Fingerlakes Weight Loss Program

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Excellus BC/BS
excellusbcbs.com

Auburn Memorial Hospital
auburnhospital.org

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LAP-BAND® Procedure
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Surgical Weight Loss

Weight loss that occurs through traditional methods (diet, exercise) has been difficult to achieve and even more difficult to sustain. Despite the well recognized benefits of seemingly modest weight loss (5-10 pounds), weight regain is usually the result.

Diet attempts that rely on caloric restriction (low calorie and very low calorie diets) are typically unsustainable over time, leading to poor results at 3-5 years follow-up for the vast majority of patients. Exercise is also problematic for the patient population that routinely has orthopedic problems (back, knee and ankle) that severely limit aerobic exercise.

In our surgical aspect of the weight loss program we expect our patient to join our program 4-6 months prior to scheduled surgery. Our program does charge a one-time fee of $300.00 per person. In our program you will be evaluated and followed by the Surgeon, Psychiatrist, your Primary Care Physician, Registered Nurse, Registered Dietician, Exercise Consultant and any other specialists recommended by the Surgeon and your Primary Care Physician.

On your first visit with us at the program you will see the Registered Nurse to review your medical, surgical and family history, review your current medications, obtain your blood pressure, weight, body composition, body measurements, and photo for our records. At this time we also require that you watch a video about the surgery expectations and possible complications. After completion of the RN exam you will see the Registered Dietitian who will do an in-depth history of your eating habits and style. At this time she will give you a tremendous amount of information on how to change your eating habits and start the path of sustainable weight loss. She will be following you as you begin the weight loss process prior to surgery. The Exercise Consultant will evaluate you to see what low impact exercises are right for you. She will show you how to do them and also have you demonstrate your abilities to her. She will develop an individualized plan of exercise that is right for you.

Following all the above evaluations you will meet with the Surgeon. The Surgeon will do a complete History and Physical on you. He will also go over the surgery itself with you, and review the possible complications that may arise following the surgery. After he has completed the physical, he will decide exactly what other consults you may need. Our main goal is to be sure you are in your best health physically and mentally prior to surgery.

Our approach to weight loss starts with emphasis on three components that together help patients prepare for surgery. Dietary Counseling will be a mainstay of this behavior program both before and after surgery. In addition, water-based exercise program will be emphasized to help patients achieve the best possible level of fitness before proceeding with surgery. The water environment is the safest place for patients to engage in aerobic activity. Water weight is typically 20% of land weight, so patients are generally more comfortable with this approach. Given that behavior and choices contribute to morbid obesity, support group participation is MANDATORY before surgery to assist in mental preparation for all the changes that occur after Bariatric Surgery. Similarly, support group participation is just as important after surgery and is strongly recommended. All of the above-mentioned parts of the program are located at Auburn Memorial Hospital, in various locations that will be posted on the website.

Preparation for surgery is a process that includes the following:

• Medical clearance
• Psychological clearance
• Documentation of 4-6 months of supervised weight loss (depending on insurance carrier)
• Letter of support from you Primary Care Physician
• Documented attendance at Support Group Meetings
• Evidence of behavior compliance

Individual patients will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Expectations:
It is expected that surgery will take aproximately 2 hours, you will be in the hospital for 2 days, and most patients can return to work in 2 weeks. Most patients lose 10-12 pounds per month for roughly one year after surgery. After this period, weight loss stops. Diet, Support Group and exercise are the mainstays of follow-up care to ensure patient success.

Registration:
If interested in Weight Loss Surgery we ask that you log on to:
https://fingerlakesweightlossprogram.remedymd.com
to register.

After completion of this questionnaire you will receive an email confirming your registration. This will be followed by a letter in 1-2 weeks informing you if you have been accepted into our program. If you need more information about the program, please contact us by email or write to:

Christy VanOstrand, RN, NM
Fingerlakes Weight Loss Program Coordinator
Auburn Memorial Hospital
17 Lansing St.
Auburn, NY 13021