Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Nov 2011
Nov 2011: Please See Page 45 and 49 to see my story Published in a Local Business Magazine!
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sugar, Candy & Halloween - TONIGHT'S SUPPORT GROUP
Sugar, Candy & Halloween - TONIGHT'S SUPPORT GROUP The Khalili Center, Beverly Hills, CA
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Gourmet: Enjoying Fine Foods, Coffee and Tea.
Great Article Featuring My Weight Loss Journey! Thanks Linda Kissam!
'via Blog this'
Monday, October 17, 2011
Spotlight on Michel Demma: Thornton Winery | TheWineChixs.com Spotlight on Michel Demma: Thornton Winery | Food, Travel, Shopping, Wine, and Always… Fun
Keeping Slim with Broiled Lemon & Herb Crusted Sea Bass
I was just published in this article!
Keeping Slim with Broiled Lemon & Herb Crusted Sea Bass
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Do you have a iphone? Looking for a AWESOME Running application?
Check out Run Keeper for iPhone! It tracks with GPS your run, walk, etc. You can even add your gym work out manually. I love this app and recommend HIGHLY!!
Cheers!
Michel
Cheers!
Michel
Monday, October 10, 2011
Two Interviews in Two days!
I am excited to announce I am getting interviews again from PR Firms! People want to hear my story and I am so excited to inspire others! I will post the articles once they are published.
Cheers!
Michel
Cheers!
Michel
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles:
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles: 5K Rose Bowl Pasadena! Join Our Team! Sunday October 16, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
" Good Health Makes a Lot of Sence, but it Doesn't Make a lot of $$$!"
What are your thoughts on this quote? I watched a Netflix documentary called FOOD MATTERS. Wow, what a insight on what we put in our mouths and in our bodies! If you see this documentary please comment on your thoughts. It's really well made and exposes what we don't know and don't want to know. Cheers! Michel
Monday, September 12, 2011
The World's Largest Nighttime Running Event™ - Zappos.com Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & 1/2 Marathon - Benefiting Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America - December 4, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
September: Back to reality
September: Back to reality Summer's winding down! But don't despair, you can start this fall fresh with loads of tips to help you feel better, focus your mind and avoid diet traps
Not Without My Obese Child | Fox News Latino
Not Without My Obese Child | Fox News Latino, Very Touchy Subject. What are your thoughts?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Who Benefits Most from Weight Loss TV Shows?
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Published: 12:00 AM, Mon Jun 06, 2011
Who benefits most from weight-loss TV shows?
By Sandy Cohen
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Despite all the "Biggest Loser"-type shows on TV, all the pounds shed by their contestants and all the weight-loss products purchased by viewers, America continues to be the Biggest Gainer.
At least 10 weight-loss shows are airing these days, and on "The Biggest Loser" alone, this season's three top finalists dropped a combined 365 pounds. Yet the rest of us are just getting chubbier, with obesity rates in the United States now the highest of any industrialized nation. In fact, more people are obese today than when "Loser" premiered in 2004.
So why aren't these reality shows helping in the fat fight?
JD Roth, executive producer of "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," thinks they actually are.
"The first step to changing some systemic problem in society is awareness and I think (weight) awareness is at an all-time high," says the 43-year-old producer, who is also behind "Biggest Loser."
Dr. Terry Schaack, medical director of the California Health & Longevity Institute, where "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss" participants do an introductory "boot camp," says there can be a long delay between awareness and action.
In the meantime, in addition to "The Biggest Loser," an ample array of weight-loss shows should offer plenty of inspiration to Americans trying to slim down:
The CW's "Shedding for the Wedding" features overweight couples competing in weight-loss challenges to earn elements of their dream wedding. Lifetime's "DietTribe" tracked the weight-loss progress of five real women over four months of intense diet and exercise. There's also MTV's "I Used to Be Fat," Discovery's "One Big Happy Family" and "A&E's "Heavy."
Two more weight-related series premiered last week: Lifetime's "Love Handles," featuring overweight couples working to heal their relationships as they shed pounds; and ABC's new "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," which follows one super-obese subject each week and tracks that person's weight-loss progress over one year.
Yet even as the number of weight-loss shows continues to expand, so does the nation's waistline. More than 72 million Americans are considered obese and millions more are overweight.
