Newsletter - September 2011

Endoflip During Lap-Band Surgery to Increase Weight Loss

Continuing its leadership in bariatric surgery, Dr. Shawn Garber has become the first in the Northeast to utilize a new imaging device that facilitates the adjustment of gastric banding in the operating room during weight loss procedures.

The EndoFLIP (Endolmenal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe) Imaging System enables the surgeon performing a laparoscopic banding (LAP-BAND ®) procedure to make adjustments to the device that reduces the size of the stomach while the patient is still in the operating room, potentially improving weight loss immediately after surgery and minimizing the likelihood of complications.

“Until now, adjustments to the band that constricts the stomach were made in the weeks following the surgical procedure,” explained Dr. Shawn Garber, Mercy’s Chief of Bariatric Surgery. “With the EndoFLIP system, we can visualize the band during the surgery and adjust it to the correct size to limit the patient’s food intake but avoid possible adverse affects such as gastric reflux.”

Dr. Garber noted that the EndoFLIP system can also be used to improve long-term weight loss with the new gastric sleeve procedure, by more accurately measuring stomach volume and also when performing EsophyXTM transoral incisionless surgery for the treatment of intractable GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Our Mentorship Program – We Are Dedicated to Our Patients’ Success

At the New York Bariatric Group People Make the Difference. Our bariatric surgeons, the medical weight loss counselors, the nutritionists, the nurses, the hospital team, and clinical social workers represent the most experienced comprehensive group of its kind. To that we like to add one more group: Our Patients.

Many patients wish they had someone to speak to who has also previously experienced weight-loss surgery. Patients often want someone who they can speak to and someone who understands the struggles with lifestyle changes. For this reason, The New York Bariatric Group has implemented the Mentorship Program. Through the Mentor/Mentee Panel program, our patients will be paired with people who have previously undergone weight loss surgery with our practice.

Susan, a LAPBAND patient said, “The Mentor/Mentee Panel program paired me with a patient who also had the LAPBAND procedure with the New York Bariatric Group. This patient volunteer was helpful, kind, and compassionate. We spoke before my surgery to prepare for what I should expect. We also spoke significantly after my procedure. Between my mentor, Dr Garber, and his staff there was no question left unanswered. I felt like someone was there for me every step of the way.”

Please contact our office at 1-888-8-LAPBAND if you would like to enroll in this program.

Testimonial- Toniann Olivero, Belleville, NY, Age 40

“My life before surgery was very unhappy and depressing. Although I never appeared unhappy to people because I was the “jolly big girl” that made people laugh, deep down I was very sad and miserable. I lost 81lbs with weight loss surgery! My life after surgery is incredible. It’s like the outer layer fell off and I was able to emerge. I still can’t believe that is ME in the mirror! I can’t believe I look and feel this great! I have never been happier. Dr Garber and Dr Holover are amazing! They have great bedside manner. Dr Garber has to be one of the nicest doctors and he is very compassionate as well as considerate. They both made my experience a delightful one. I’ve been going to Dr Garber about 6yrs now and have referred my friends and family over the years.”

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

It saved my life.

5.0

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Newsletter - September 2011

Endoflip During Lap-Band Surgery to Increase Weight Loss

Our Mentorship Program – We Are Dedicated to Our Patients’ Success

Testimonial- Toniann Olivero, Belleville, NY, Age 40

Thomas

lost 145lbs

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

Nicole

lost 76lbs

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

Robert

lost 76lbs

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

Samantha

lost 92lbs

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

Eileen

lost 99lbs

It saved my life.

5.0

Brittany

lost 126lbs

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

Desiree

lost 157lbs

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

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