You need to learn to just say no to your old coping strategies. If someone makes inappropriate or rude comments about your weight or if a salesperson doesn’t help you, then speak up and say that you expect to be treated the same as any other person would, and that you don’t appreciate what is going on. Do not become aggressive and say disparaging things about the other person, but don’t let them walk all over you either. Other important steps to take toward becoming more assertive include using more hand gestures and looking people in the eye.

It is also important to start acting like a thinner person, as this can help you get in the right mental state. Sometimes people still have a picture of themselves in their head as an overweight person, even when they are no longer heavy. Make an effort to act like thin people do, which includes not letting your weight be the main topic of conversation. Steer the conversation away from this topic if it comes up, without being rude about it. Instead talk about your plans and what you have been doing lately.

A recent study evaluated two groups of people and evaluated the health of their gums. One group had weight loss surgery, and the other group did not have any weight loss treatment. The group that had weight loss surgery had a bigger improvement in the health of their gums as compared to the group with no weight loss. The researchers think that the possible reason for the healthier gums might be due to the fact that weight loss tends to reduce a person’s insulin dependence, and inflammation throughout the body melts away with the fat. Since gum disease is a condition of inflammation, it makes sense that inflammation of the gums could be reduced with weight loss.

Lap Band surgery is a safe and effective method that can help those who have struggled to lose weight finally begin living a healthier lifestyle. In addition to gum disease, weight loss and bariatric surgery can treat or reduce your risk for developing type-2 diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

• Get rid of stuff that you have not used within a year: One of the biggest reasons why people have so much clutter is because they hold on to old, broken, and useless items. The rule of thumb is to get rid of anything that you have not actually used or worn within a year because chances are that you never will. Try to sell the items first online, or have a garage sale, give them to friends, or just donate them to charity.
• Start with small clutter free areas: An easy way to declutter your life is to start arranging small areas around the house that will be completely free of clutter. It could be a closet, the dining room table, or your nightstand. Starting with a small area is a great way to feel instant accomplishments that will help motivate you to move onto more cumbersome regions.
• Clean up 2-3 times per week: Keeping your house clean does require some effort on your part, so plan to clean up about 2 or 3 times a week in the beginning. You could hire someone to help out or you could have your family members that live with you help as well.
• Put stuff back where you got it: In order to prevent clutter in the first place, all you need to do is put everything back where you got it and never leave anything strewn about around the house. By giving every object a home you can make sure to avoid clutter and relieve the burden of constantly cleaning your home.

Decluttering your life can accelerate your progress on your weight loss journey and improve your life in many ways, so get rid of the clutter today.

I have battled with my weight all my life, and in March 2010 I reached an all-time high of 335 pounds. I had heard about gastric surgery and explored my options. An RN in Gainesville referred me to Dr. Cywes and I attended a seminar. I signed up for the process and my lap-band was installed in July 2010. Since then I have lost 105 pounds and my goal of 195 pounds is in sight.

My blood pressure has dropped from 220/140 to 120/72 and my total cholesterol is 131. Dr. Cywes did more than just perform the operation. He taught me more about weight loss and food than I had ever known before. I truly believe that I would not be alive today had I not met Dr. Cywes.

“Just take the first steps toward what you want and trust that the next step will become clear and the next obstacle will somehow melt away”

I can truly say that I have, or should I say that I did have a weight problem all of my life. I can remember being teased as a child about being bigger than the other children, this continued through high school and throughout college. During my college years, I was introduced to prescription weight loss drugs that helped me to lose a large amount of weight. Needless to say, the weight returned. After marriage and three sons my weight ballooned to 355.5 pounds. I tried everything, every weight loss program I could find, only to lose no more than 50 pounds. You name it I’ve tried it.

One of my goals at that time was to walk a 5k. I was told by several doctors that I would need a knee replacement and an Achilles tendon repair and walking was out of the question.

In 2005 I began attending weight loss surgery information seminars. After being convinced that bypass sugary was not for me, I began attending LAP-BAND® seminars. In February of 2006 I walked in to Jacksonville Weight Loss Center and right then my life changed. After speaking with Dr. Cywes and his staff, I knew this was the place for me. I completed the six month weight loss program, only to be turned downed by my insurance company. With encouragement of Dr. Cywes and his staff, I continued my journey towards a weight loss solution.

In March 2007, the insurance company changed their policy on LAP-BAND® surgery and my procedure was performed on April 30, 2007. I now celebrate April 30 as my new re-birth. My total weight loss to date is 158 pounds and I went from a size 26-28 dress size to a 12-14.

I can’t tell you how much my life has changed. I have a new confidence, and I discover almost weekly something new or hidden about myself. I know that the band is a tool and not a cure for obesity.

For me, weight loss has been a lifestyle change and the band helps me keep myself in check. Since having my surgery, I have completed four 5k’s! How about that!! I made it and can walk a 5k! That accomplishment has been incredible for me.

