Uncategorized

Center of Excellence Program (COE) Inspection

by + • 

LifeShape passes COE insection

This past Friday, the Health First LifeShape program and the Melbourne Same Day Surgery Center were inspected by a surgeon inspector from the American College of Surgeons. This is part of the College’s Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery Program. (COE). We attained provisional status a few months ago and Donna, Judy, and the whole LifeShape team have been working hard to prepare for the inspection. Donna is standing behind a whole rack of binders that describe every facet of our program. The inspection went very well. The inspector has recommended us for approval and the final determination will occur within 60 days. The inspector was very complimentary about our program in general, but more than anything, gushed over the quality and dedication of Donna and the staff at Health First LifeShape and Melbourne Same Day Surgery Center. Of course, I knew that and feel very privileged and fortunate to have such an excellent staff.

Uncategorized

Medications Used for Weight Loss

by + • 

Image curtesy of www.pixelperfectdigital.com

Image curtesy of www.pixelperfectdigital.com

As those of you who have had lap-band surgery with LifeShape may remember,we often have Pharmacy students who are rotating at the surgery center. This rotation is with our exceptional PhD Pharmacist Norm Tomaka. One of his more industrious students has compiled a blog post that lists all the medications that are sometimes used to treat obesity. This is brought to you curtesy of:

Thuy-Hien Le
Nova Southeastern University
College of Pharmacy

 

  Brand Generic Mechanism of Action Common Side Effects
Short Term Use: Generally less than 12 months Tenuate® Diethylproprion Exact MOA unknown. Works by stimulating CNS activity  (sympathomimetic), which increases heart rate and blood pressure and decreases appetite Constipation, xerostomia, N/V, BP increase restlessness, abdominal pain, headache
Adipex-P®, Suprenza® Phentermine Exact MOA unknown. Works by stimulating CNS activity  (sympathomimetic) Palpitation, tachycardia, dizziness, insomnia, headache, tremor,
Bontril® Phendimetrazine Exact MOA unknown. Works by stimulating CNS activity  (sympathomimetic) Palpitation, tachycardia, HTN, flushing, insomnia, agitation, headache, tolerance
Didrex Benzphetamine Exact MOA unknown. Works by stimulating CNS activity  (sympathomimetic) Palpitation, tachycardia, BP elevated, restlessness, insomnia, dizziness, tremor 
Long Term Use Xenical®Alli® (OTC) Orlistat Inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases, reducing fat absorption Oily spotting, fecal urgency, fatty stools, fecal incontinence, headache, fatigue
Qysmia® Phentermine / Topiramate Exact MOA unknown. Phentermine works by stimulating CNS activity, which help decreases appetite while Topiramate works by augmenting GABA activity and blocking voltage-dependent sodium channels Paraesthesia, dizziness, dysgeusia (altered taste), insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, speech hesitancy
Belviq® Lorcaserin Decrease food consumption and promote satiety by selectively activating serotonin 2C receptors in the brain  Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, constipation
Off-Label Use: (Non-FDA approval for weight loss) Wellbutrin®Zyban® Buproprion Exact MOA unknown. Inhibits neuronal uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, which appears to lead to a reduction in appetite Xerostomia, headache, agitation, nausea, dizziness, constipation, tremorBBW: Suicidality
Topamax® Topiramate Exact MOA unknown. Blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels, augments GABA activity, antagonizes glutamate receptors, inhibits carbonic anhydrase Metabolic acidosis, paresthesia, somnolence, dizziness, weight loss, fatigue, nervousness, ataxia, visual disturbance, speech hesitancy
Zonegran® Zonisamide Exact MOA unknown. Blocks voltage-dependent sodium and calcium channels, stabilizing neuronal membranes and suppressing neuronal hyper-synchronization, inhibits carbonic anhydrase Somnolence, dizziness, anorexia, nausea, headache, irritability, agitation, fatigue, impaired memory
Glucophage®Glumetza®

Fortamet®

 Metformin Decreases hepatic glucose production and intestinal glucose absorption; increases insulin sensitivity Diarrhea, N/V, flatulence, indigestion 

