I had one of the most incredible days of life last week.  My day started today at the Surgical Weight Loss Centre where I was invited to observe a Lap Band Surgery. For those who are not aware, Lap Band is short for Laparoscopic Band Surgery, where a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, thereby preventing excessive eating and curing obesity.  It is truly a fascinating procedure, not for the faint of heart!   I was invited to observe because I’m one of the speakers at a Lap Band symposium in May.  I will be discussing how eating well throughout the day, even though in smaller quantities, is crucial for those having had this surgery.  Nutrition can often be ignored after this procedure.

I talked to the surgeons, nurses and dietitians in the clinic and we shared a lot of our common goals in terms of the fight against obesity. We touched on our children being obese these days and the surgeons were very concerned that an obese child has an 80% chance of becoming an obese adult. This is why watching the surgery and talking to the staff, had really touched me and why I am so intent in my efforts to fight obesity and chronic diseases, associated with it.  The key is to prevent obesity at any early age.

While Dr. Chris Cobourn was showing us around the facilities, right after the surgery, one of his patients came in for a follow up. She looked great, confident and filled with self esteem. She said this procedure had changed her life.  Most of the patients who come for this surgery have tried for years to lose their weight the traditional ways.  For these people it is just not possible.  This procedure is the only way.

As much as I was fascinated with the procedure, it is still a surgery and not without risks. There are guidelines that are followed to determine whether a person can qualify.  The doctors select their patients with great care and do not just operate on anyone. It was reinforced that obesity is a disease not just a problem because we don’t have will power or self control.  For many people no matter how hard they try they will always be obese and this type of surgery may be the only last resort.  Absolutely fascinating!

Rose