stone of your weight loss path!!

 

Rhonda

Advantage of having Lap Band Surgery locally

Happy New Year to everyone!!

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have access to post operative follow up care.  This is much more than just a fill adjustment.  It is vital that clients are followed up emotionally as well as physically.  I always make sure to ask the following at post operative appointments:

1) How much are you eating?

2)What are you eating?

3)How often are you eating?

4)How is your appetite?

5)Are you hungry between meals?

6)How fast are you eating?

7)How do your portion sizes compare with before your surgery?

I need to know if you have learned to stop eating.  I have heard from many banded clients that they never really knew what “feeling full”meant.  They had to train themselves to recognize this.

Sometimes a fill adjustment is not needed.  Sometimes encouragement and proper food choice management is needed.  But time spent with each follow up client is important for the medical practitioner to decide what is best for their client.

Also important in follow up:

*  monitoring of blood pressure

*  review of  current medications

*  communication with clients GP

*  review of emotional status with changes

*  encouragement of physical activity and a plan of action

 

I have heard many banded patients that have had their procedures done far away from home, express their frustrations of not losing the weight.  Some need fills but travelling far away is not an option.  Some just need counselling on nutrtion and activity.  Some just need a shoulder to cry on.  This is why I am here for YOU!!

Just remember that a gastric band is only a tool and you need to work WITH it!! Sometimes, that means having a person like me to work with you to find out why the weight is not coming off!!  Wherever you go for follow up care, please make sure time is spent in both emotional and physical care!!

Is anyone wnats to ask me more, I am always available!!! 

I look forward to hearing from all of you!! 

 

Rhonda

Categories: Surgical Departments at FCSC Tags:

2009 Winding Down!! 2010 Busy Already!!

December 21st, 2009 Lap Banding Coordinator No comments

I cannot believe it will be 2010 in ten days!!  Our Lap Band Team wishes everyone and their friends & family a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for 2010!!

Keep posted here for all information regarding the Lap Band Weight Loss System!!  We are plannning new and exciting informations sessions and programs for anyone interested in winning their health back!!

On a personal note,  I thank my entire Lap Band team for their dedication and hard work combined with their knowledge & expertise for making the False Creek Surgical Center Lap Band Program a success right from the start!!

We are almost fully booked up for Lap Band surgeries in January so contact us if you are interested!!

 

Rhonda

Don’t Miss our Next Free Information Seminar in Vancouver Dec 19th !!

We are holding another information seminar on the Lap Band System on Saturday, Dec 19th from 11 am – 2 pm !! You can register online or call us at 604-739-9695!!

See you all there.

Rhonda

Make Your 2010 New Year’s Resolution Come True !!

November 30th, 2009 Lap Banding Coordinator 1 comment

Is weight loss on your list of resolutions for 2010?? We can help you achieve your weight loss goals!! The Lap Band System, along with our dedicated follow up program, can make this a realistic milestone for you!!

Call or email us for information. We are holding a information seminar here at the clinic Saturday, Dec 19th!!  Sign up now by registering online or call us.

I am so excited to help each and every one of you on your way to a healthier life!

 

Rhonda

Lap Band System continues popularity!

The Lap Band System has continued to grow interest!!  Our next consult days are almost full!! If you are even thinking of a Lap Band, call us soon as there may be a short wait list soon! 

We are happy to answer all your questions so you can make a choice that is right for you.

We are planning on more information seminars locally as well as Victoria and Kelowna.  Check our website for more info!

 

Rhonda

Next Lap Band Consult Date Sept 30th !!

September 24th, 2009 Lap Banding Coordinator No comments

We still have a few openings for next week. Call us to book a consult!!

Rhonda

1st Lap Band Surgery in BC in non Hospital Facility

September 23rd, 2009 Lap Banding Coordinator 27 comments

Mark today, Wed Sept 23,2009, on your calendars!!!  False Creek Surgical Center is the FIRST non hospital facility in British Columbia to perform the Lap Band surgery!!

Our Lap Band team is extremely proud of the job well done today.  It has been a long journey to get to this point, but well worth the wait!! We are looking forward to offering our complete, dynamic Lap Band program without lengthy waitlists!!

I will keep everyone posted on the progress and the next surgical date being offered!!  Next consult date Wed, Sept 30th, 2009 

 

Rhonda