The heaviest I have ever been was 305 pounds.  I was in a horrific motor vehicle accident that caused me to be immobile for 7 ½ months and all I did was eat and eat.  After seeing Dr. Cywes at Jacksonville Weight Loss, I knew that the Lap-Band® was for me.

On November 13, 2008 I had the surgery done by Dr. Cywes.  Since the surgery, I have lost over 160 pounds in less than two years.  As of today I am 144 pounds.  I run 4 to 5 miles 3 times a week and cycle 15 miles 3 times a week.  I eat healthy and do not eat when I am stressed anymore.  My children love the fact that I am able to play and do more activities with them.

If I had to do it all over again, I definitely would.

Thank you Dr. Cywes and the staff at Jacksonville Weight Loss.

In addition to our coping mechanisms contributing to obesity, the stress itself can cause biochemical responses that cause us to pack on extra pounds. Emotional and mental stress can trigger the release of stress hormones that have been linked to an increase in belly fat. Belly fat has been shown to be a risk factor for heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

How can you avoid job related weight gain?

Alleviate stress with activity during the day. Sitting at a desk all day isn’t burning any extra calories or helping you feel energized or focused. Schedule regular breaks during the workday to move. Take five minutes to walk up and down a flight of stairs or take a brisk walk around the block. Do a few simple stretches in the bathroom. These mini-breaks can help you refocus, burn calories, and feel less stressed.

Pack your lunch. Just as eating dinner at home can help you avoid unhealthy meals on the run, bringing your lunch and snacks from home can help you avoid vending machine junkfood during the day. If you find yourself turning to sugary snacks during the day when you’re stressed, be sure to pack plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain snacks.

Research continues to confirm that more and more Americans are battling obesity. Studies conducted in 2008 confirmed that at least 14% of people in every state in the country were obese, 20% of people in every state except Colorado were obese. Obese people face significant health risks that need to be addressed quickly in order to avoid premature death or chronic illness.

While obesity is on the rise, it’s also important for doctors to be on the lookout for overweight patients who can prevent obesity. Many experts recommend that doctors advocate a more active lifestyle for their overweight patients, emphasizing daily activity that can occur outside of structured exercise routines.

When patients have reached the point of obesity, doctors may need to recommend a weight loss specialist. The health concerns for obese patients are significant and encouragement to eat less and exercise more is rarely effective in the face of these risks. Medical weight loss centers specialize in helping obese people make dramatic changes. They can also help obese patients decide of bariatric surgery is a potential option. Weight loss surgery has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for obesity, especially when combined with an effective support system.

4 Tips For Exercising After Bariatric Surgery

1. Wake up earlier: If your concerned about finding the time to exercise after bariatric surgery, try waking up 30 minutes earlier each morning. Take a brisk walk to start your day or do calisthenics in your living room.
2. Make use of your lunch break: If you struggle to get up early, considering using a midday break from work to get in shape. You can take a walk or check out exercise classes at a nearby gym. Many workplaces offer discounts on gym memberships. Ask your HR representative about any health initiatives your employer might offer.
3. Find activities you enjoy: It’s easier to do things we like, so don’t be afraid to try out different exercises to find something you enjoy. Maybe you prefer dancing or water aerobics to 30 minutes on an elliptical machine.
4. Look for small ways to move more: In addition to scheduling structured workouts into your life, look for small ways to be more active. Park in the back of the parking lot instead of circling to find a spot that requires less walking. Wash your dishes by hand instead of using your dishwasher. Ride your bike to work if possible or take the stairs instead of an elevator.

Commit to doing something each day after bariatric surgery that moves you towards the goal of becoming more physical active. You don’t have to run a marathon, but every bit of progress you make helps improve your health.

Two recent studies analyzed the effectiveness of weight loss surgery for helping adolescents lose weight as well as the risk and complications for younger patients. In one study, presented to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, researchers looked at data from over 400 adolescent patients who underwent gastric banding surgery between 2005 and 2009. The study found that the average BMI of the gastric banding patients dropped from 43 to 35.7 six months after surgery, and continued down to 31.9 a year after surgery. None of the patients died during or after surgery and all operations were successfully completed laparoscopically. Other complications were extremely rare.

Another study presented at the same meeting examined the outcome of 17 gastric banding surgeries performed on morbidly obese adolescents. This study confirmed that gastric banding produced a significant reduction in weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and insulin resistance while bearing a very low complication rate.

These studies suggest that gastric banding surgery may be a safe solution for adolescents who struggle with childhood obesity. It is recommended that these younger patients undergo extensive education and preparation before having surgery to ensure that they’ll be able to make the necessary lifestyle changes following the surgery.

