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Thursday, September 27, 2012

Does the Cause Really Matter?

Why is obesity on the rise?

According to one recent study, technology is the culprit.

The worldwide study by the Milken Institute found that for every 10 percent increase in a country’s spending on communications technology, there’s a 1.4 percent increase in obesity rates.

That seems to ring true, doesn’t it? Think about the “screen” time we all spend … whether it’s high-definition TVs, smart phones, notepads, laptops or gaming devices. For people of all ages, these wonderful advancements can mean a more sedentary lifestyle.

And it’s not just an American phenomenon. The link between technology and obesity applied to all 27 countries in the study.

But just as we lead the way in technology, we also lead in obesity. In the USA, the obesity rate is 33.8 percent, followed by Mexico (30 percent), New Zealand (26.5 percent), Australia (24.6 percent) and Canada (24.2 percent).

And according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by the year 2030, the U.S. obesity rate is expected to rise to 42 percent.

What is the true cause of this alarming trend?

Our answer: Does it matter?

Not really.

For people who are severely obese, the right question is: What can I do to get on the road to healthier life?

That’s where we come in. We’re dedicated to changing the lives of people with severe weight problems. If diets and exercise have not produced effective, lasting results for you, it’s time to learn more about weight-loss surgery.

We invite you to explore our website and our blog, where you can learn from the experiences of our patients who have graciously shared their stories.

Better yet, we invite you to attend one of our seminars, where you can meet our surgeons and patients face-to-face and get your questions answered. You can find our seminar schedule on this website.

You can also make an appointment to see one of our surgeons by calling (516) 616-5500 or, if you prefer, click on “Live Chat” in the upper left corner of your screen to have a conversation now.

Yes, inaction can contribute to obesity. But the good news is that the action of reaching out to learn more can be that first step to a new life.

Why not take that first step today?

Category: Expert Advice, Health Benefits, Obesity, Weight Loss

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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Think of It as a Life Changer

There are a couple of ways to think about weight-loss surgery.

You can view it as something that will change your size — but that’s only part of the story.

The real truth is it’s something that will change your life.

Surgery alone is not the answer to better health. The operation is a catalyst. It’s the launching point for an all-new way of living — and eating.

It’s a big step. And it’s important to have the right mindset before taking it. The surgery will force you to create new eating habits. Your stomach will be smaller, so you will get fuller faster. As a result, it will be more important than ever to make smart food choices.

Scan this series of blogs, and you will find the stories of several patients who have taken the big step. They have all learned a new way of eating. They’re taking in far less, but they say they don’t feel deprived. In fact, the most common comment among them is, “I wish I did it sooner.”

All surgery is a risk. But living with morbid obesity can be riskier. Chances of serious illness of various kinds multiply with excess weight.

Mindset is a critical factor in weight-loss surgery. Are you ready for a new life?

So if you’re thinking about taking the big step, here’s our advice: don’t view about it as a way to change your size. It’s much more than that. It changes …

  • your vitality
  • your diet
  • your physical capabilities
  • your attitude
  • how others view you

… in short, it changes your entire life.

Your next step? Here are three options:

1) Attend one of our free informational seminars. You’ll hear from our surgeons and our patients about the important things you need to know. You can sign up through this website.

2) Make an appointment to see one of our surgeons by calling (516) 616-5500.

3) Click on “Live Chat” in the upper left corner of your screen to have a conversation now.

You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Before and after your surgery, we are here to help you.

Category: Expert Advice, Health Benefits, Information Seminars, Weight Loss

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Monday, August 27, 2012

Do You Know Your BMI?

Most people can tell you what they weigh. Not many know their BMI.

BMI is your Body Mass Index. It’s the primary measure of obesity. It’s a measure of weight proportionate to height. You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared, but the easy way is to enter your height and weight into the BMI calculator on the top of the home page of our website.

Here are the descriptions for each BMI rating:

  • 22 to 25: Normal
  • 25 to 30: Overweight
  • 30 to 35: Obese
  • 35 to 40: Severely Obese
  • Over 40: Morbidly Obese

BMI is generally considered to be an effective way to gauge whether a person is overweight or obese, but there are exceptions. Bodybuilders may have a BMI in the overweight range. However, they are not considered overweight because muscle tissue weighs more than fat tissue. In most cases though, BMI is a good indicator.

Our bariatric surgery specialists — and most insurance companies — consider people with a BMI of 40 as candidates for surgery, as well as those with BMI of 30 with a life-threatening complication from their obesity.