Still, the health and fitness industry continues to flourish: Dietary Supplements bring in $26.9 billion annually, health clubs generate $24.8 billion a year, weight-loss centers take in $3.9 billion in revenue annually. But industry-watchers say this has nothing to do with weight-related reality shows.
"Fitness shows are not driving the trends in fitness, but more grabbing onto the coattails of the success of the fitness industry," says Taylor Hamilton, an analyst with IBIS World. He attributes the growth in gym locations and memberships to an increased overall emphasis on fitness.
Shaack and dietician Paulette Lambert, who is featured on "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," say they wish these shows offered more "teachable moments" for viewers. The format of "Makeover" lends itself to such moments, they say, since it isn't a competition such as "Biggest Loser."
Each "Makeover" episode follows only one person, and the super-obese subjects aim to shed about half their body weight in a year while still living at home.
They're led by Chris Powell, an Arizona-based trainer. His main focus with clients? Overcoming past emotional trauma and rebuilding their personal integrity and sense of self-worth.
"Until that, it's just weight loss that's being forced," says the 33-year-old Powell. "Until they deal with those emotions, it will never stick."
The subjects are shown facing setbacks and the emotional roadblocks that contribute to their dangerously overweight condition.
Bariatric surgeon Ted Khalili, founder of the Khalili Center in Beverly Hills, says he isn't a fan of the weight-loss reality shows.
"Obesity is an epidemic and these shows are trivializing it," he says, noting that the diet and exercise plans are often extreme and unsustainable. Still, Khalili says his patients can take some eating and exercise tips from these popular programs.
Besides a $50 million market of meals, DVDs and other weight-loss products, "Loser" has also inspired an online community of fans who are trying to lose weight themselves. "Makeover" will also include a web component with free tips and recipes for viewers.
"I really see the winners of our show as being the people who watch our show ... It inspires them to keep going or it inspires them to start," says "Loser" trainer Bob Harper.
"It's sort of the tonic to make you look inward at yourself - that's what all these shows do," he says. "If we make someone look at their own life, and it's not even weight-related but it's something else they want to change in their life, to me that's the best rating of all."
On TV
"Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition" airs Mondays at 10 p.m.
Published: 12:00 AM, Mon Jun 06, 2011
Who benefits most from weight-loss TV shows?
By Sandy Cohen
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Despite all the "Biggest Loser"-type shows on TV, all the pounds shed by their contestants and all the weight-loss products purchased by viewers, America continues to be the Biggest Gainer.
At least 10 weight-loss shows are airing these days, and on "The Biggest Loser" alone, this season's three top finalists dropped a combined 365 pounds. Yet the rest of us are just getting chubbier, with obesity rates in the United States now the highest of any industrialized nation. In fact, more people are obese today than when "Loser" premiered in 2004.
So why aren't these reality shows helping in the fat fight?
JD Roth, executive producer of "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," thinks they actually are.
"The first step to changing some systemic problem in society is awareness and I think (weight) awareness is at an all-time high," says the 43-year-old producer, who is also behind "Biggest Loser."
Dr. Terry Schaack, medical director of the California Health & Longevity Institute, where "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss" participants do an introductory "boot camp," says there can be a long delay between awareness and action.
In the meantime, in addition to "The Biggest Loser," an ample array of weight-loss shows should offer plenty of inspiration to Americans trying to slim down:
The CW's "Shedding for the Wedding" features overweight couples competing in weight-loss challenges to earn elements of their dream wedding. Lifetime's "DietTribe" tracked the weight-loss progress of five real women over four months of intense diet and exercise. There's also MTV's "I Used to Be Fat," Discovery's "One Big Happy Family" and "A&E's "Heavy."
Two more weight-related series premiered last week: Lifetime's "Love Handles," featuring overweight couples working to heal their relationships as they shed pounds; and ABC's new "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," which follows one super-obese subject each week and tracks that person's weight-loss progress over one year.
Yet even as the number of weight-loss shows continues to expand, so does the nation's waistline. More than 72 million Americans are considered obese and millions more are overweight.