Black Box Warning: Lactic Acidosis
Adderall® Dextroamphetamine / Amphetamine Exact MOA unknown. Stimulates CNS activity; block reuptake and increases release of norepinephrine and dopamine in extraneuronal space Anorexia, insomnia, headache, emotional lability, nervousness, tremor, visual disturbance 

Black Box Warning: Abuse Potential
Phase 3 Clinical Trial Contrave® Buproprion & Naltrexone Exact MOA unknown. Buproprion increases level of dopamine activity, which leads to a reduction in appetite by increasing activity of POMC neurons. Naltrexone work byblocking opioid receptors on the POMC neurons N/V, constipation, headache, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

Lap-Band Study Demonstrates Benefits to Less Severely Obese Patients

by + • 

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric BandLifeShape Bariatric Center of Florida has helped more than a thousand people lose weight and regain their lives with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band), and our comprehensive follow up program. Over the years, we have continued to be strong proponents of the Lap-Band, due to its excellent performance in terms of both safety and effectiveness. When the band was first approved for use in the United States, it was reserved for patients with severe obesity (a body-mass index of 40 or higher) and for patients with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with an obesity-related condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. However, criteria for the band was later expanded for use in obese patients with a BMI of 30 to 39.9 who have at least one obesity-related condition. The Lap-Band is the only weight loss surgical procedure FDA approved for patients in the BMI 30 to 35 range. The expanded indication for the Lap-Band is largely due to its high degree of safety.

Recently, several studies have shown that the use of the Lap-Band in lower BMI patients can be both effective and safe. One of these studies was published in the journal Obesity last month. Led by Dr. Robert Michaelson, bariatric surgeon in Washington State, the study involved 149 patients who had a BMI of 35 to 39.9 and did not have an obesity-related condition or who had a BMI of 30 to 34.9 with at least one related condition. The findings supported extending the use of the Lap-Band to patients with a lower BMI, as a mean to treat patients before they go on to develop serious conditions related to obesity.

The researchers reported that one year after undergoing the procedure, nearly 85 percent of the patients had lost at least 30 percent of their excess body weight, with an average excess weight loss of 65 percent. About two thirds percent of the patients were no longer obese – a substantial milestone to achieve. In addition, many patients with obesity-related conditions experienced improvement; Sixty-four percent of those with high cholesterol, 59 percent of those with high blood pressure and 85 percent of those with diabetes had improvement at one year. Highlighting the safety of the procedure, reported side effects were overall mild to moderate, and resolved within a month. We are pleased to see ongoing research on the potential for the band to help lower BMI patients, as well as those with higher BMIs.

At Lifeshape, we specialize in outpatient laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. We offer both the Allergan AP LAP-BAND system. We also offer the Pleated Band (also known as the i-Band, i-Lapband, or the Plicated Band) and Laparoscopic Gastric Plication. You can learn more about our surgical weight loss options–and whether surgery may be a good option for you–by attending one of our free informational seminars. You can register online here.

LifeShape Wellness Newsletter

Welcome to the LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida May Wellness Newsletter!

by + • 

We hope this newsletter finds you healthy and happy. With our monthly newsletter, we aim to provide you with up-to-date inspiring information to continue to create, achieve and maintain overall optimum health. As always, LifeShape is here to help you accomplish your wellness goals.

In the News section this month, I share information of how weight loss surgery, specifically the LapBand, can offer patients a significant overall improvement of metabolic syndrome (NEWS). I still find it amazing the change LapBand can offer a person regarding quality of life, longevity and overall health.

In the Nutrition section, our LifeShape Dietician Kristine shares the details of the much debated fruit and fat: the avocado. Learn about the wonder fruit’s health benefits (NUTRITION). And in our Exercise section,  LifeShape Trainer Beth Whalen, CPT, shares motivation through the importance of embracing forbearance and discipline in respect to your health (EXERCISE). Also in LifeShape Fitness Center news, Christie will be leaving the fitness industry to pursue other goals. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

In our Featured section this month, we have a guest health contributor, Sarah Fudin, from George Washington University’s online public health Masters program, offering a helpful guide to online information resources for weight loss (FEATURED).

