New advancements are made in weight-loss treatment, management and surgery every day, and the Weight Loss News Room is here to keep you up to date on the latest developments in the world of losing weight. This is the place to find the most important weight-loss news, with links to the complete articles from newspapers, medical journals, trusted organizations, as well as top doctors and researchers in the field.

Procedures like vertical gastrectomy, Roux en Y gastric bypass, and duodenal switch can help battle long-term effects of obesity on cognitive functions like memory and thinking.

San Francisco, CA - October 17, 2006 - A study presented at the Endocrinological Society's meeting in June and reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has linked obesity-related insulin resistance with decreased brain function and early Alzheimer's Disease.

Although insulin is best known as a regulator of blood glucose levels, the study shows that insulin also acts in the brain to aid memory and thinking. When insulin regulation is disrupted--as is common in many common medical conditions like obesity and diabetes--the risk for cognitive impairment increases dramatically.

"This study demonstrates that insulin resistance and diabetes- often accompanied by obesity increase the risk for debilitating late-life memory impairment and early Alzheimer's disease," says Dr. Paul T. Cirangle, of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco.

In the study, The Institute for the Study of Aging focused on 71 adult patients with impaired glucose tolerance or Type 2 diabetes who underwent cognitive testing over a four-month period. Performance on memory tasks improved in participants who received anti-diabetic agents, but not in the placebo groups.

"One of the therapeutic approaches to memory loss includes control of insulin levels and weight loss," explained Dr. Cirangle. "Bariatric surgery is the only proven method in maintaining long-term weight loss, based on a 1992 NIH Consensus on the subject. Bariatric procedures like the vertical gastrectomy, Roux en Y gastric bypass, and duodenal switch should be performed early to prevent cognitive impairment and decrease in brain function."

Often severely obese patients suffer from co-morbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorder, which have been shown to cause brain dysfunction. Serious co-morbidities that go hand-in-hand with obesity are often entirely eradicated following bariatric surgery.

According to the American Medical Association, diabetes is cured in 77% of bariatric surgery patients and resolved or improved in 86% of patients. Most patients are off all of their diabetes medications or have significantly reduced doses in the first three months after bariatric surgery. Blood sugar glucose levels and Hemoglobin A1c levels usually return to normal or near normal.

About http://www.lapsf.com [Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco] (LapSF) is a team of surgeons with a compassionate approach to patient care and a proven commitment to laparoscopic advancement for bariatric surgical procedures. Specializing in the four main weight-loss surgeries: http://www.lapsf.com/roux-en-y-gastric-bypass-weight-loss-surgery.php [roux-en-y gastric bypass], http://www.lapsf.com/vertical-gastrectomy-weight-loss-surgery.php [vertical gastrectomy], http://www.lapsf.com/lapband-weight-loss-surgery.php [LapBand®] and http://www.lapsf.com/duodenal-switch-weight-loss-surgery.php [duodenal switch], LapSF has performed over 1,200 procedures, and is recognized by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) as a Center of Excellence.

Vertical gastrectomy is mentioned as a safer option for people considering weight-loss surgery.

San Francisco, CA - October 3, 2006 - In a recent study, a group of physicians from Switzerland led by Dr. M. Suter, MD, PD, FACS, examined the long-term complications related to LapBand® weight-loss surgery. The study demonstrated that LapBand® long-term complications increase over time.

The study followed 317 patients who received LapBand® surgery between June 1997 and June 2003. The physicians gathered data from 81.5% of these patients after seven years. Patients were followed for an average of 74 months. The patients received a LapBand® or a SAGB (Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band), according to the surgeo's preference. (Studies have demonstrated no significant statistical difference between the complication rates of these two devices.)

Overall, 33.1% of patients had at least one long-term complication related to gastric banding. Long-term complications related to LapBand® included leaking, progressive food intolerance, and band erosion. Many of these complications can be avoided and have been reduced with more careful patient selection and improvement in surgical technique.

