Sue had weight-loss success
with the Lap-Band

Learn about her journey so far!

It’s hard to believe that a mere 18 months ago, Sue was morbidly obese. She weighed 276 pounds and had a BMI of 39. Today she is down to 186 pounds with a BMI of 26. Ten more pounds and she will officially have a "Healthy" BMI!

Sue's journey started in 2006. After years of every commercial diet plan out there, her family doctor told her that she had to do SOMETHING! Her fasting blood sugar was 6.1, and she was heading straight to diabetes. Her migraines were out of control, her asthma was constant, everything hurt and she was depressed. Her family doctor mentioned the Lap-Band procedure as a permanent treatment option, but financially she could not afford it at the time.

One year later Sue decided to check out the Lap-Band program at SWLC. She booked her consult with us, and decided to refinance her house in order to proceed. She decided that taking on some debt was better than continuing her lifelong struggle with obesity.

Six weeks after her surgery, and 25 pounds lighter, she participated in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. She completed 45 of the 60 kilometers. Prior to the surgery there was no way she could have even attempted such a challenge.

Sue has lost 90 pounds so far and reports she’s feeling fantastic. For the first time she can remember, she fits into, AND LOOKS GOOD in a size twelve. TWELVE!!!! She was a size 24 – 26 a year and a half ago! But more importantly, at her last physical she received some amazing results. Her blood sugars are well within the normal ranges. Her blood pressure is normal. She has not been to the doctor since September 2007 for lung or throat problems. And her asthma? All but gone. Migraines? Mostly a memory. Basically, Sue is now a healthy individual.

This is Sue’s story. Eighteen months out, and her health issues are resolved because of the Lap-Band. She repeatedly tells us there’s no doubt that the Lap-Band has given her a healthy and happy life back. She has now taken it upon herself to make that life worthwhile.

Here’s to Sue!

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Are you registered for the upcoming
SWLC Annual Symposium?

Don’t miss out on the Surgical Weight Loss Centre Annual Symposium on May 30th 2009. The Symposium is a full day of educational and inspirational seminars from SWLC surgeons and support staff as well as special guest speakers. This event is beneficial for individuals interested in learning more about medical weight loss treatment options. In addition, it provides the opportunity to meet with current SWLC patients, as well as gain a comprehensive understanding of the two programs offered.

The Symposium will be held at the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre in Mississauga and includes breakfast, lunch, cocktail reception and door prizes. Registration fee for non-SWLC patients is $125. Space is limited, so register early! If you are interested in registering please don’t hesitate to call us at 905 278 8000 or 1-888 278 7952.

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Breaking the obesity cycle

Obesity is a condition that affects, and is affected by, many other aspects of a person's life. For example, lack of physical activity may lead a person to gain weight, but being obese can make it difficult to even be physically active. Some people cope with difficult feelings by overeating, but being obese can drain the self-confidence needed to experiment with new ways to manage and express emotions. These vicious cycles keep the relationship between problematic parts of your lifestyle and weight gain going and growing!

How can having Lap-Band surgery break some of these vicious cycles? In my experience, most people who have success with weight loss are those who focus less on losing weight and more on improving their health. For example, research shows that women who exercise regularly have higher self-esteem than those who do not, regardless of weight.

Think about why you are considering Lap-Band surgery. Was it to lose weight, or to improve your life in a variety of ways? Those two things are not necessarily the same. Lap-Band surgery can be an important tool for weight loss, but a commitment to changing your lifestyle is even more important. Some of the keys to good physical and mental health are: being physically active most days, maintaining regular eating and sleep routines, nurturing supportive relationships, and spending time engaged in at least one activity that is meaningful to you. Will Lap-Band surgery make you happy and healthy? Not by itself, but it can help you to practice and maintain an active, balanced lifestyle. And that is one of the keys to happiness!

Dr. Anne Vagi is a clinical and health psychologist who practices in Mississauga, Ontario. She can be reached at 905-306-1106.

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Simple ways to lower your risk for
weight related health problems

There are many studies that link the increased risk of a variety of health problems to carrying excess body weight. By making some simple physical activities a regular part of your lifestyle you can greatly reduce these risks, as well as increasing your overall well-being.

The following are chronic health conditions that have a negative effect on the body due to excess weight:

When carrying extra weight in your abdominal region, hips, thighs and arms it becomes difficult to move around and complete daily activities, and often places one in a sedentary state where strength and endurance levels decrease on a muscular level. Flexibility and balance also become challenging because of the force of gravity not allowing one to stay in an upright postural position.

In determining what exercises are best suited for weight control, factors such as frequency, intensity and duration, as well as the specific form of exercise must be considered.

Simple ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life as a means to stay active and healthy can be as easy as going for a light walk for 15 -20 minutes three times per week. If walking outside is bothersome on the joints, try walking on a treadmill between 3.0 – 3.5 miles per hour with no incline for 15 -20 minutes. Walking generally promotes good cardiovascular fitness. Doing some light resistance training with weights can help the blood flow through the upper and lower body creating increased strength on a muscular level. In addition, going for a light swim or bicycling at a low resistance is also recommended as activities that involve continuous, big muscle aerobic movements.

The key to adding any form of physical activity for a sedentary individual is to start slowly. The research shows that at least 3 days of exercise per week are required to bring about changes in body composition.

For further inquiries please contact,
Anna Tocco, HBHA, FLMP, Can - Fit Pro Certified Personal Trainer
Fitness Director/ Personal Trainer
annatocco@rogers.com

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