Together We Can Help Make A Difference
In the lives of the millions of people suffering from the chronic disease of morbid obesity,
helping them to:
These people carry with them not only over 100 pounds of extra weight everywhere they go, but also the burden of inadequacy and shame. Caught in a vicious cycle of losing and regaining weight, the majority of the morbidly obese have tried every diet and fitness program available.
Yet, over 95% of traditional weight loss methods fail.
With the traditional methods of diet, exercise, and even medication, the results rarely last and this often leads to the “yo-yo syndrome”—lose some, gain back, lose again, gain more. This is difficult on the body and can bring about serious health consequences, not to mention devastating psychological effects.
Studies Demonstrate that:
The Only Method Proven to Have Substantial And Sustained Weight Loss Results For The Morbidly Obese Is Weight Loss Surgery
Two of the most widely used surgeries in the US today, the gastric bypass and the gastric band, can achieve sustained weight loss of as much as 60-80% or more of the patients’ excess body weight for five years after surgery.
“Surgery is currently the most effective treatment for morbid obesity resulting in significant weight loss and accompanying health improvements. The benefits of surgery are typically viewed to outweigh the risks…After surgery mortality rate is reduced and improvements seen to numerous health risks of obesity or symptoms of these risks. Overall, quality of life, self-image, mobility and stamina are reported to be better.”
-American Obesity Association
However, with the controversy and conflicting data surrounding weight loss surgery, many people have been misinformed.
Myth: Weight loss surgery is cosmetic and simply taking the easy way out.
Fact: Weight loss surgery is a life long commitment to a healthy new lifestyle. The surgery is a unique tool designed to help patients lose their excess weight and keep it off. Success depends on the commitment of the patient to making lasting healthy lifestyle changes as well the follow up care and support they receive.
Myth: If those who are morbidly obese simply exerted a little more will power, their weight would disappear.
Fact: Obesity is recognized as a disease in the US and internationally by government, health organizations, researchers and medical professionals.
“Obesity is a complex, multifactorial chronic disease that develops from an interaction of genotype and environment. Our understanding of how and why obesity develops is incomplete, but involves the integration of social, behavioral, cultural, physiological, metabolic and genetic factors.”
-National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Myth: Weight loss surgery is too dangerous and an overly extreme measure that’s unnecessary.
Fact: Weight loss surgery is a last resort for people who have already tried everything in their power to lose the weight. It’s a last resort for people whose only other option is a premature death. Obese adults have a 50% to 100% increased risk of premature death compared to adults within a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) range of 18.5 to 25.
On Average Morbid Obesity Can Cost A Person 10 Years Of Life
And that’s not the only cost to those suffering from morbid obesity.
the price they pay every day of their lives .
For the people who have chosen weight loss surgery, many more are beginning to the adjustable gastric band. Why?
The Gastric Band Is A Much Safer Alternative To The Bypass
Gastric Band |
Gastric Bypass |
|
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Minimal Trauma
- Least invasive surgical option
- No intestinal rerouting
- No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel
Fewer Risks and Side Effects
- Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures
- Free from risks associated with nutritional deficiencies caused by other procedures
Adjustable
- Allows individualized restriction for ideal, long-term weight-loss rate
- Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs
Reversible
- Removable at any time
- Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms
However because the gastric band is solely a restrictive procedure without the malabsorptive component of the bypass, the weight loss is slower and much more dependent on the lifestyle changes of the patient. Many people have been led to believe that the bypass is more effective because of the faster weight loss.
The truth is…
The long term results of the band and the bypass are comparable. The band is just as effective and much safer.
The Fact Is: The Band Works
“I could hear them say, ‘Why doesn’t she just go on a diet?’ Hey, I tried a dozen different diets. They didn’t work for me. I was up to 232 and gaining. [Now] I have my life back. I lost like you wouldn’t believe and I feel great. I was 232 before surgery, now I’m at 125. What a difference.”
-Lisa Geraci-Rupper
But the surgery is just a small part of it, and it’s just the beginning. The band is a sophisticated tool that aids the morbidly obese in losing weight, however patients need the proper education, follow up and support to be able to use their tool effectively.
In order for gastric band patients to be successful, they need:
- Regular, long-term follow up care
- Adjustments for their bands (commonly referred to as fills)
- Nutritional counseling
They also need assistance dealing with changes in life due to weight loss
- Emotional, psychological, and self-image
- Relationships and social changes
There is a desperate growing need for Aftercare and you can be part of the solution.
This Is Your Chance To
Make A Major Difference
- in the lives of the morbidly obese
- in your community
- and in your own lifestyle and income… Next Page
Your primary goal is to help your patients achieve their optimal health. A patient’s sincere thank you gives you the personal fulfillment you desire from your career.