Despite the seemingly unfavorable results of Suter's study, the average amount of weight loss after the surgery remained very acceptable. When asked to comment on the long-term effects of LapBand® in terms of this study, bariatric surgeon Gregg Jossart, of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, said, "Even at 10 years, there are a lot of LapBand patients with good weight-loss results and no complications. In the end, i's up to the patient to decide on the course of action they feel is best for their overall health. Our own surgical data demonstrates that the vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a good alternative to the LapBand in decreasing the likelihood of long-term complication"

Although other studies have followed the results of gastric banding, most reported data within a two to four year period. The Suter study concluded that, until more is learned about decreasing long-term risk, alternatives like vertical gastrectomy should be considered.

About http://www.lapsf.com [Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco] (LapSF) is a team of surgeons with a compassionate approach to patient care and a proven commitment to laparoscopic advancement for bariatric surgical procedures. Specializing in the four main bariatric procedures: http://www.lapsf.com/roux-en-y-gastric-bypass-weight-loss-surgery.php [Roux en Y Gastric Bypass], http://www.lapsf.com/vertical-gastrectomy-weight-loss-surgery.php [Vertical Gastrectomy], http://www.lapsf.com/lapband-weight-loss-surgery.php [LapBand] and http://www.lapsf.com/duodenal-switch-weight-loss-surgery.php [Duodenal Switch], LapSF has performed over 1,500 procedures, and is recognized by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) as a Center of Excellence.

Article offers evidence that dietary and exercise measures are not enough to change disturbing trend

Aiea, HI - September 21, 2006 - Recently published articles in the Star Online Bulletin re veal that more than 20% of Hawaii's youth are overweight, a number twice as high as the national rate.

Research that included a five-year study of 1,400 students, ages 6 to 17, took into account the body mass index (BMI) of every individual - the standard guideline that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses to determine obesity. A staggering 23.8% of the population was found to be obese.

"Since overweight and obese children are at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and o ther health problems, the results of the five-year study are cause for concern", noted a May 10, 2001 Hawaii newspaper edit orial.

Originally, a solution was proposed in the form of a one-year program to increase physical activity and nutritional awareness in five schools in the Kahuku area - depending on the effectiveness of the campaign it w ill be extended state wide in one year.

However, leading physicians urge that such a laissez-faire approach to obesity is not the a nswer. Dr. Paul T. Cirangle, a top authority in laparoscopic surgery at the Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii, stresse s that "dietary methods are successful less than five percent of the time - some further medical action may be needed to en sure that these children have a happy, healthy future ahead of them."

Vertical gastrectomy and sleeve gastrectomy are two procedures Dr. Cirangle recommends for young, obese patients. Because these operations do not impart any mal-absorption, they have no negative effects on an adol escent's normal, natural development.

One of his patients, a 17 year-old male, has lost 151 pounds since undergoing vertical gast rectomy surgery in January. "The results speak for themselves - young children who are not able to comprehend the seriousn ess of their condition, and take the necessary, difficult steps to weight loss, can be provided with proven, medical altern atives to remove them from harm's way," commented Dr. Cirangle.

While the research is disturbing, the medical insight and bariatric expertise provided by the Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii concerning vertical gastrectomy and sleeve gastrectomy is a resource that must be utilized in this serious battle of the bulge.

Please visit http://www.hawaiiweightloss.com [Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii] to learn more, or learn about other http://www.lapsf.com [weight-loss surgeries] at Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (www.lapsf.com).

San Francisco, CA August 14, 2006 - Plus-Personals.com has announced the launch of a new online dating network: www.plus-personals.com. Plus-Personals.com is designed to provide a fun, comfortable and safe online environment where plus-size people can create and develop meaningful relationships with members of the community.

Plus-Personals.com provides the definitive space where single, plus-size men and women can find and meet other plus-size people in their local area or around the world. Plus-Personals.com's mission is to help its budding online community find love, friendship, community support and much more at the click of a mouse.

The website has a number of free services, including multiple photo profiles, quick search functionality, instant messaging, and a private mailbox that allows members to email each other. In addition, by filling out a short online survey, Plus-Personals.com provides a two-way matching service for singles looking for their ideal match.

The inspiration for Plus-Personals.com came from extensive market research that showed plus-size people experience increasing difficulty meeting other quality, plus-size people. The website is designed with the idea of making the user experience easy, more fun, and completely safe and secure. When asked her opinion on an online dating community for plus-size people, Brenda Strickland of Antioch, CA, said, "I'm really excited about the idea of a plus-size, online dating community. I have a difficult time meeting people, and I hate wasting my time on people I have nothing in common with. Plus-Personals.com provides a great atmosphere for me to feel comfortable meeting and interacting with people the way I want to."

