The Lap Band treats the cause (the weight), not the symptoms
Not long ago, a patient walked through my door who I’d cared for more than 20 years ago when I was working at a family practice. I was so happy to see her, but so sad to see that the happy little four-year-old I once knew was now having major health problems and desperately unhappy. At the root of her problems: being overweight.
In my role as Director of Clinical Services and a Physician’s Assistant for True Results, I helped her prepare for the Lap Band procedure: giving her a complete physical, taking her medical history, making sure she was physically and mentally ready. We gave her the go-ahead, scheduled her surgery and put her in the care of our surgeons.
Over the next several months, the change in my old friend was remarkable. She lost 80 pounds. She was able to walk with more ease and less pain. Her overall health improved. She had more energy. Most importantly, she was smiling again.
It was remarkable to watch her transformation. And yet this story is one I watch unfold over and over again for Lap Band patients. As I always say to my patients before they head off to surgery, “I’m going to see less of you … in many ways.”
Joking aside, Lap Band patients really do see less of their doctors, because in many cases their blood pressure improves, they’re able to get their diabetes under control and their joint pain subsides. Many health problems are the symptoms of a deeper problem: the need for weight loss. If you are overweight, as a medical practitioner, I can not encourage you enough to do what it takes – whatever it takes – to find a way to lose the pounds.
To that end, I will be using this blog to help you on your way to permanent weight loss. I’ll be telling you about the medical side of losing weight, plus all the medical ins and outs of the Lap Band procedure. Please, bring me your questions. My goal: to see less of you, in more ways than one!
Thanks!
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