I can always count on Dr. Cywes and his staff for emotional, physical and moral support. I can never express my gratitude to Dr. Cywes his staff and the weight loss support groups. I will NEVER go back to that old weight again!

My journey continues…

I’m a married mother of three that has battled with her weight for over 19 years. As a teenager I was fit and trim. When I got pregnant with my first child I gained 85lbs with that pregnancy and the weight never seemed to come off after that. With every new pregnancy I gained more weight and by baby number 3 my weight just kept climbing. My heaviest weight was 273lbs. I have tried Jenny Craig, Adkins, South Beach Diet, Weight Watcher and many other things to try and lose the weight. I even went as far as the Cabbage Soup Diet. Needless to say; it did not work. Two years ago my family doctor and I were discussing different ways to lose weight when I asked him if I was a candidate for the LAP-BAND® surgery. He said that he would refer me to see someone that could help me with this process: and that is when Dr. Cywes came into my life. I went to see him for the first time and did not know what was going to happen and how much he would change my life. I had LAP-BAND® surgery on May 17th, 2010, and since then my weight has dropped. I will say that there were some hard days after the surgery, but I would never regret the decision I made to take back my life. I have lost 106lbs. I am now able to do things with my children that I have not been able to do in a very long time. I was able to ride the rides at Universal Studios with my kids! It has been many years since I was able to ride the rides because I was uncomfortable. My life and my relationship with my husband and kids are better now that I have a new body. The years that I have gained with my family by having LAP-BAND® will not be wasted. I owe my new life to Dr. Cywes and his team.

If you would like to share your weight loss story contact Kristi at Kristi@jsapa.com.

In August 2010 I looked at myself and said I want to live! I have not been over weight all my life, only for about 18 years or so. I’m an Air Force Veteran but after I got out I started to gain weight. It was a slow process I guess. At first I was over 200 lbs…then 250…then, due to my volume eating and eating the wrong things, I got to 344—my all-time heaviest. I didn’t really see myself as that large and heavy and life went on for a while. Then things changed, my life was going by and I wanted to be in my life! I would go to a theme park and sit and watch when what I wanted was to ride. This was because I got stuck in a ride a few years before—I was so big I couldn’t get out of it and I was so embarrassed. I was finding myself wanting to keep up with my family and friends, but it was getting very hard to do. I had hypertension and I had found myself hurting in areas that I never thought I would hurt. I could feel myself getting sicker. I had already had foot surgery to repair a toe joint that in part was caused by my weight…what would be next? All I knew was that I was in my mid-forties and I wanted to live to see my grandchildren one day, and to grow old with my husband… but I was wondering if I was going to live see my fifties!

For a few years I had considered Gastric Bypass Surgery for weight loss. I just could not do that to myself. Then I was on the internet last summer looking again at weight loss surgery and came across the Lap Band. I took this information to my primary care doctor and said I would like a referral to Jacksonville Weight Loss Center. My primary care doctor had said many times I need to loose the weight. I would lose a few pounds and then gain it back. It was a yo-yo on the scale and never saw below 300. This was a referral that would change my life.

From my first appointment with Dr. Cywes and nutritionist, KaLoni, I immediately started following the 30 carbs a day. I was weighing in at 332 at the end of September 2010. At my next appointment, in October, to start the process of getting a surgery date I had drop 25 pounds and by the time I got to my surgery day I was crying tears of joy as for the first time in many years I weighed 289! I was below 300 pounds and had not seen that in years! Today, one year out from the first appointment I happy to say I have lost over 130 pounds!

Lap Band surgery, Dr. Cywes, and staff has helped changed my life! I have more energy now then I have had in years! I can keep up with my kids. I challenge myself, I have walked/jogged two 5k’s and will do at least two more before the end of the year! This is the person I want to be! I am continuing with the follow-ups and support group meetings as I use these for accountably. I like to encourage those that are thinking of weight loss surgery to look at the Jacksonville Weight Loss Center for the whole package of help, not just surgery.

If you would like to share your weight loss story contact Kristi Anderson at Kristi@jsapa.com.

Achieving Goals and Inspiring Others

My journey begins May of 2009. I work as a Police Dispatcher and got really sick at work one night. I could not breathe. It scared some of my colleagues. They took me over to Fire Station 16 to get checked out by the paramedics. Long story short, my parents came to pick me up, and we ended up at the ER. Tests were done, but they could not seem to find a problem. They sent me home with an inhaler.

I followed up with my primary care doctor a few times who continued making me go through all kinds of tests. The last time I went to my primary doctor he said that the only thing he could come up with is that my weight was causing me to have these problems. He said, “I would really recommend you having the Lap Band Surgery.” I immediately said, “NO! I am not having surgery!” He said that it is a safe surgery and since I have struggled with my weight my whole life, this would be the best thing for me.