Whether it's building a romantic relationship or a new community of friendships, the launch of Plus-Personals.com seeks to fill a void and provide an important resource for plus-size people with busy lives and schedules. Plus-Personals.com will be constantly improving its website to make it more user-friendly and fun for the people who use it. For more information, or to register, please log on to Plus-Personals.com today and get connected with your community.

San Francisco, CA August 12, 2006 A recent study published in the pages of Elsevier, a medical journal covering surgery for obesity and related diseases, concluded that obese patients with a BMI between 32-35 kg/m2 can benefit from laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

The study focused on 37 patients with a BMI between 32-35 kg/m2. These patients suffered from co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorder but did not meet the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) traditional criteria for obesity surgery. A 1991 NIH Consensus established strict limits for bariatric surgery so that a BMI greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2 is required for approval of operative treatment.

Because surgery has been the only method proved effective in maintaining long-term weight loss based on a 1992 NIH Consensus on the subject the study wanted to prove that surgical intervention is a viable option for patients with BMI <35 kg/m2 who have uncontrolled and life-threatening co-morbidities, and have tried to lose weight with no success.

The 37 patients in the study group underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The surgeries were performed by one surgeon, who also conducted all follow-up visits for up to 48 months after the procedure. Of the 37 patients, 36 had total remission of their co-morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorder, GERD, and sleep apnea). The one patient with pre-operative diabetes, hypertension, and lipid disorder reported only mild hypertension post-operatively, and needed one hypertension drug instead of three pre-operatively.

Asked to comment on the results of the study, Dr. Gregg Jossart, of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, stated, "There is an increasing body of scientific evidence pointing to bariatric surgery as the safest, most effective option for people with mild to severe obesity. For overweight people who have attempted to lose weight without success, surgical intervention can resolve serious co-morbidities like hypertension and diabetes, and improve quality of life immeasurably."

The study was carried about by a team of American and Brazilian surgeons, and it was published on February 18, 2006. The study concluded that obese patients with a BMI less than or equal to 35 kg/m2 and severe co-morbidities should be offered laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery as a treatment option.

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco
Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LapSF) is a team of surgeons with a compassionate approach to patient care and a proven commitment to laparoscopic advancement for bariatric surgical procedures. Specializing in the four main bariatric procedures: roux-en-y gastric bypass, vertical gastrectomy,LapBand and duodenal switch, LapSF has performed over 1,200 procedures, and is recognized by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) as a Center of Excellence.

San Francisco, CA August 10, 2006 A recent study published in Elsevier, a medical journal covering surgery for obesity and related diseases, found mortality rates in morbidly obese people who defer bariatric surgical intervention was more than 10 times the expected rate.

Mortality from bariatric surgery for the morbidly obese has been widely reported, but little was known about mortality rates in morbidly obese patients who deferred the different available surgical weight-loss options: roux-en-y gastric bypass, vertical gastrectomy, LapBand® and duodenal switch.

Selected from a master bariatric surgery database of 1,438 patients between 1997 and 2004, the study identified 207 patients who, while meeting National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for surgical intervention, never returned to their medical practitioners for a bariatric surgical procedure.

The results revealed that of the 207 morbidly obese patients screened for the study, 16 (nearly 8%) died within the study period, with 54 years being the average age of death. Given the age distribution of this population, the study expected the number of deaths to be less than one. The study concluded that, for morbidly obese patients who defer surgical weight-loss intervention, the mortality rate is more than 10 times the expected rate.

The study strongly indicates the increasing mortality risk and subsequent danger for morbidly obese people who defer or even postpone surgical weight-loss procedures. In reacting to the results of the study, Dr. Paul Cirangle of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco was startled by the results, adding, "this is a wake-up call for thousands of morbidly obese people in the United States who may be considering weight-loss surgery as an option but not a priority. This study indicates that the consequences for ignoring the problem or deferring it on account of the perceived risk of surgical intervention, can be fatal in itself."

