Friday, January 28, 2011
Today I saw a Old Friend........
It's always interesting to me to see someone I have not seen in over a year. I see this old friend and he didn't recognize me at first. It's always a compliment that comes with the question " How did you do it? " I don't have a issue telling my story of trial and error and finally the "BIG" Decision. My old friend was very interested in what I did and had a friend who is too! How exciting a opportunity to save another life or even 2!! Do you tell everyone, some people, no people about your surgery? I want to hear your thoughts! Cheers! Michel Demma
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Khalili Center on ABC!!
Woman With Diabetes Gains 85 Pounds to be Eligible for Gastric Bypass
By KIM CAROLLO, ABC News Medical Unit1/21/2011, 1:25 PM EST
Doctors Say Bypass Surgery Effective Against Diabetes
Rebecca Blair, a veterinarian from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., got a dreaded diagnosis back in 2007: type 2 diabetes.
"I was on four different oral medications and injections, but my diabetes was very bad and nowhere near controlled," said Blair.
She ate healthy foods and did everything she could to lose weight, but wasn't successful at either dropping the pounds or bringing her blood sugar under control.
Blair said she watched a lot of health-related television programs and learned about overweight people who had a gastric bypass surgery that actually helped their diabetes in addition to helping them lose weight.
"That sparked my interest, and I did some more research," said Blair. After that, she was convinced she wanted to have a gastric bypass.
But the bariatric surgeon she saw, Dr. Theodore Khalili of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, dashed Blair's hopes.
"Her BMI [body mass index] was too low to do a gastric bypass, because we follow the guidelines set by the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]," said Khalili. Those guidelines, he said, recommend against doing bariatric surgery on diabetics with a BMI less than 35. Blair's was only around 24.
Blair was undeterred.
"I did more research, then I tried to find a clinical trial, and then I decided to gain weight," she said.
Blair hoped to gain enough weight to qualify for a bypass -- and eventually she did. She gained about 85 pounds over a two-year period by eating a lot of fat.
"When she came back, she qualified for surgery," said Khalili, who by then had founded the Khalili Center for Bariatric Care in Beverly Hills. "She underwent the surgery, and is now down to one diabetes medication that she can probably discontinue soon."
But Khalili and other surgeons say that while gastric bypass seems to work wonders for diabetics by resolving their condition and helping them lose weight, they would never recommend that any patient deliberately gain weight in order to meet criteria for weight loss surgery.
"There are potential problems that revolve around some of the other comorbidities that can occur when you gain weight, such as hypertension and high cholesterol," said Dr. Ronald Clements, professor of surgery and director of the Center for Surgical Weight Loss at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It can also cause complications if a person is already diabetic.
"I never tell patients to gain weight, but the reality is that some of them do," said Dr. Nestor De La Cruz-Munoz, associate professor of surgery and chief of bariatric surgery at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.
They also stress that any surgery comes with potential complications of its own and should never be a rash decision.
While it's unethical to encourage bad behavior in order to get a good outcome, doctors recognize that situations like Blair's are difficult.
"The symptoms of diabetes may get resolved by losing weight, but she can never get rid of the condition," said Clements.
Gastric Bypass Very Effective at Resolving Diabetes
Blair started getting relief from her diabetes within a couple of weeks of her surgery, which was back in September. Doctors say it can often get better even faster than that. Diabetes can resolve entirely or be brought under better control.
"A gastric bypass can induce changes in gastrointestinal hormones because as a result of the surgery, the hormones get redirected through the gastrointestinal tract," said Clements.
"The hormonal effects cause diabetics to go into remission, though the mechanism of that is unknown," said De La Cruz-Munoz.
Because of the hormonal effects and the weight loss, for many obese diabetics, a gastric bypass offers double benefits.
Gastric bands can also help diabetics because they lead to significant weight loss, but there's no hormonal effect.
"The band only works by placing a restriction around the upper part of the stomach," said Clements. "You don't get the immediate effect of rerouting the bowels and redirecting hormones."
Recognition of Benefits on the Rise
Surgeons say there's more awareness of the benefits that bariatric surgery can offer people with weight-related problems. Just last month, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel voted in favor of lowering the eligibility limit for lap band procedures to a BMI of 30 for those with conditions like diabetes and 35 for those with no weight-related problems.