I left there very upset. I knew the reality of it was that my weight was a problem, but still, no one likes to be told that. So I began to do my own research on the Lap Band Procedure. I spent hours upon hours on the Internet. I came across people’s personal blogs that told the story from day one of their surgery. The first one I came across was a girl named Amy. Immediately I realized we were so much alike. If she could do the procedure and be successful so could I. She inspired me. I also had the benefit of talking one-on-one with two co-workers who also had the procedure done.

On June 15, 2009 I went to a small group seminar at Jacksonville Weight Loss Center. I took Mom of course. We were both really impressed. After a month of praying and talking with my family and close friends I was fortunate enough to make my first appointment. My mom said she never gave up praying; she knew something great would happen if it was meant to be, and it did.

Exactly a month later on July 15, 2009, I had my first appointment. My surgery date was set. August 11, 2009 would be the day. Surgery was successful and not nearly as bad as I had anticipated.

After surgery I was very involved with the Practice. My journey consisted of: seeing Dr. Cywes every month for a follow-up appointment, meeting with a personal trainer twice a week, small group counseling once a week, and several visits to the nutritionist. I quickly learned it takes the whole package to be successful. It’s definitely not a quick fix, but it’s a lifestyle change.

All this leads me to today. I realize many people view the Lap Band as an easy way out. However, I feel that anyone who has that opinion hasn’t struggled with the same demons that an overweight person has. I have my family’s support, which first and foremost is the number one thing that matters. After that, I have a huge support group of friends who back me and continue to motivate me.

Some people say, “Thanks, to Dr. C, for giving me my life back.” I say, “Thanks, to Dr. C, for giving me a life!” I was overweight my whole life. After many failed attempts to lose weight and keep it off I am no longer the fat friend that the guys want to be friends with because they want to date my friends. They actually want to date me now. I no longer hear “you have such a beautiful face.” I hear, “Gail, you look beautiful.” Did I mention, I have not been this size since the fifth grade!

My accomplishments are endless since surgery. My first celebration was jumping out of an airplane when I lost 100 pounds. When it comes to being a passenger on a plane, I no longer have to ask for a seatbelt extender when I fly. I can fit in roller coasters. I am living a whole new life. I have gained so much confidence.

Over the past two years I have gone from being my highest weight of 343 to losing 152 pounds. That’s a whole person! I went from a size 30 to 14. I can actually walk to my desk at work from the parking garage without feeling like I am going to die from not being able to breath. I have done five- 5Ks, finished the Gate River Run, and competed in the Fight For Air Bank of America stair climb 838 steps, 42 stories. I continue with my trainer and working out. I have such a newfound enjoyment for exercise and staying active.

I still see Dr. C every month because it is accountability. He challenges me every time I see him. He has such a heart for his patients. I am honored to be one. I cannot thank the staff of Jacksonville Weight Loss enough. This place and its people will always have such a special place in my heart.

If you would like to share your weight loss story contact Kristi Anderson at Kristi@jsapa.com.

Huckabee went on to discuss obesity surgery and the Lap Band procedure in particular. Huckabee’s own son had the Lap Band procedure. Because his son’s insurance didn’t pay for the procedure, Huckabee’s son had to borrow money from him. While Huckabee himself has not had obesity surgery, he does support it because it can save people from dying from obesity, not only in Arkansas or Jacksonville, Florida, but everywhere in the country. Losing weight through lifestyle modification alone, as Huckabee did, is a very difficult task for a lot of people and Lap Band surgery can be a great help.

During the reception, the Arkansas BMI report card was also discussed. Specifically, the report card detailed the BMI (body mass index) of every child in Arkansas. The BMI report card was mailed to every child’s parents confidentially. Along with the report card, the parents were advised to see their child’s pediatrician if their child was determined to have health risks based on their BMI. Huckabee indicated that the BMI report card has since been made optional since he left his Governor’s office; of which he is disappointed. Huckabee encouraged people to look at their own third grade class picture and compare it to any of today’s third grade class comparison, especially those that deny that there is a childhood obesity problem in American today.

A recent study indicated that, in people who have type 2 diabetes, lap band surgery will pay for itself in two years. In people who do not have diabetes, the pay-off takes about 4 years. Studies have shown that lap band surgery can reverse type 2 diabetes in 60% of those who have the procedure. Savings on medication, testing and medical costs over the two years after bariatric surgery can equal or exceed the cost of the surgery. Even in those who did not have diabetes prior to surgery, there was a decrease in medical costs in the years after bariatric surgery.

If you are one of the thousands of people in the Jacksonville area who have been wondering for years how to lose weight, lap band surgery may be an option for you. It is not a magic bullet; you will still need to make significant lifestyle changes. However, the surgery makes it easier to stick to new dietary regimens simply because it is impossible to eat more than a small amount at once. By limiting yourself to the healthy foods recommended by your doctor and increasing your level of physical activity, you can finally lose your extra weight and also improve your health, and for many people at little to no cost overtime!