The study was led by Drs. Oluseun A. Sowemimo, Rebecca Ross, Ursula McMillian, Peter Ojo and Randolph B. Reinhold, with help from John Courtney, MPH, and Jessie Moore, APRN, from the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, Connecticut.

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco
Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LapSF) is a team of surgeons with a compassionate approach to patient care and a proven commitment to laparoscopic advancement for bariatric surgical procedures. Specializing in the four main bariatric procedures: roux-en-y gastric bypass, vertical gastrectomy, LapBand® and duodenal switch, LapSF has performed over 1,200 procedures, and is recognized by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) as a Center of Excellence.

New study shows the effectiveness of LapBand® gastric bypass surgery, in comparison with other types of bariatric surgery.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 10, 2006 -- A recent study of 80 overweight adults participating in a 24-month treatment program concluded that gastric surgery with a LapBand® system to be significantly more effective than nonsurgical therapy in reducing weight, resolving the metabolic syndrome, and improving quality of life.

Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine by Drs. Paul E. O'Brien and John B. Dixon (Monash University and University of Melbourne, Australia), the objective of the study was to ascertain in a randomized, controlled trial whether surgery was more effective than dieting for individuals who would not normally weigh enough to be considered candidates for weight loss surgery.

Taking 80 adults with mild to moderate obesity (BMI 30-35 kg/m2) from the general community, the study split them into two groups. The nonsurgical therapy group participated in a program of very-low-calorie diets, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle changes for 24 months, while the surgical group were assigned placement of a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, or LapBand® system.

At two years, the surgical group demonstrated greater weight loss, with a mean of 21.6% of initial weight lost, and 87.2% of excess weight lost, while the nonsurgical group showed a mean of only 5.5% and 21.8%, respectively. Other statistics revealed the metabolic syndrome was initially present in 15 (38%) patients in each group and was present in 1 (3%) surgical patient and 8 (24%) nonsurgical patients at the completion of the study. Quality of life improved statistically significantly more in the surgical group (8 of 8 subscores of Short Form-36) than in the nonsurgical group.

Asked to comment on the study, Dr. Gregg Jossart, of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, stated, "it is significant to see the long-term benefits of bariatric procedures like the LapBand® system, duodenal switch, vertical gastrectomy, and Roux en Y gastric bypass. The study underscores the growing opinion in the medical community that LapBand® and other bariatric surgeries are an effective solution for reducing excess weight and improving quality of life". Dr. Paul Cirangle, a laparoscopic surgeon who practices in the Sacramento, San Francisco and San Jose areas, also commented that the vertical gastrectomy procedure, as demonstrated in the study, is an excellent option for individuals with a BMI between 30 and 35 Kg/M2.

The study was the first randomized trial of contemporary surgical methods, with the editors noting that laparoscopic gastric banding (LapBand®) is an effective treatment for mild to moderate obesity, reducing weight, resolving the metabolic syndrome, and improving the quality of the patient's life during a 24-month program.

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco [www.lapsf.com]

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Laparoscopic Associates performs all weight-loss surgeries laparoscopically, including LapBand®, Roux en Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch and vertical gastrectomy. They also feature a total care support system including Obesity Surgery Seminars, a Patient Support Group, a Chat Room, and a complete resource directory for your obesity help.

More information about weight-loss surgery can be found on LAPSF's Website, www.lapsf.com, or by contacting Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, 2100 Webster Street, Suite 518, San Francisco, CA 94115, phone: 415-561-1310, fax: 415-561-1731.

A new study released by the Mayo clinic reveals the positive impact of Bariatric surgery. Along with weight loss benefits from the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery, they have also discovered important cardiac benefits for patients.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 29, 2006 -- In a first-of-its-kind study of bariatric surgery, the Mayo Clinic studied patients who underwent Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. They discovered the procedure reaps significant cardiac benefits compared to patients enrolled in traditional weight-reduction programs.

The study covered 197 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y surgery, the most common weight-loss procedure in the United States, between 1990 and 2003. The study compared this group to a control group of 163 people enrolled in a traditional weight-reduction program for cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, diabetes indicators, cholesterol levels and Body Mass Index (BMI).