"I think absolutely the BMI limits for diabetics are going to be lowered," said Khalili.
"If we're talking about gastric bypass, we would be doing it for metabolic reasons in addition to weight loss," said Clements.
They also say insurance companies may soon be more willing to pay for bariatric surgery given the benefits it provides.
"Multiple studies have shown weight loss surgery to be cost-effective over a period of 18 to 24 months," said Khalili. "Insurance companies recoup the cost within two years."
Blair's insurance company paid for her surgery because of her diabetes, but she said if she had to, she would have paid for it out of of her own pocket. She said it's far cheaper to pay for the surgery than it is to pay for years of diabetes drugs.
By KIM CAROLLO, ABC News Medical Unit1/21/2011, 1:25 PM EST
Doctors Say Bypass Surgery Effective Against Diabetes
Rebecca Blair, a veterinarian from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., got a dreaded diagnosis back in 2007: type 2 diabetes.
"I was on four different oral medications and injections, but my diabetes was very bad and nowhere near controlled," said Blair.
She ate healthy foods and did everything she could to lose weight, but wasn't successful at either dropping the pounds or bringing her blood sugar under control.
Blair said she watched a lot of health-related television programs and learned about overweight people who had a gastric bypass surgery that actually helped their diabetes in addition to helping them lose weight.
"That sparked my interest, and I did some more research," said Blair. After that, she was convinced she wanted to have a gastric bypass.
But the bariatric surgeon she saw, Dr. Theodore Khalili of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, dashed Blair's hopes.
"Her BMI [body mass index] was too low to do a gastric bypass, because we follow the guidelines set by the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]," said Khalili. Those guidelines, he said, recommend against doing bariatric surgery on diabetics with a BMI less than 35. Blair's was only around 24.
Blair was undeterred.
"I did more research, then I tried to find a clinical trial, and then I decided to gain weight," she said.
Blair hoped to gain enough weight to qualify for a bypass -- and eventually she did. She gained about 85 pounds over a two-year period by eating a lot of fat.
"When she came back, she qualified for surgery," said Khalili, who by then had founded the Khalili Center for Bariatric Care in Beverly Hills. "She underwent the surgery, and is now down to one diabetes medication that she can probably discontinue soon."
But Khalili and other surgeons say that while gastric bypass seems to work wonders for diabetics by resolving their condition and helping them lose weight, they would never recommend that any patient deliberately gain weight in order to meet criteria for weight loss surgery.
"There are potential problems that revolve around some of the other comorbidities that can occur when you gain weight, such as hypertension and high cholesterol," said Dr. Ronald Clements, professor of surgery and director of the Center for Surgical Weight Loss at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It can also cause complications if a person is already diabetic.
"I never tell patients to gain weight, but the reality is that some of them do," said Dr. Nestor De La Cruz-Munoz, associate professor of surgery and chief of bariatric surgery at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.
They also stress that any surgery comes with potential complications of its own and should never be a rash decision.
While it's unethical to encourage bad behavior in order to get a good outcome, doctors recognize that situations like Blair's are difficult.
"The symptoms of diabetes may get resolved by losing weight, but she can never get rid of the condition," said Clements.
Gastric Bypass Very Effective at Resolving Diabetes
Blair started getting relief from her diabetes within a couple of weeks of her surgery, which was back in September. Doctors say it can often get better even faster than that. Diabetes can resolve entirely or be brought under better control.
"A gastric bypass can induce changes in gastrointestinal hormones because as a result of the surgery, the hormones get redirected through the gastrointestinal tract," said Clements.
"The hormonal effects cause diabetics to go into remission, though the mechanism of that is unknown," said De La Cruz-Munoz.
Because of the hormonal effects and the weight loss, for many obese diabetics, a gastric bypass offers double benefits.
Gastric bands can also help diabetics because they lead to significant weight loss, but there's no hormonal effect.
"The band only works by placing a restriction around the upper part of the stomach," said Clements. "You don't get the immediate effect of rerouting the bowels and redirecting hormones."
Recognition of Benefits on the Rise
Surgeons say there's more awareness of the benefits that bariatric surgery can offer people with weight-related problems. Just last month, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel voted in favor of lowering the eligibility limit for lap band procedures to a BMI of 30 for those with conditions like diabetes and 35 for those with no weight-related problems.
