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AMBI is Coming to Fort McMurray for a Weight Loss Surgery Seminar
We’ll be heading out to Fort McMurray to conduct a weight loss surgery seminar. Come hear all about the latest surgeries and techniques; Gastric Bypass, Lapband Surgery, Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Gastricplication.
Saturday April 28, 2012 6pm
The Radisson Fort McMurray– Charlesgate Room
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Obesity: Is Shaming Children the Answer?!
As you can imagine, like many others I was shocked to see Georgia’s new Anti-Obesity campaign. I mean we get it, yes it’s time to wake up and do something. But is targeting children and shaming them the answer?They claim to target childhood obesity, but I think the real target is the kids who may not have the capacity to make changes or fully understand the issues at hand here. It’s more than likely this campaign will result in more hurt for these children than good. How can this be a responsible act by Children’s Healthcare Atlanta, take a look at this shocking campaign that targets one of our most vulnerable populations!
Georgia has the second highest rate of childhood obesity is the US. Yes, it is a pressing issue; childhood obesity has really poor health consequences. And this was their $50 Million dollar solution – a campaign that shames children - www.strong4life.com. It’s a wonder if they even considered the fast food industry, healthy affordable foods in schools, increased physical education programs and health education at all. They’ve taken the burden and set it squarely on the shoulders of the struggling family.
Strong 4 Life claims it is trying to shed light on an issue that is largely ignored “50 percent of people surveyed did not recognize childhood obesity as a problem and 75 percent of parents with overweight or obese kids did not see their children as having a weight issue.”. According to Strong 4 life this frank campaign aims to “open our eyes and look around: Kids are now suffering from diseases once seen only in adults. … We must come together as a community and talk about it.” they are right…but is the right strategy?
This sad, sad video demonstrates how derailed the nation is on this issue. One of my favorite comments comes from Facebook: “I understand the problem. I also understand bullying. I also understand that you just put a bullseye on every overweight child to be bullied and ridiculed because they are ‘different’. Yes it is a concern. But the target should not just be parental in this case. We are looking at a multi-faceted issue. From …… Did any of the other society contributing factors come into play when you signed the authorization of using children to display how they should NOT be. We are working hard to tell our children it’s okay to be who you are…but here you are saying…well…NO…it’s NOT okay…I can truly spit nails right now!.”
Comment and let us know what you think of this campaign.
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Dr. Oz is Coming to Toronto
To any of you in Toronto, Ontario Canada – don’t miss the chance to see Dr. Oz live! He’ll be talking about reversing the effects of obesity. You can buy tickets or check out the show here. This is a great opportunity to gather great tips and information to keep your health and wellness goals on track, or establish new ones!
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Putting a Face to Obesity
Thanks to Dr. Arya Sharma and the Canadian Obesity Network the News Media can now put a face to obesity. Have you ever noticed news stories never use the face of obese or overweight individuals? They either show individuals from the neck down or from the back. Have you considered how this might contribute to weight bias and discrimination? Dr. Sharma and the Canadian Obesity Network are fighting this by introducing an Image Gallery that represents overweight individuals in a more real way – by giving them a face.
In the interest of reducing weight bias and discrimination Dr. Sharma has introduced an image gallery: ”the first set of a, hopefully growing, collection of non-stereotypical images representing Canadians living with overweight and obesity, which are intended for use by media and others, who report on or talk about obesity.”
When blogging at AMBI we find it challenging to find flattering stock images of overweight individuals. We are excited to find a source of photos that will portray regular images of overweight people so we can put an end to weight bias and discrimination. Take a look at a few of the photos - Courtesy of the Canadian Obesity Network.
Read Dr. Sharma’s Blog entry about the lauch of the Canadian Obesity Network Image Gallery launch or watch him on Video.
Comment and let us know how this fantastic new image gallery makes you feel.
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Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Updates!