When data from the two groups was compared, those who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery had a more significant improvement in all cardiac risk parameters, such as body weight, lipid levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and fasting glucose levels, despite a reduction in medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Lead author of the study, John Batsis, M.D., said, "We believed the surgical patients would have a modest reduced risk, but instead we discovered there are significant and long-lasting heart benefits for this group." The researchers estimated the 10-year risk for death or cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack, decreased from 37% to 18% in the surgical group, but it remained the same, 30%, for the control group.

When asked for a reaction to the study, Dr. Gregg Jossart, a surgeon at Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, stated, "This confirms that obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and it can be dramatically reduced through weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery procedures like the Gastric bypass, LapBand, Duodenal Switch and Vertical Gastrectomy all offer the potential to improve or cure obesity associated congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and associated cardiac diseases. It's not just a cosmetic procedure for these cardiac patients, it can actually be a life saving procedure."

Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and senior author of this project, believes this study has major public health implications because it approaches two epidemics: obesity and heart disease. "This study proves that major weight loss is followed by an impressive reduction in risk factors for heart disease and a significant reduction in the use of medications for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure."

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco :

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Laparoscopic Associates performs all weight-loss surgeries laparoscopically, including LapBand®, Roux en Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch and vertical gastrectomy. They also feature a total care support system including Obesity Surgery Seminars, a Patient Support Group, a Chat Room, and a complete resource directory for your obesity help.

More information about weight-loss surgery can be found on LAPSF's Website, www.lapsf.com, or by contacting Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, 2100 Webster Stre et, Suite 518, San Francisco, CA 94115, phone: 415-561-1310, fax: 415-561-1731.

The latest study given to the World Congress of Osteoarthritis reveals that Bariatric Surgery influences more than just weight loss for patients. New information reveals the beneficial impact of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery on musculoskeletal symptoms.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 29, 2006 -- A new study was presented to the World Congress of Osteoarthritis, containing positive new information about the effects of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery, a bariatric surgical procedure. In the study, of 48 patients (47 women and one man) who underwent Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery, 52% of patients saw complete resolution of musculoskeletal symptoms, both in weight-bearing and non-weight bearing sites, six months after surgery.

Dr. Michelle Hooper, of University Hospitals of Cleveland, evaluated 48 patients before and six months after laparoscopic or open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. After the bariatric procedure, she reported that the percentage of patients with a variety of comorbid conditions decreased.

A before-and-after analysis of comorbid conditions revealed that hypertension(high blood pressure) decreased from 52% to 14%, sleep apnea from 46% to 14%, depression from 33% to 14%, type 2 diabetes and asthma both dropped from 30% to 7%.

Perhaps most significantly, Fibromyalgia, a disease characterized by diffuse and or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue and a wide range of other symptoms, resolved in 90% of patients surveyed in the study. Dr. Hooper theorized that the dramatic resolution of fibromyalgia symptoms may be due to a decrease in other comorbid syndromes, particularly depression, and an increase in physical activity.

When asked for a reaction to the study, Dr. Gregg Jossart, a surgeon at Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, stated, "This confirms that weight loss surgery can effectively improve or cure many weight related musculoskeletal conditions. Most interesting is the 90% cure rate for fibromyalgia. This was simply unknown prior to this study. Bariatric surgery procedures like the Gastric bypass, LapBand, Duodenal Switch and Vertical Gastrectomy all offer the potential to improve or cure arthritis, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia and in many cases patients are able to avoid joint replacements."

In addition to the symptom resolution described above, there were also decreases in the following pain symptoms: knee (75% to 44%), ankle/foot (46% to 8%), shoulder (40% to 27%), lumbar spine (38% to 15%), carpal tunnel syndrome (31% to 15%), hip joint (31% to 15%), trochanteric bursitis (29% to 17%), and epicondylitis (13% to 4%).

Dr. Hooper concluded by saying, "obesity is associated with a poor quality of life, which improves significantly after weight loss associated with gastric bypass surgery."

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco:

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Laparoscopic Associates is the only group in the Western United States to perform all weight-loss surgeries laparoscopically. They specialize in Lap Band Surgery, Vertical Gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y Surgery, and the Duodenal Switch.

More information about weight-loss surgery can be found on LAPSF's Website, www.lapsf.com, or by contacting Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, 2100 Webster Street, Suite 518, San Francisco, CA 94115, phone: 415-561-1310, fax: 415-561-1731.