There are additional factors to be considered to determine if you’re a good candidate for weight-loss surgery. Generally, surgery should be considered only when other diet and exercise have failed to work for you.

Knowing your BMI is a good first step in educating yourself.

Another good action step: Attend one of our free information seminars, which we hold regularly. Our next one is set for Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at our new office at 380 Second Avenue in Manhattan. You’re welcome to bring family or friends. Dr. Shawn Garber and Dr. Spencer Holover will be there to answer your questions, and patients will be on hand to share their experiences first-hand.

You can reserve your spot at this seminar through this website. You can also check our full seminar schedule. We have many other sessions planned for Manhattan and Suffolk, Westchester and Nassau counties through December, in addition to online sessions.

We also invite you to make an appointment to see one of our surgeons by calling our office at (516) 616-5500 or, if you prefer, click on “Live Chat” in the upper left corner of your screen to have a conversation now.

There’s never a better time than right now to take the first step toward a healthier, happier life.

Category: Exercise, Expert Advice, Health Benefits, Information Seminars, Obesity, Weight Loss

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

A Question You Should Always Ask

Thinking about weight-loss surgery? It’s a big step. It’s a life-changer. You can learn a lot about the experience on our website. Many patients have told their stories here.

If you’re considering your options, we have one important piece of advice for you. Before you select a bariatric clinic, always ask this question:

Are you a Center of Excellence?

The answer at the New York Bariatric Group: Absolutely!

We were awarded that designation by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

“Center of Excellence is a designation based on experience, good outcomes, safety record and hospital infrastructure, including special furniture, such a special beds, chairs and gowns, to make sure you are very comfortable during your hospital stay,” says Dr. Shawn Garber, head of the New York Bariatric Group. “All of the factors combined make for a much safer surgical experience for patients to undergo surgery.”

The Center of Excellence certification program was created by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery along with the Surgical Review Corporation to better ensure quality in bariatric surgery. The certification is based upon an independent review of programs.

To earn the Center of Excellence designation, we underwent a series of site inspections, during which all aspects of our surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected.

Only one out of every 300 bariatric surgery centers have earned this designation. Studies clearly show the best run bariatric centers have the highest success rates and the lowest rates of complications.

As a Center of Excellence, we agree to share information on clinical pathways, protocols and outcomes data — to be an active leader in our field.

And as a Center of Excellence, we provide you with the tools you need for a successful life-changing experience. We work together to find a program that’s right for you, so you can start living life to its fullest.

If you’re seriously considering weight-loss surgery, we invite you to make an appointment to see one of our surgeons by calling our office at (516) 616-5500 or, if you prefer, click on “Live Chat” in the upper left corner of your screen to have a conversation now.

We are fully committed to helping you along your journey of discovering a healthier you.

Category: Expert Advice, Obesity, Procedures, Weight Loss

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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Have You Seen This Yet?

If you are taking the time to read this blog, we are guessing that you are considering serious action to lose your extra weight. Good for you!

By scanning through our blog series, you’ll find the personal stories of people like you who have struggled through the challenge of obesity, made the big decision to undergo weight-loss surgery and have interesting stories to tell about the amazing changes in their lives.

By conducting thorough research, you are doing the right thing. It is a big decision, leading to major life changes. The more you know, the more confident you will be that your decision is the right one.

Beyond this blog, this website has such a wealth of information that you may not have found it all yet. So to help you with your research, here are a few links you may find useful:

  1. Have lots of questions? You’re not alone. For answers to the most commonly asked questions we get, click here
  2. Concerned about insurance and financing? There are options. Click here.
  3. Did you know we offer free informational seminars at several locations? Click here for a schedule.
  4. We’re proud of our New York Bariatric team. To meet our team members via video, click here.
  5. For more patient success stories, including before and after photos, click here

And there’s more: Right from our home page, you can:

  • Find our BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator — an important number to know if you’re considering surgery.
  • Watch our Dr. Garber explain lap-band surgery on the Dr. Oz show.
  • Catch the heartwarming story of Carrie Wilson, popular singer and daughter of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, who tells Montel Williams about her weight-loss journey.

Our website name is easy to remember: www.stopobesityforlife.com.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment to see one of our surgeons, call our office at (516) 616-5500 or click on “Live Chat” in the upper left corner of your screen to have a conversation now.

Good luck to you!

Category: Expert Advice, Health Benefits, Weight Loss

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