In this issue, you will read about:

	How Dr. Chris Cobourn helped a CFL player achieve sustained weight loss
	Patients’ milestones
	SWLC’s role in the community
	How SWLC makes Lap-Band program affordable
	The latest buzz at SWLC
	and Fall favorite recipes

In the Media

Dr. Chris Cobourn Helps a CFL Player Change His Life with the Lap-Band

Written by: Jon Kuiperij @ www.insidehalton.com “The Weight is Over For Former Offensive Lineman”

There isn’t much about Mike Jovanovich today that suggests he once made a living protecting quarterbacks from menacing defensive linemen.

And it isn’t just the warm handshake and friendly smile as he welcomes you into his Oakville home.

Granted, at 6-foot-5 and 257 pounds, it seems plausible that Jovanovich might have been a good football player in his younger days, perhaps a tight end or a linebacker. But an offensive tackle?

“I don’t stick out anymore,” the 44-year-old Jovanovich says. “But, for me, I don’t need the notoriety. Health is more important. More often than not (when people first meet me), football doesn’t even come up.”

Was once good to be big

Jovanovich grew up in a world where it was good to be big. Weighing 300 pounds in high school, his girth – combined with remarkable agility for a man his size – made him one of Canada’s top football prospects in the late 1980s.

Jovanovich considered offers from prominent NCAA programs such as Syracuse and Purdue before accepting a full scholarship at Boston College. He played with the Eagles for five years and earned a spot in the Blue-Gray Football Classic, a showcase contest for some of the NCAA’s top football talent.

Following his time at BC, Jovanovich entered the 1991 NFL draft. He wasn’t selected but drew interest from the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks. Seeing the best opportunity for playing time in Seattle, Jovanovich attended Seahawks training camp that year and suited up in a preseason game before being released.

Jovanovich had been drafted by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, ninth overall in 1990, but opted to return to school for his fifth season. Once he finished his history program at BC, Jovanovich began a CFL career that featured stints with Hamilton, the Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Rough Riders and Montreal Alouettes.

“I toured the east,” Jovanovich says.

In 1996, life began to change. Jovanovich married Michele Timar and the couple bought its first house, purchasing a property in Bronte. Suddenly, football wasn’t Jovanovich’s biggest priority anymore.

“I had run out my course. My contract had expired, and I was looking at friends — I was 30 at the time — looking at friends I went to school with who were in entry-level sales moving into upper management. I could keep playing for four or five more years, but I had to get into the work force (eventually) and I figured I might as well do it now,” he says.

Gained weight after retirement

Retiring early from football took its toll on Jovanovich’s body. No longer getting the constant workouts his body had grown accustomed to during a decade-long university and CFL career, Jovanovich gradually began to put on weight.

“I got married and we had our first child, and I became part of the working world. I went from seven months off (a year) to two weeks off. Working out became redundant, and maybe I got a little tired of it,” Jovanovich says, “but my caloric intake was the same if not more.”

Jovanovich’s playing weight in the CFL was 305 pounds. A few years after quitting football, he was tipping the scales at as high as 360 pounds.

Realizing his weight was becoming an issue, Jovanovich joined the Oakville YMCA in 2003. He got back into a workout routine, focusing on cardiovascular exercises over lifting weights, and was also active in other ways. He played tennis, was a member at Glen Abbey Golf Club and regularly rode a bike.

But even being active wasn’t making much of a difference.

“I would work out in the morning, then come home and eat three bagels,” Jovanovich says. “I got back to exercising, but the moderation was not there.”

The final wake-up call (Jovanovich calls it his ‘aha!’ moment) came at an annual physical three years ago.

“(The doctor) said ‘Your blood pressure is good, your cholesterol is good. You’re healthy as a horse, but you’re carrying a lot of weight. When you get older, that baggage will start to take its toll on your body,’” Jovanovich recalls.

It was time for drastic measures.

“You don’t see many 80-year-old 6-5, 350-pound guys,” chuckles Jovanovich. “That was kind of my mantra. I was getting on the back nine of life, and I needed to do something. The workouts were there but I wasn’t getting anywhere with the weight.”