Weight-loss related resolutions made after the New Year have resulted in an increase in obesity surgery inquiries.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) March 10, 2006 -- San Jose-based bariatric surgery centers, hospitals and Web sites have reported a marked increase in weight-loss surgery inquiries in the first month of 2006, according to the San Jose affiliate of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco.

America's pervasive weight problem (2004 census data showed 65% of the population is overweight) has translated into serious resolutions to lose weight in 2006. Dr Paul Cirangle, at Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, reported five times more phone calls in the first two weeks of 2006 compared to the preceding months. There has been particular interest in the four main weight-loss procedures: vertical gastrectomy, Lapband, Roux-en-Y and the duodenal switch.

When asked about this increasing interest in weight-loss procedures, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality, opined that "for adults whose health is severely compromised, using surgery to achieve weight loss is an option", although she added that bariatric procedures should not replace the basics of good health as a solution: "Good nutrition and exercise are key elements of a healthy lifestyle and for achieving a healthy weight."

With proven results, bariatric surgery is gaining wider acceptance in the medical community. The Journal of American Medical Associates (JAMA) recently reported that in 136 weight-loss procedure studies, bariatric surgery resulted in weight loss, and reversed diabetes, in 77% of patients. It also reported lower cholesterol in 70% and eliminated high blood pressure in 62% of patients involved in the study.

Bariatric Surgeon in San Francisco, confirmed that weight loss surgery results are generally quite good and the importance of having it done by an experienced surgeon is becoming increasingly important. The American Society of Bariatric Surgeons has recently announced several programs (surgicalreview.org) that they recognize as "Centers of Excellence" programs and surgeons must have a high volume and low complication rate to qualify.

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco :

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Laparoscopic Associates performs all weight-loss surgeries laparoscopically, including LapBand®, Roux en Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch and vertical gastrectomy. They also feature a total care support system including Obesity Surgery Seminars, a Patient Support Group, a Chat Room, and a complete resource directory for your obesity help.

More information about weight-loss surgery can be found on LAP SF's Website, www.lapsf.com, or by contacting Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, 2100 Webster Stre et, Suite 518, San Francisco, CA 94115, phone: 415-561-1310, fax: 415-561-1731.

Bay Area surgeons at Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco were recognized by the Surgical Review Corporation for high quality and excellence of their practice.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) February 28, 2006 -- After a highly rigorous process, the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) has announced that Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco satisfactorily met the standards set forth and have been designated as an American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, and three of its members: Dr. Gregg H. Jossart, Dr. Paul and T. Cirangle, have received the ASBS Surgery Center of Excellence designation for being able to document and demonstrate the proper resources to perform safe bariatric surgery, and in recognition of a proven track record of excellent short and long-term outcomes for their patients.

In response to the recognition from the SRC, Dr. Cirangle stated, "Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco and our surgeons have worked very hard to create a first-rate surgical center for bariatric procedures, and we are extremely gratified by the acknowledgment." He added, "The center hopes to continue improving in all facets of weight-loss surgery procedures like gastric bypass, lap band, duodenal switch, and Roux en Y, because obesity remains America's most serious epidemic."

Surgical Review Corporation, an organization dedicated to surgical excellence, promotes the delivery of surgical care with the highest levels of efficacy, efficiency and safety. It promotes bariatric surgery as the only effective therapy for morbid obesity and its complications, including hypertension, diabetes, asthma, cardiopulmonary failure, infertility and stress incontinence. Because bariatric surgery is a complex and challenging procedure, SRC and ASBS identified the need to recognize the centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals reach optimal levels of performance.

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco :

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Laparoscopic Associates performs all weight-loss surgeries laparoscopically, including LapBand®, Roux en Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch and vertical gastrectomy. They also feature a total care support system including Obesity Surgery Seminars, a Patient Support Group, a Chat Room, and a complete resource directory for your obesity help.

More information about weight-loss surgery can be found on LAP SF's Website, www.lapsf.com, or by contacting Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, 2100 Webster Stre et, Suite 518, San Francisco, CA 94115, phone: 415-561-1310, fax: 415-561-1731.

A normal life is the reward for suitable candidates

2006-02-12 (HealthDay News) -- When diet, exercise and weight-loss medications fail, surgery can offer hope to some of the 23 million "morbidly obese" Americans who are 100 or more pounds overweight.

