Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Bradenton Surgical Group-
When everything else has failed, choosing to have weight loss surgery is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. Weight-loss, bariatric, surgery is a lifesaving and life-changing treatment for severely obese patients. Some patients just do not have success with traditional, medically supervised weight-loss strategies such as diet modification, exercise, and/or medication. Bariatric Surgery works by physically restricting the amount of food patients can eat and/or by interrupting the digestive process. It does not remove fatty tissue.
Bradenton Surgical Group has elected to restrict the bariatric practice to performing LAP-BAND® surgery only. The advantages of LAP-BAND® over gastric bypass and other bariatric procedures is clear. Many surgeons believe LAP-BAND® is much safer and will eventually take the place of the old standard gastric bypass.
The LAP-BAND® System is the least invasive, safest and the only adjustable and reversible surgical weight-loss option available in the United States. It helps achieve sustained weight loss by placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to reduce its capacity.
The LAP-BAND® is adjusted in the physician’s office for the needs of each patient. This procedure enables patients to recover more quickly with less pain and less risk of wound complications than traditional weight loss surgery.
One Patient’s Experience
Jim Ownes has decided after careful consideration, that it is finally his turn to have LAP-BAND® surgery. Jim was a supportive husband and was there every step of the way when his wife Sonja decided to have LAP-BAND® surgery in April of 2012. She also had to undergo two unrelated surgeries and Jim was by her side through it all.
Before he was able to have his LAP-BAND® surgery, Jim had an appendicitis that later re-sulted in a hernia. After seeing Dr. Bunch’s level of expertise with Sonja, Jim knew there was no other place he wanted to go for his hernia surgery. Sonja would often say, “The entire office is nothing short of awesome. They are all genuinely compassionate and concerned about every patient before, during and after surgery.” Now, Jim got to experience it first-hand.
“It has been tough for me ever since 1990. I was disabled leaving the Army and had Rheumatoid Arthritis and 8 knee surgeries including two complete knee replacements with revisions. I was so active in the Army and I even played tackle football. Now I am the heaviest I have ever been and really ready to get healthy and active again.” Jim explains.
Jim has been qualified for surgery, he still has to meet with a nutritionist and have a psych exam. But, once completed, then he can proceed. “I am looking forward to having the surgery before the end of the year. Sonja and I have joked that we always dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus for charity holiday events. I may have to stuff my Santa outfit a little this year to look the part, and if not by this year, definitely hopefully, by next year. For the rest of my clothes, all I want for Christmas is…..alterations”, he joked.
Deciding to have weight loss surgery is not a decision that is made lightly. You should give this much consideration and consult with an experienced bariatric surgeon. Jim shared how well Dr. Bunch clearly answered all of his questions and explained the exact details of the procedure, the extent of the recovery period and the reality of follow-up care that will be required.
Information & Support Group Meeting
Have you had weight loss surgery? Are you pre-op? Are you thinking about having it? Join Jim’s wife, Sonja and others when they meet to lend each other support along the weight loss journey.
Dr. Bunch believes that ongoing post-surgical support helps produce the greatest level of success for weight loss patients. If you are interested in learning more about LAP-BAND® surgery in an informal setting, or if you have had the procedure and would like to share your experience this is a great group to join.
Everything from nutrition and supplementation to the emotional challenges involved in going from a morbidly obese person to a thin person…and everything in between is openly discussed at the meetings. Let’s get together and share ideas, recipes, thoughts etc. Dr. Bunch and team extends a warm welcome to anyone interested in connecting with others at the group meetings every third Thursday of each month.
What: Information and Support Group
When: 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM
Where: Riverwalk Professional Park
200 Third Avenue West, Suite 110
Bradenton, FL 34205
Pone: (941) 744-2700
www.facebook.com/BradentonSurgicalGroupLapbandInformation
