As weight loss surgery continues to prove effective as a treatment option for obese patients, some market analysts say to keep an eye on bariatric surgical devices as a growth industry. Read the full story

In the July 10, 2009 edition of WLS News, find out what life-threatening condition weight loss surgery patients should be on the watch for up to a year after surgery. Also, stats that say weight loss surgery can help women bear healthier children post op. Plus, an investment tip that may surprise you.

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Post-operative care for weight loss surgery patients is a hot topic at the 26th annual conference of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.  Go behind the scenes with Craig Thompson, founder of the Weight Loss Surgery Channel, Yvonne McCarthy (BariatricGirl.com) and Chef Dave as they highlight innovative products for patients and other happenings at the event.

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In the May 22, 2009 edition of WLS News, learn about the link between allergies and obesity, and find out which friendly bacteria can help you shed those extra pounds. Also, get the scoop on a new initiative to address obesity-related heart disease in women, learn which state is now covering weight loss surgery for state employees, and hear one expert’s recommendation for overcoming our nation’s obesity epidemic. We’ll also tell you which deadly sin might be less deadly than thought, and check in with Yvonne McCarthy about what’s new in weight loss support on the World Wide Web. Read the full story

In the March 6, 2009, edition of WLS News, we’ll look at how former President Clinton is leading the charge in the fight against childhood obesity. We’ll also show you a special kind of balloon that might help stop overeating; investigate the growing phenomenon of medical tourism for weight loss surgery; and unwrap a new global initiative to curb the growing rate of cancers related to obesity. And, of course, WLS Journeys host Yvonne McCarthy will pop in to highlight two outstanding websites for WLS information and support. Tune into this week’s newscast now!

Organizations mentioned in this week’s news:

• Alliance Healthcare Initiative
• American Heart Association
• William J. Clinton Foundation
• BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina
• BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts
• Aetna
• WellPoint
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Dietetic Association
• University of Cincinnati
• National Institutes of Health
• Circulation Research (medical journal)
• BioEnterics® (Makers of the BioEnterics® Intragastric Balloon System)
• Dr. Adam Smith (Head surgeon, Fort-Worth Lap-Band)
• American Cancer Society
• World Cancer Research Fund
• WorldMedAssist (medical tourism company)
• WLS Lifestyles (WLS support website and magazine)
• Duodenal Switch Information Zone (DS support and information)
• Bariatric Girl (Yvonne McCarthy’s WLS support site)
• Bariatric Advantage (nutritional supplements)

The Lap-Band® is a powerful tool to promote rapid weight loss and improved health for people who struggle with being seriously overweight. But, the Lap-Band is just that — a tool — and for adjustable gastric banding surgery to be most effective, patients need to significantly change their eating and exercise habits, as well.

In this brief, informative video husband-and-wife bariatric surgeons Dr. Ron Hekier and Dr. Rachael Keilin map out the steps to long-term Lap-Band success. Their simple, clear guidance will help you make an informed decision if you are considering Lap-Band surgery, and will help you stay on track to heath and happiness if you are a Lap-Band patient. Click the player below to watch! Read the full story

New Lap-Band® Offers Patients TLC

Allergan, the maker of the Lap-Band adjustable gastric banding system, has created a new post-operative support program to help Lap-Band patients adopt a healthy lifestyle after surgery. The manufacturer has teamed up with a company called Lindora to create the Lap-band System Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Program – or, Lap-Band TLC for short.

Through the new online program, users can get diet and exercise tips from health experts, personalized coaching, and host of other weight-loss management tools.

Lindora operates a chain of clinics in southern California specializing in medically supervised weight control and also offers a do-it-yourself weight loss system with a book, CD and DVD, as well as online support. Their mission is to help patients adopt new habits to lose weight safely and stay lean for life.

The new Lap-Band TLC support program expands on Allergan’s existing online program for pre- and post-op support, called My Lap-Band Journey.

In addition to the partnership with Lindora, Allergan has also teamed up with Curves International to provide female band patients with a discounted membership rate at any Curves fitness club. To help them get in shape post-op, patients will receive a two-week free trial membership, 50 percent off the initiation fee for a paid membership, and 10 percent off their monthly membership dues.

Tune into WLS News each week for the new research findings related to the treatment of obesity and co-morbidities, as well as lifestyle stories that can help you stay on track toward weight loss success!

In the February 13, 2009, newscast, learn about a new online support program  for Lap-Band patients, discover how growth hormone can help WLS patients retain healthy muscle post-op, and find out whether chili peppers hold the key to weight loss.

Plus, we’ll take a look at how the current economic recession is affecting our waistlines, and WLS Journeys host Yvonne McCarthy will spotlight one of her favorite websites for WLS information and support.

Organizations mentioned in this week’s news:

• Allergan (Makers of the Lap-Band)
• Lindora, Inc. (Medical Weight Control Clinics)
• Curves International (Fitness Clubs)
• Dr. Adam Drewnowski (Nutritional Sciences Program Director, University of Washington)
• Dr. Robert Keith (Dept. of Nutrition and Food Science, Auburn University)
• Lap-Band Talk (Lap-Band information and support)
• Bariatric Girl (Yvonne McCarthy’s WLS support site)
• Federico II University (Naples, Italy)
• Capsiate Natura (CH-19 Sweet supplement)
• Pennington Biomedical Research Center (Baton Rouge, LA)
• Bariatric Advantage (nutritional supplements)