Underwent surgery

Gastric bypass surgery, where the top of the stomach is cut off to drastically reduce its size, had been performed for decades. But a friend of Jovanovich had undergone a similar procedure that was far less invasive.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, commonly referred to as a lap band, involved putting a saline band around the top of the stomach. Since the top of the stomach fills up faster, it sends signals to the brain that the person is full.

NFL Network analyst Jamie Dukes, who faced the same challenges as Jovanovich when he retired from the NFL, had lap-band surgery in 2008. New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan opted for the procedure last year.

Jovanovich met with Dr. Chris Cobourn at the Surgical Weight Loss Centre in Mississauga three years ago. Cobourn suggested Jovanovich was an ideal candidate for lap-band surgery, and Jovanovich chose to have the procedure.

“You can sustain a diet and lose 30 pounds in a matter of weeks,” he says, “but if your lifestyle doesn’t change, you balloon again. I needed a lifestyle change with modern medicine.”

No regrets

Three years later, Jovanovich says he has absolutely no regrets.

He lost nearly 100 pounds in the twelve months following lap-band surgery. And better yet, he’s kept it off.

“It’s dropped my consumption to maybe 30 per cent of what I usually ate,” he says. “It’s been a great experience.

“I can buy clothes off the rack. I don’t have to go to the big and tall stores, or buy clothes off the Internet. I just feel better. It’s opened doors career-wise… It’s self-confidence, a better image.”

For more on the article, visit www.insidehalton.com

In the Spotlight

SWLC Patient Milestones

Milestone #25 – Diana endured 6 years of having high cholesterol. One year and a half after her procedure, Diana no longer has to take her high cholesterol medications.

Milestone #3 - Before his surgery, Andy had trouble climbing a flight of stairs. In 2010, he successfully climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, two years after joining the SWLC Lap-Band Program.

Milestone #54 - Before Lap-Band procedure, Anna suffered from sleep apnea and used a CPAP machine every night. Two years later, she’s sleep apnea free.

Milestone #10 – Darlene had been struggling with her weight for 39 years. Two years after her Lap-Band procedure, she successfully lost over 120lbs and treated her food addiction.

Milestone #80 – At her five year anniversary with the Lap-Band, Chantel celebrated losing 150lbs and gaining her life back.

Milestone #45 – Cathy was diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure and every medical issue associated with being obese. After undergoing Lap-Band procedure in 2009, Cathy has lost over 72lbs and is no longer a diabetic.

Milestone #67 – Before her surgery, Paulina disliked shopping with her friends and felt uncomfortable trying clothes on at the store due to her size. Two years later, she has become addicted to shopping! Paulina went from a size 24 to a size 8.

Milestone #11 – Due to being overweight, Richard frequently had to catch his breath and take a break when playing with his three kids. After losing 107lbs, Richard can now play longer with his children and enjoy every minute of it.

In the Community

SWLC Returns to the Toronto National Women's Show with a New Element!

SWLC is delighted to return to the largest trade show for women in Canada on Friday, November 11 – Sunday, November 13 at the Toronto National Women’s Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This is SWLC’s 3rd consecutive year in showcasing its clinic and effective weight loss programs for achieving and maintaining weight loss. Since 2005, SWLC has been a proud contributor and have helped over 3,000 patients overcome their struggle with obesity.

At this year’s National Women’s Show, SWLC will be introducing an exciting never before feature in which visitors will get a chance to meet a Lap-Band patient and ask their questions. This is a great opportunity for those interested in learning more about SWLC’s program in recognizing the benefits and life-changing possibilities associated with the Lap-Band.

Most notably, SWLC Medical Director and Surgeon, Dr. Chris Cobourn, will be making an appearance on the Health & Wellness Stage on Sunday, November 13th at 11:15am for his presentation on “The Lap-Band and Gastric Balloon: Innovative Solutions for Sustained Weight Loss”. Not only has Dr. Cobourn been a recognized surgeon in the medical community since 1989, but he has served on expert committees to help establish worldwide standards for bariatric surgery. In addition to his record of accomplishments, Dr. Cobourn is an international and national contributor to Lap-Band research regarding its effectiveness and safety with three publications in his profile.

