Center for Bariatric Surgery

When Diet and Exercise are not enough

The struggle with weight is not entirely your fault.  We at the St. James Center for Bariatric Surgery understand this. The decision to have surgery is a personal one.  The Lap Band ® System along with diet and lifestyle changes has been shown to result in weight loss success by

• Decreasing appetite and hunger
• Assisting with portion control at meal times
• Increasing satiety
• Long term weight loss maintenance

“The Council of The Obesity Society recognizes that obesity is a complex condition with numerous causes, many of which are largely beyond an individual’s control. It also recognizes that obesity causes much suffering, ill health, and earlier mortality and that persons with obesity are subject to enormous societal stigma and discrimination. ”  Obesity is more than lack of personal control.  One cannot “will” away the disease of obesity any more than one can “will” away other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or arthritis.  Obesity is a combination of lifestyle choices, genetics, social and cultural factors. 

For many, suffering from obesity can be like spinning your wheels in the mud. The more you try to lose weight the more weight you gain.  Many people state that they cannot engage in physical activity due to joint pain or physical impairment. However, the less you move the more weight you can gain making it even harder to move.  Also, as one gains weight, especially in the abdominal area, biochemical mechanisms that promote obesity are activated (turned on), further impeding weight loss efforts.   Weight loss and regain can become a vicious cycle that is hard to break. 

Not only are there personal struggles with food and lifestyle choices, but the American culture encourages obesity.  According to Dr. David Kessler, former FDA commissioner, “The food industry creates foods that hijack our brains. They have fat, sugar and salt, which are highly stimulating. They condition us so that even the sights and smells associated with them activate your brain [in ways that make you want food].”  In the US, large portions of food are all around us.  Drive down any 1 mile stretch of busy road and you will most likely past at least 5 restaurants serving portions that encourage over consumption of high calorie foods.

For reasons mentioned above, surgical intervention has become an option for many individuals struggling with weight and health.  In 2008, 220,000 surgical interventions were performed in the United States.  By requesting more information or calling 1-800-STJAMES surgical placement of the Lap Band ® system can become a reality for you, moving you one step closer to long-term weight loss and improved health.