Still, the health and fitness industry continues to flourish: Dietary Supplements bring in $26.9 billion annually, health clubs generate $24.8 billion a year, weight-loss centers take in $3.9 billion in revenue annually. But industry-watchers say this has nothing to do with weight-related reality shows.
"Fitness shows are not driving the trends in fitness, but more grabbing onto the coattails of the success of the fitness industry," says Taylor Hamilton, an analyst with IBIS World. He attributes the growth in gym locations and memberships to an increased overall emphasis on fitness.
Shaack and dietician Paulette Lambert, who is featured on "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," say they wish these shows offered more "teachable moments" for viewers. The format of "Makeover" lends itself to such moments, they say, since it isn't a competition such as "Biggest Loser."
Each "Makeover" episode follows only one person, and the super-obese subjects aim to shed about half their body weight in a year while still living at home.
They're led by Chris Powell, an Arizona-based trainer. His main focus with clients? Overcoming past emotional trauma and rebuilding their personal integrity and sense of self-worth.
"Until that, it's just weight loss that's being forced," says the 33-year-old Powell. "Until they deal with those emotions, it will never stick."
The subjects are shown facing setbacks and the emotional roadblocks that contribute to their dangerously overweight condition.
Bariatric surgeon Ted Khalili, founder of the Khalili Center in Beverly Hills, says he isn't a fan of the weight-loss reality shows.
"Obesity is an epidemic and these shows are trivializing it," he says, noting that the diet and exercise plans are often extreme and unsustainable. Still, Khalili says his patients can take some eating and exercise tips from these popular programs.
Besides a $50 million market of meals, DVDs and other weight-loss products, "Loser" has also inspired an online community of fans who are trying to lose weight themselves. "Makeover" will also include a web component with free tips and recipes for viewers.
"I really see the winners of our show as being the people who watch our show ... It inspires them to keep going or it inspires them to start," says "Loser" trainer Bob Harper.
"It's sort of the tonic to make you look inward at yourself - that's what all these shows do," he says. "If we make someone look at their own life, and it's not even weight-related but it's something else they want to change in their life, to me that's the best rating of all."
On TV
"Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition" airs Mondays at 10 p.m.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
What's Going On?
Almost 2 years out now and doing well. 210 Pounds Gone! Life is so much better and so much clearer!! I have daily routines I follow and a great plan of eating right, protein intake and exercise. I know as time goes on it could be harder to stay on the "wagon". I hope to stay focused and continue working with patients. Support groups are a VITAL key to your success. Connecting with others who are in the same situation as you. I wish you the best and a Happy Summer!
Cheers!
Michel Demma
www.micheldemma.com
www.khalilicenter.com
Friday, April 29, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Temecula Support Group Monday April 4th, 2011 6-7 PM
Hi Everyone!
It's April and Spring is here! Great time to Get Out and Exercise and Focus on your Goals!
Join me at:
Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92591
909-210-9776
mdemma99@gmail.com
6PM-7PM
RSVP by email or phone if possible or just show up. You are welcome to bring anyone you wish.
--
Michel Demma
www.micheldemma.com
It's April and Spring is here! Great time to Get Out and Exercise and Focus on your Goals!
Join me at:
Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92591
909-210-9776
mdemma99@gmail.com
6PM-7PM
RSVP by email or phone if possible or just show up. You are welcome to bring anyone you wish.
--
Michel Demma
www.micheldemma.com
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
MY FIRST 5K!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
MICHEL DEMMA PUBLISHED ONCE AGAIN!!
http://www.temeculanightout.com/blog/33872/thornton-manager-wins-battle-over-obesity-helps-others-do-the-same
TEMECULA NIGHT OUT
www.temeculanightout.com
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Recent Concerns Expressed Over Lap-Band Marketing
http://arlenehowardpr.com/khalili-center-for-bariatric-care/dr-ted-khalili/1472-dr-ted-khalili-
Monday March 7th at 6 PM Monthly Support Group! Join us!
Can you believe it’s already March?