Find out more by stopping at the SWLC booth! Meet Dr. Cobourn, ask your questions, and get free goodies during your visit!

See you there!

What's New @ SWLC?

SWLC Makes Its Lap-Band Program Affordable with Easy Financing

SWLC understands the obstacles patients experience when it comes to financing their Lap-Band program. In a mission to help patients improve their overall health and achieve sustained weight loss, SWLC is pleased to announce the latest added service dedicated to providing excellence in care for patients. Effective September 1st, SWLC can now assist patients arrange financing with payments as low as $85 per week with $0 down payment. As part of SWLC’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of care to patients, not only will this new service provide assistance to those financing their weight loss procedures, but it is also convenient.

The new financing program offers patients affordable solutions which include easy monthly payments, a simple on-line application process with an SWLC representative and the convenience of obtaining your credit approval within 30 minutes.

Studies shows that the estimated annual health care cost for an obese person is approximately $16,000*. This includes medications, commercial weight loss diets, grocery & dining costs, and other medical expenses associated with being obese. While the cost of the Lap-Band program can seem overwhelming, it’s important to keep in mind that an investment to the program is an investment towards a better, happier and healthier you. SWLC’s new financing program can help you get there!

To request for more information on available financing, please contact an SWLC representative at info@swlc.ca. 

*www.lapbandcanada.ca

Lap-Band Connect Enhances Post-Op Care at SWLC

While the Surgical Weight Loss Centre offers a distinguished Lap-Band program for patients throughout Canada, we also take pride in the comprehensive post-operative care we provide patients. Post-op care is an essential component of a patient’s success and SWLC ensures this is maximized to its fullest through ongoing communication with our surgeons, nurses, dietitian and wellness coach. A unique advantage patients have always appreciated is the 24/7 access to their surgeon.

In addition to its current post-op care program, SWLC will be introducing Lap-Band Connect to our patients for additional support and as a resource centre early next year. The innovative program is designed to assist our patients in various areas such as culinary basics, recipe centers, meal planning and dietary progression tools. Patients are also able to communicate with patients & experts throughout Canada, upload their photos and create a patient profile.

With technology and social media platforms advancing in the world, so is the Surgical Weight Loss Centre and its service offerings.

SWLC Research Shows Safety of Lap-Band Procedure for Patients with Sleep Apnea

SWLC is proud to announce the publication of our 2nd clinical research report in the prestigious “Obesity Surgery Journal” in September of 2011. This study shows that the Lap-Band procedure can be safely performed in out-patient facilities even for patients who would otherwise be considered higher risk due to sleep apnea or respiratory problems.

As an internationally respected bariatric surgeon, Dr. Chris Cobourn in association with Dr. M. Kurrek, Dr. A. Kiss and Dr. S.L. Dain published a clinical report “Morbidity in Patients with or at High Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Ambulatory Laparoscopic Gastric Banding” in the Obesity Surgery Journal in September 2011. This is SWLC’s second publication contributing to the worldwide medical knowledge and literature regarding LAGB. The clinic’s first publication was published in 2010, where Drs. Cobourn and David Mumford led the four year study on the safety of LAGB as an outpatient procedure for morbid obesity in Canada.

With Lap-Band as the most preferred bariatric surgery, benefits of the procedure include low complication rates, shorter hospital stay and no nutritional deficits in comparison with other bariatric procedures. Most recently, the Lap-Band® is the only weight loss procedure approved by Health Canada as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. Over 600, 000 Allergan Lap-Band System has been implanted worldwide and it continues to grow in popularity.