Demand for the surgery -- known as bariatric surgery -- quadrupled between 1998 and 2002, according to a recent study in the journal Health Affairs, with more than 71,000 procedures done in 2002. Another study found that more than 100,000 procedures were performed in 2003.

The surgery, while not simple, can change lives, said Dr. Howard Beaton, chairman of the department of surgery at North General Hospital and an attending surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital, both in New York City.

"I've had patients who are able to get jobs they weren't able to get before, people who have gone back to school, gotten college degrees, people who have gotten married and were convinced their spouse would not have looked at them when they were morbidly obese," he said.

"There are little things, too," Beaton added. "These people are grateful just to be able to go to the movies. They couldn't fit in the seat before. They couldn't tie their shoes."

There are three types of bariatric procedures done today, said Beaton. "One is a restrictive procedure which restricts the amount of food you eat -- it's called laparoscopic gastric band surgery. A silicone band is put around the top portion of the stomach so people can't eat as much," he said.

Another procedure is called biliopancreatic diversion, he said. This technique bypasses a large amount of the small intestine and produces weight loss by limiting the number of calories and nutrients the body absorbs.

"The most common operation combines features of both of these, and it's called the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass," Beaton said. (click here for full story.)

2006-02-03 (Reuters Health) NEWYORK - Weight-loss surgery works not just by restricting the amount of food absorbed by the body, it seems. In part, at least, it leads to weight loss by causing hormone changes that reduce appetite and improve sugar metabolism, new research suggests.

If these changes can be mimicked with drugs, it could lead to new treatments for severe obesity, the researchers note.

As reported in the Annals of Surgery, Dr. Stephen R. Bloom, from Imperial College London, and colleagues assessed how stomach or intestinal bypass operations affected hormones secreted by the gut in humans and in rodents.

Patients who underwent stomach bypass had increased levels of two hormones, PYY and GLP-1, which would be expected to produce sensations of fullness after eating, the report indicates. In addition, these patients had changes in their insulin response that would lead to improved blood sugar levels.

By contrast, patients who lost a comparable amount of weight through gastric banding, a procedure in which the size of the stomach is restricted but it's not actually bypassed, did not show these hormonal changes, the authors point out.

In rats, intestinal bypass seemed to cause similar changes in PYY and GLP-1 as did stomach bypass did in humans, the report indicates.

"Following bypass surgery, it is likely that multiple mechanisms act in concert to achieve sustainable weight loss," the investigators note. "Replicating the hormonal milieu that arises as a consequence of (stomach) bypass surgery" with medications holds promise as a treatment for obesity in the future. (click here for full story.)

2005-12-20 -- The number of bariatric surgeries performed in the U.S. increased by 450 percent between 1998 and 2002, a growth the researchers say could be linked with use of the minimally invasive laparoscopic technique, according to an article in the December issue of Archives of Surgery, a journal of the American Medical Association.

Currently, surgery is the only effective sustained weight loss option for patients with morbid obesity, according to background information in the article. "The increased enthusiasm for bariatric surgery coincides with the development and dissemination of the laparoscopic approach to bariatric surgery," the authors write. The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) estimated that approximately 140,000 bariatric procedures would be performed in 2004.

Ninh T. Nguyen, M.D., and colleagues from the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, evaluated Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data for patients who underwent bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity from 1998 through 2002 to see if the recent growth in bariatric operations correlated with the widespread use of laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Between 1998 and 2002, the number of bariatric operations performed in the U.S. increased by 450 percent, from 12,775 to 70,256 cases. Most of the bariatric operations consisted of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which increased from 78 percent of bariatric surgeries in 1998 to 92 percent in 2002. (click here for full story.)

Source: Mayo Clinic
Date: 2005-09-13

Rochester, Minn. - Mayo Clinic researchers report in the September edition of Mayo Clinic Proceedings that bariatric surgery is a safe option for treating obese patients who have coronary artery disease. The study is the first report about the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in patients with coronary artery disease.

Patients with coronary artery disease can see a significant benefit with a successful weight loss procedure. The resulting weight loss is also followed by an improvement in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and sleep apnea, all factors linked to coronary artery disease.