Recently I had the pleasure of updating the weight loss and after photos of some of our patient success stories. It was an amazing and proud moment at AMBI when we saw the completed Before and After photos and updated weights! We are always happy to share our patient’s transformational stories as we know it brings joy and inspiration to others. Below are a few of our recent updates! Enjoy!
NikkiSurgery: Gastric Sleeve
Total Weight Loss: 105 lbs
Nikki Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Nikki After 105lbs weight loss
October Update
“Hey guys
I woke up this morning with the biggest smile on my face knowing that 1 year ago today I made the best decision of my life! Attached is a picture that can be updated on my profile on the website! I started at approx 250 lbs, I now
weigh 145!!!!! I cannot believe I have lost 105 lbs in the past year. It’s incredible. Again I thank everyone so much, my experience in Mexico was amazing, could not have asked for a better team of people to change my life! Say hi to everyone for me Take Care Nikki xoxo”
Gord
Surgery: Gastric Sleeve Conversion from Failed Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Total Weight Loss: 100lbs
Gord Before Gastric Sleeve SurgeryGord After 100lbs Weight Loss!
Gord After 100lbs Weight Loss!
October Update
To date Gord has lost 100lbs. At AMBI Gord had a gastric sleeve conversion after a failed vertical banded gastroplasty from years earlier. Gord no longer suffers from Type II Diabetes or High Blood Pressure, and is completely off his medication! As with many weight loss surgery patients Gord was ready for plastic surgery after extreme weight loss. This is common in patients who lose large amounts of weight and are left with excess skin. Gord returned to AMBI for a successful abdominoplasty. Stay tuned for a blog post about plastic surgery after weight loss. Congratulation Gord!
Ambrose Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
Total Weight Loss: 120lbs
- Ambrose Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Ambrose After 120lbs Weight Loss with Dr. Joffe!
October UpdateJust a year and a half after his surgery Ambrose has lost 120lbs. Ambrose has also made some tremendous life changes; he has quit smoking, lives an active healthy lifestyle and is off his blood pressure and cholesterol medications.
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Gastric Band Patients Opt for Band Removal and Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Recently we have had a surge of patients booking surgery to remove their adjustable gastric band’s and opt for Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy) Surgery. We thought this was an important topic for discussion as many patients who have previously tried the adjustable gastric band are looking for more effective solutions. There are several reasons patients are looking to remove their bands and have gastric sleeve surgery:
Slippage
Band slippage occurs in approximately 24% of patients and unfortunately needs to be fixed with a re-operation.
Band Erosion
Band Erosion occurs in approximately 1.8% and unfortunately results in permanent removal of the band.
Band Intolerance
Band Intolerance refers to patients who for many reasons don’t tolerate the band well. Some experience unexplained pain however the band does not show slippage. In most cases it’s viewed as the body not adapting well to the device. Patients who experience band intolerance typically have the band removed.
Not Successful With Weight Loss
Some patients are not happy with the degree of weight loss and opt for band removal and a more effective procedure.
Still Hungry
Some patients feel the lapband device is not working to combat their hunger.
For many reasons adjustable gastric banding can fail. More and more these patients are opting for permanent solutions with less maintenance. The Gastric Sleeve Surgery has emerged as an effective and permanent solution. Performed laparoscopically, gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive procedure whereby 85% of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach has a reduced capacity for holding food and reduces the amount of food one eats to feel satiated. Another factor contributing the success of gastric sleeve surgery is due to the fact that the portion of the stomach that produces Ghrelin – the hunger stimulating hormone is removed. The gastric sleeve surgery has many benefits:
- Restrictive procedure
- Reduces Ghrelin – the hunger stimulating hormone
- Relief or resolution of obesity related health conditions
- Laparoscopic Procedure
- No Bypass of Intestinal Tract
- No Implant or Foreign BodyNo Ongoing Vitamin or Mineral Supplementation Required
Patients who need to have their gastric bands removed may be worried they have no other options. In most cases Gastric Sleeve Surgery can be performed at the same time as gastric band removal. Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a permanent and effective procedure.