SWLC Attends Annual Lap-Band Workshop to Maintain Its Expertise and Knowledge in Caring for Patients

Continual training and education for healthcare professionals and support staff at SWLC is essential in providing a culture of care and service of excellence to all its patients. On September 29th – 30th, the SWLC team attended an annual Patient Management Course at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel at the Toronto Pearson International Airport for a full day workshop session. At the course, SWLC learned about updates on the mechanism of the Lap-Band, achieving & maximizing patient success, nutritional guidance and advancement in adjustment techniques.

Flavorful Fall Favorites

BEET AND ORANGE SALAD WITH COUSCOUS

Image and Recipe: www.cleaneating.com

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

	canola oil cooking spray
	3 medium beets, peeled, trimmed and diced
	1 1/3 cups whole-wheat couscous
	2 oranges, peeled and sectioned (about 2 cups)
	1 tbsp orange zest
	2 tbsp chopped green onion, green part only
	1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
	1 tbsp 100% orange juice
	1 tsp apple cider vinegar
	pinch each salt and ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 450°F. Spray 1 large roasting pan with cooking spray. Place beets in pan in a single layer. Cover with aluminum foil and cook in oven for 15 minutes. Then uncover and cook for another 10 minutes, until beets are tender when pierced with a fork; set aside to cool.

2. While beets are cooling, boil 2 cups water in a medium pot over high heat. Pour in couscous, lower heat to medium and cover. Cook for 12 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

3. In a large bowl, gently toss beets with oranges and zest, onion, oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt and pepper.

4. To serve, place 3/4 cup couscous on each of 4 plates, top each with 3/4 cup beet mixture.

BELL PEPPER SHRIMP BOATS

Image and Recipe: http://www.everydaypaleo.com

Servings: 16 shrimp boats

Ingredients:

	1 lb medium shrimp, cooked tails removed and finely diced
	1 red, yellow, and orange bell pepper
	1 cup celery, finely diced
	½ cup mango, finely diced
	¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
	¼ cup lemon juice
	pinch or two of cayenne pepper
	salt and black pepper to taste
	parsley and paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 500°F. Cut each bell pepper into quarters and remove the seeds.

2. Roast the bell pepper quarters on each side for 6 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.

3. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the finely chopped shrimp, celery, and mango. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices and mix well.

4. Fill each cooled bell pepper boat with the shrimp filling and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley and sprinkle with paprika.

PROTEIN PANCAKES

Image and Recipe: www.appforhealth.com

Servings: 2 medium or 3 small pancakes

Ingredients:

	1 small ripe (overripe) banana
	1 omega-3 egg
	1 tbsp low fat peanut or almond butter
	pinch of cinnamon (optional)
	drop of vanilla or almond extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana, add the egg and mix well. Stir in nut butter and any spices or extract.

2. Heat a nonstick skillet on medium heat and use some oil or nonstick cooking spray

3. Pour a large spoonful of batter into hot pan and cook until browned on one side (3 minutes or more) flip and brown the other. Allow pancake to set and brown before flipping. Use patience when cooking these as you need to let the batter really set and firm up before you try to flip them; lower eat for longer works best.

4. Enjoy plain, with fresh fruit and/or non-fat Greek yogurt. You can also substitute the banana for pureed pumpkin.

ROASTED CHICKEN WITH CHERRY BARBECUE SAUCE

Image: www.kitchendaily.com
Recipe: www.cleaneatingmag.com

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

	olive oil cooking spray
	1 cup no-added-sugar cherry preserves or jam
	2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
	1/4 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
	2 tsp dijon mustard
	1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
	1 tsp liquid smoke
	1 tsp ground cumin
	10 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 5 oz each)
	salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a large roasting pan with cooking spray (or 2 pans to accommodate 10 chicken breast halves without overlapping).

2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together cherry preserves, vinegar, tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke and cumin. Set saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, arrange chicken in prepared pan and season the tops with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour sauce over chicken. Roast chicken 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (no longer pink in center).

In the News

News & Events on SWLC.ca

1. Worldwide Diabetes Cases Reach 366 Million
2. Dr. Arya Sharma | Why I Support Bariatric Surgery
3. Trapped Inside Her Own Body

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