According to Mayo Clinic cardiologist and lead author of the study, Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, "In essence, obese patients with coronary artery disease might be those who need this surgery the most, but get it the least."

The effects on body weight and other cardiovascular risk factors were analyzed in patients with coronary artery disease who underwent bariatric surgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester between March 1995 and January 2002. The researchers found significant decreases in weight loss, body mass index and blood pressure after an average follow-up of 2.5 years.

The use of these procedures has gained acceptance and is now considered an option that physicians discuss with their obese patients when other weight loss options have failed. However, Dr. Lopez-Jimenez said diet and increased physical activity should remain as the initial approach in the treatment of obesity in patients with coronary artery disease.

Source: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Date: 2005-10-03

Bethesda, MD - According to a recent study published in the October journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, physical activity may help reduce gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Researchers found that a high body mass index (BMI) and lack of physical activity were associated with an increase in GI symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Researchers from the University of Washington and University of Minnesota found that obese people who incorporated some form of physical activity into their routine suffered less from GI symptoms than others who were inactive. According to Ronda L. Levy, PhD, University of Washington professor and lead study author, "It is well-documented that maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity can benefit GI health." "Our study is the first to show the benefit of maintaining these healthy habits and staving off the occurrence of GI symptoms in obese people. These findings have future implications for the treatment of both obesity and various GI disorders and symptoms that are more prevalent in this population."

During the last 20 years, the average body weight of Americans has increased by approximately 10 percent, with more than half of the adult population being overweight and nearly one in every three adults diagnosed as obese. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and increasing physical activity are great ways to control weight and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Source: Cell Metabolism
Date: 2005-10-12

Durham, NC - Researcher from Duke University Medical Center and Louisiana State University have found that the gene encoding an enzyme that hinders muscle from burning fat manufactures is three times more prevalent in the muscle of obese people than lean people. This causes the obese muscle tissue to both store more fat and burn less fat.

The study appears in the October 12, 2005 issue of Cell Metabolism. The research was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases, the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, and the American Diabetes Association.

The researchers discovered that skeletal muscle tissue and cells from obese people were programmed to store fat even when removed from the body and forced to grow in the laboratory. This finding suggests the gene, called steroyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), is more active in obese people not only because of excess calorie intake, but also as a result of heritable changes in its regulation, according to senior study author and assistant professor of medicine at Duke's Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Deborah Muoio, PhD.

The gene investigated in the study is present in obese and lean people, but was more active in obese muscle tissue and cells, which means the obese tissue produced larger quantities of enzyme. "Obesity is a very complex disease, and this metabolic pathway does not fully explain obesity, but it is a likely contributor," said Muoio.

Source: New England Journal of Medicine
Date:2005; 352:1138-1145

The average life expectancy has increased for both men and women over the past several years. However, such gains may be wiped out in the future by obesity. Currently, obesity is believed to reduce the average life expectancy by only 4-9 months. Decades from now, life expectancy may be cut short 2-5 years if current trends in child and adolescent obesity continue.

Researchers from Children’s Hospital of Boston and the University of Illinois at Chicago used prevalence data on obesity from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, as well as earlier published estimates of years of life lost from obesity. Both teams agree that the long-term consequences from obesity have yet to be experienced. There is potential that heart attacks and kidney failure become relatively common in young adults. Fundamental shifts are needed in the way people eat and stay active to reverse this trend.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine
Date: 2005; 142:403-411

Researchers from Temple University Health Sciences Center conducted an inpatient feeding study using the Atkins Diet helps to explain why the low-carbohydrate approach is so effective. The study enrolled 10 obese patients with type 2 diabetes in which they were in a strictly controlled environment.

They followed the Atkins Diet for 2 weeks. They had an unlimited intake of protein and fat, but carbohydrates were limited to 20g/day. Immediately after having their carbohydrates cut, the patients reduced their daily energy consumption by 1000 calories per day. In addition, they did not compensate by eating more proteins and fats. According to the researchers, the participants were not bored with food choices leading them to believe that the carbohydrates were fueling the participants’ excessive overeating habits.

The subjects experienced improvements in their glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, hemoglobin A1c, in addition to calorie reduction and weight loss. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels were also lower.