View successful Gastric Sleeve patients
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ASMBS Issues Statment in Support of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery to Treat Obesity
The ASMBS has issued a third position statement in support of Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve). Over time the ASMBS evaluates evidence and updates its position on obesity related issues and procedures. We are thrilled to see more support for our bariatric procedure of choice; Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery.
To support their position statment the ASMBS conducted an updated search of the literature on Sleeve Gastrectomy and “recognizes sleeve gastrectomy as an acceptable option as a primary bariatric procedure and as a first stage procedure in high risk patients as part of a planned staged approach.” They have indicated the surgery demonstrates “durable weight loss, improved medical comorbidities, long-term patient satisfaction and improved quality of life”.
Follow this link to view the ASMBS Updated Position Statement on Sleeve Gastrectomy as a Bariatric Procedure.
In addition to supporting the procedure, the ASMBS has issued a letter to the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services in support of a National Coverage Determination for the procedure in the treatment of obesity.
Or click here to read about patients who have had gastric sleeve surgery.
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Update: Gastric Sleeve Before & After
Recently we received a weight loss surgery update from one of our patients from Ontario, Canada. Dr. Joffe performed Virginia’s gastric sleeve surgery at AMBI in July of 2009. We posted her original success story 5 months post-op and Virginia had lost 65 pounds. We were so excited when we heard from her recently – to date Virginia has lost 110lbs! Her blood pressure is now normal and she no longer walks with the assistance of a cane. Congratulations Virginia! Take a look at Virginia’s full success story.
November
2011 Update from Virginia“The date of my surgery was July 14, 2009. To date I have
lost 110 pounds and I fluctuate about 2 to 3 pounds up and down. It has been
like that for about a year. I’m no longer on prednisone and blood pressure
meds. My blood pressure is now normal. I have more energy and feel much better
about myself. The care I received in Mexico couldn’t have been better. All the
nurses and doctors were wonderful and I would not hesitate to do this again.
Love to you and Nisrine.”
Virginia Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Virginia After Gastric Sleeve Surgery - Down 110 lbs!
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Maggie is Not on a Diet Anymore!
The jury of the people has spoken….Maggie is no longer on a diet. She is just eating healthier. Earlier this fall a book by Paul Kramer titled “Maggie Goes on a Diet” sparked outrage among parents and educators. Following the backlash author Paul Kramer has decided the title will change to “Maggie Eats Healthier“. In a statement to CTV Kramer says: “I am attaching (an email) version of the book called ‘Maggie Eats Healthier,’ made especially for those people who were so opposed to the word “diet” as in ‘Maggie Goes ON A Diet’… I am hoping you will agree, as so many others have after reading this book, that it is both entertaining and inspirational for children to begin to eat healthier and begin exercising and most importantly, to believe that they have the ability to become healthier if they choose to.” So…does ”version” mean Maggie is still on a diet on bookstore shelves?
Most importantly; will the title change solve some, or all of the issues in the book? Maggie does “eat healthy” and goes on to lose weight…which makes her popular!? Despite the title change I’m not sure this book is sending a good message. An excerpt from the book states: “playing soccer gives Maggie popularity and fame”. Does the message remains the same: thin = popular!? Does the label diet really change the message? What do you think?
Read our Earlier Blog about this controversial book.
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Update – 163 Pounds & 16 Pant Sizes!
We would like to wish Brian congratulations today; the one year anniversay of his sleeve gastrectomy surgery! Brian travelled from Fort McMurray Alberta to AMBI in Guadalajara Mexico for his surgery. We blogged about Brian’s weight loss success back in May here. Since then Brian has continued to lose weight and today has lost a total of 163 pounds and is down 16 pant sizes!
Congratulations Brian! Great Work!
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Recent Posts
- AMBI is Coming to Fort McMurray for a Weight Loss Surgery Seminar
- Obesity: Is Shaming Children the Answer?!
- Dr. Oz is Coming to Toronto
- Putting a Face to Obesity
- Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Updates!
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