LifeShape is here to offer you a way to achieve long-term weight loss success, while regaining your health. As a multidisciplinary full service weight loss center, LifeShape offers a surgical program specializing in the Adjustable Gastric Band, a medical program utilizing Optifast ®, and personalized fitness programs at the LifeShape Fitness Center in a private and supportive environment. Our team will provide you with the support you need to achieve your weight loss, fitness and wellness goals.

We have lots of Seminars to choose from. Please remember to check the schedule below if you are interested in attending (EVENTS).

I hope you enjoy our helpful tips. We hope to inspire you with motivation, encouragement and support to begin your journey today!

Dr. Mark A. Fusco
Medical Director
LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida
Office: 321-728-7553
www.lifeshape.net
If you have received this email from a friend, and would like to receive the LifeShape Wellness Newsletter monthly, subscribe by clicking here!

LifeShape Wellness Newsletter

Lap-Band Study Demonstrates Long Term Improvement in Metabolic Syndrome. By: Dr. Mark A. Fusco, LifeShape Medical Director & Board Certified General Surgeon

by + • 

The findings of a new study presented at the American College of Cardiology conference this month showed that the majority of 50 obese patients who had laparoscopic gastric banding (Lap-Band) saw resolution of metabolic syndrome that was sustained for five years after the procedure. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions – increased blood pressure, a high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels – that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Being overweight and inactive are major contributors to the syndrome.

The 50 patients included in the study had a body mass index (BMI) of between 30 and 40, with an average of 35 and at least 1 obesity-related co-morbidity. Almost half of the patients met metabolic syndrome criteria at the start of the study, and most had resolved at one year post-surgery and persisted throughout year 5. In addition to great improvement in metabolic syndrome, the study reported great weight loss results, with the mean BMI dropping from 35.1 to 27.9 at 5 years. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol all improved at years 1 and 2 and fasting blood glucose was significantly reduced and sustained out to 5 years. The researchers concluded that “laparoscopic gastric banding produces significant weight loss and resolution of metabolic syndrome by improvement in multiple diagnostic criteria and reduces use of diabetes and blood pressure medications. These changes persist over 5 years following surgery.”

Dr. Christine Ren Fielding of NYU was involved with the study. She explained that the purpose was to examine the effect of early intervention bariatric surgery, specifically using the Lap-Band, on metabolic health in obese patients with BMI 30-40. She said, “Many people, including some physicians, have felt that bariatric surgery should be reserved for people with a BMI well over 40. However, as bariatric surgeons we know that people with a BMI as low as 30 suffer from metabolic syndrome and benefit from bariatric surgery.”
metablolic syndrome
The image on the right is a poster that was produced by a company to hang in exam rooms to educate waiting patients about the metabolic syndrome. Interestingly, I once met the man pictured in the poster. Subsequent to the production of the poster, he underwent successful lap-band surgery and resolved his metabolic syndrome.

LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida specializes in laparoscopic gastric banding. You can learn more about laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding on our website, or by attending one of our free informational seminars held at various site around Brevard and Indian River counties, and in Orlando.

LifeShape Wellness Newsletter

Learn more about the LifeShape program by attending a free informational seminar!

by + • 

Our long term weight loss success is changing people’s lives daily! Come learn more about how Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery may help you regain your life. Choose from one of the upcoming dates and locations.

The following seminars will be held at the MIMA location:
1130 Hickory Street
Melbourne, Fl

Wednesday, June 5th, 2013 at 6:30 PM
Thursday, July 11th, 2013 at 6:30 PM

For all other upcoming seminar dates and locations click here: http://www.lifeshape.net/contact_us_for_free_seminar.html

For questions and registration, please contact Kerry Owens by calling 321.728.7553 or by emailing kerry.owens@mima.com.

And remember as a LifeShape Patient, you have the opportunity to attend our monthly support groups. Call us to learn more and to find out dates at 321.728.7553.