Please start out the month RIGHT and come to any of the following locations for SUPPORT GROUP on Monday, March 7 from 6:00 pm - 7:00. If you haven't been a meeting before, now is the time to experience all of the support & community we all can offer each other.SSG: TEMECULA
Topic: Inspirations & Issues
Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula
For more information on SSG: Temecula, please contact Michel Demma, Peer Group Leader -
mdemma99@gmail.com or 909.210.9776
For more information on Khalili Center Support Group Date & Times, go to: http://www.khalilicenter.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Michel Demma Bio:
Gastric bypass surgery is a useful tool in the battle against obesity. For many who have gotten to the point that their weight is causing them serious health issues, it is the fastest solution to get their weight back on track. We had the pleasure of speaking to a patient, Michel, who told us his story of weight loss success and how he is maintaining a year after surgery.
"I weighed almost 400 pounds about year ago and I've lost close to 200 in a year’s time. I grew up in a Sicilian family so we're all big eaters with big appetites. My parents are both overweight and I fought weight issues my whole life," says Michel. He decided to make a change for himself and his family. He has a wife and 10 year old daughter and says he finally found the right center to help him both medically and mentally to face the challenge of weight loss.
Michel chose theKhalili Center for Bariatric Care in Beverly Hills
"My recovery was quick and I went back to work within about 4 weeks. Physically I was doing pretty well, and emotionally I was doing pretty well too. It was all a process, and it continues to be a lifelong process," Michel says. He says the pain was minimal and that he was able to get out of bed and walk around within just a couple of hours of coming out of anesthesia.
He has enjoyed several benefits from his weight loss including more energy and the ability to spend more quality time with his family. "It's given me a lot more to live for," says Michel. "Physically and mentally, I'm feeling a lot better." He says that conditions he was facing that were caused by his obesity have disappeared. "I had high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I took about 8 pills a day, every day to take care of all my problems. I don't take anything anymore. Everything is gone."
Michel is very pleased with what he's accomplished but cautions other patients to seriously consider their decision before going under the knife. "You have to remember as a patient that gastric bypass is a tool. It's not a miracle cure and it's not a miracle pill. This is a tool that you can use to help you make lifestyle changes. You also need the support of your doctors and other people who have had the surgery."
He advises joining support groups and actually works with a support group himself to help others achieve success and better health. Working with the group helps him stay motivated as well. "It's nice having people look up to me, but mostly I realize that I need support just as much as they do and that I have issues just as much as they do. To say that I don’t wouldn't be honest with me or with anybody else. I like to reach out to those people and also have them reach my direction too."
Michel says that he is happy with his decision to undergo the surgery and loves his new life. "I feel so much better. I have no regrets," he said. "I just feel 100% better."
"I weighed almost 400 pounds about year ago and I've lost close to 200 in a year’s time. I grew up in a Sicilian family so we're all big eaters with big appetites. My parents are both overweight and I fought weight issues my whole life," says Michel. He decided to make a change for himself and his family. He has a wife and 10 year old daughter and says he finally found the right center to help him both medically and mentally to face the challenge of weight loss.
Michel chose the
"My recovery was quick and I went back to work within about 4 weeks. Physically I was doing pretty well, and emotionally I was doing pretty well too. It was all a process, and it continues to be a lifelong process," Michel says. He says the pain was minimal and that he was able to get out of bed and walk around within just a couple of hours of coming out of anesthesia.
He has enjoyed several benefits from his weight loss including more energy and the ability to spend more quality time with his family. "It's given me a lot more to live for," says Michel. "Physically and mentally, I'm feeling a lot better." He says that conditions he was facing that were caused by his obesity have disappeared. "I had high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I took about 8 pills a day, every day to take care of all my problems. I don't take anything anymore. Everything is gone."
Michel is very pleased with what he's accomplished but cautions other patients to seriously consider their decision before going under the knife. "You have to remember as a patient that gastric bypass is a tool. It's not a miracle cure and it's not a miracle pill. This is a tool that you can use to help you make lifestyle changes. You also need the support of your doctors and other people who have had the surgery."
He advises joining support groups and actually works with a support group himself to help others achieve success and better health. Working with the group helps him stay motivated as well. "It's nice having people look up to me, but mostly I realize that I need support just as much as they do and that I have issues just as much as they do. To say that I don’t wouldn't be honest with me or with anybody else. I like to reach out to those people and also have them reach my direction too."
Michel says that he is happy with his decision to undergo the surgery and loves his new life. "I feel so much better. I have no regrets," he said. "I just feel 100% better."
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
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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