"I think absolutely the BMI limits for diabetics are going to be lowered," said Khalili.
"If we're talking about gastric bypass, we would be doing it for metabolic reasons in addition to weight loss," said Clements.
They also say insurance companies may soon be more willing to pay for bariatric surgery given the benefits it provides.
"Multiple studies have shown weight loss surgery to be cost-effective over a period of 18 to 24 months," said Khalili. "Insurance companies recoup the cost within two years."
Blair's insurance company paid for her surgery because of her diabetes, but she said if she had to, she would have paid for it out of of her own pocket. She said it's far cheaper to pay for the surgery than it is to pay for years of diabetes drugs.
Meal Planning
How do you plan your day out? Do you eat breakfast in the morning? I find it the most important to eat every morning because it jump starts your metabolism and your day! It's really a must do. I usually now have been taking in chicken to work to eat through out the day and avoid snacking on other choices that would not be good as protein. I usually will make the chicken different ways to keep it "interesting" and not the same old chicken every day. Share some of your thoughts with me or subjects to talk about. This blog is about all of us not just me. Cheers
Meal Planning
How do you plan your day out? Do you eat breakfast in the morning? I find it the most important to eat every morning because it jump starts your metabolism and your day! It's really a must do. I usually now have been taking in chicken to work to eat through out the day and avoid snacking on other choices that would not be good as protein. I usually will make the chicken different ways to keep it "interesting" and not the same old chicken every day. Share some of your thoughts with me or subjects to talk about. This blog is about all of us not just me. Cheers! Search Amazon.com for bariatric advantage
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Energy
How do we as Weight Loss Patients use all this energy we have gained? I'm not just talking about physical energy. We have a better feeling about how we look and feel. It's like the perfect story right? Wrong! We don't always see the positives that people who don't have the surgery just don't understand. My goal is to be positive and give off positive energy. I have a passion to help others and guide others. Positive energy is necessary to be productive and be a good leader. Think positive and be positive! Cheers to life!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Today I am Presented wirh a Life Time Opportunity!
I am doing a Television Interview and have a Opportunity to tell my story at The Khalili Center in Beverly Hills, CA! I'm awaiting as the PR guy Don should be here shortly! I will let you all know how it goes! Cheers!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Support Team
Who is your support team? Who is there when your down or having a tough time? We can't reach out to food to cover up our feelings anymore. Those days are over and I'm sure glad they are! Thank your supporters who ever they may be. Remember how much they do for you. Cheers! Michel
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
One Year and One Day!
Wow! Time flys when your loosing weight! Almost 200 Pounds and I couldn't imagine going back! They say after one year you cam drink alcohol again. It's been over 15 months for me. I choose not to and continue my focus. Alcohol in my opinion is empty calories and it's not part of my healthy new life. If you need support or have a question contact me any time! mdemma99@gmail.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Today is my ONE Year Anniversary!
Wow! One year ago today I made the biggest change of my life! I wouldn't change my mind for the world!! Almost down 200 Pounds in such a short time. I'm so lucky and so grateful. Thank you to The Khalili Center (www.khalilicenter.com) for all the support, love, care, and all you have done! My family and friends for everything you have done and the support every day!! Cheers to Life! Happy 2011!!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Support Group Temecula Tonight!
Join me and fellow patients at 6 PM for our monthly support group! Free! Bring anyone you wish! Thornton Winery 32575 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 Question? Lost? Michel 909-210-9776
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Saturday!
Great busy day at work. It's January and we actually have customers! It's so AWESOME! How do you plan your meals with your busy schedule? How do you keep up on your protien? Do you have snacks such as protien bars or drinks? Share some thoughts with me. Cheers! Enjoy your day!
Good Morning!
Did you wake up today and weigh yourself? Is this a common practice? Some people have to do this several times a day! Put that scale in the garage! Get it out of your sight. Getting on the scale daily is pointless and sure doesn't help you with your goals. I'm guilty as anyone else, and this is a goal for me to put the scale far far away. Think about it.
Friday, January 7, 2011
First Post 1-7-11
Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog! This is my first post. Today I realize you never know where life will take you. What dreams or hopes do you have for 2011? Putting your self first is a priority and needs to be one of yours! We all did this surgery to help us and need to focus on our selves. I know it's hard and I am the first to admit it. To a Happy New Year! Cheers! Michel
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