Thank the lord I had no health problems at all. I was all around a healthy person. But my BIGGEST problem was being overweight. I wanted to do something about my weight. I was ready to be able to do things with my kids. I wanted to go outside and run and play with them. I didn’t want to sit on the couch and watch them from my window and tell myself “Tracey, what are you doing?” I was ready to change my life and to be here to see my kids grow, have fun with them and to be the mom that they want me to be.

On the day of my surgery, August 11, 2005, I weighed in at 419. And oh my gosh I was scared but ready for a whole new life change. I did exactly what Dr. Cywes told me to do and I was really surprised how the weight started to come off! After a while I went back and cried to him telling him thank you very much for what you have done to help me. Dr. Cywes said “All I did was give you the tool, you did it all on your own.”

I am so happy I lost my weight I am now down to 225 lbs. and have maintained my weight. My kids tell me “Mommy you’re so beautiful now. Please don’t get big again. We like you now because you play with us and do more things instead of sitting on the couch watching from the window in the living room.” That touched my heart so much, that I just cried. I would tell everyone about the Lap-Band and have sent several people to Dr. Cywes. And they have had great success just like me. Dr. Cywes and the office staff is full of wonderful people who are always there for you when you need them.

It is generally agreed that even physical activity on a basic level, whether walking, bouncing, or tightening your muscles while standing, can be more beneficial than simply remaining sedentary. However, if you want to lose weight consistently and achieve your goal weight, you need to perform actual physical exercise while you also incorporate dietary changes. By reducing your portion size, cutting back on simple carbohydrates such as sugar, and eliminating unhealthy fats, you can cut back on the calories you consume. Combined with daily exercise, healthier eating habits will result in quicker weight loss that can also end up a long-term lifestyle change.

4 Tips for Overcoming Childhood Obesity

1. Focus on healthy snacks: Recent studies suggest that the average child eats as many as 3 snacks per day, in addition to their 3 regular meals. This can add up to a lot of extra calories and unwanted weight. Focus on healthy snacks of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure that the food your kids are eating are improving, rather than harming, their health.
2. Practice portion control: Our societal perception of portion sizes has been skewed by large packages and supersized portions served to us in restaurants. Practice using smaller dinner plates at home and serving portions about the size of your (or your child’s) fist. When you go out to eat, consider sharing meals, requesting a to-go container, or ordering smaller portions.
3. Drink healthy: Replace sugary sodas and fruit cocktails in your kitchen with water, milk and real fruit juices. Focus especially on making sure everyone is drinking enough water during the day.
4. Get moving as a family: Young children who have limited TV time are less likely to be obese. Replace your family TV time with a walk, bike ride, or playing catch in the yard. Find a local fitness center that caters to families, or play a sport together. Setting an example of living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to get your children moving.

There is a certain vulnerability when talking about the struggles of being overweight. Not everyone has walked a day in your shoes, but most can understand and sympathize where you have come from.

Life before the surgery was a struggle. I was teased in school, I felt the uncomfortable stares and snickers when eating at a restaurant, and would even stare at my feet when I walked to avoid the looks from people that I walked by. To me, I always saw judgment on their faces.
It was not only my Mom who urged me to go to a seminar and seriously look into the Lap-Band surgery (she wanted me to get my life back); but also the day I was leaving work for the day and was so winded walking to my car that I knew I needed to do something to change how I lived. I was slowly killing myself and didn’t realize what I was doing.

I met Dr. Cywes at Memorial Hospital for his Lap-Band seminar in May 2007. I listened to every detail and knew that this was what I needed. I knew I couldn’t do it on my own and I had hope that he could help. Since that day, I never looked back. I had surgery February 28, 2008 and had no problems with the surgery or the recovery. The first year was a struggle for me. I lost my Mom three months before my surgery. It was difficult for me to deal with her death, and also get acclimated to life with the Band, and I rebelled against it. Once I got myself on track with my life and regained my focus on losing weight, I couldn’t believe how fast I lost the weight! The Band has completely changed my life! To date, I have lost 145 pounds! I still have more to lose, but I am almost to my goal weight and couldn’t be happier!

With the help of Dr. Cywes and his staff, I have realized that the old me hid behind food as a shield. Now, I find more productive ways to deal with life’s stresses. I am much more confident and happy. I have no problems with physical activities. I actually enjoy having my picture taken (whereas before I ran from a camera). I love to go shopping, there is no greater feeling than trying on clothes and you have to go the next size down! I would encourage anyone who has thought about having the surgery to go to a seminar. It will change your life and give you hope!