Surgeon:  Keith McEwen MD

I am a 56-year-old automotive executive who has a family history of obesity. All of my family (both sides) are overweight and have struggled with this issue. I have been on every diet in the alphabet, but with limited results. After gaining and losing for 45 of my 56 years, I finally reached the conclusion that I needed medical science to overcome my genetic shortcomings. I set out to study all of the procedures available, and after a month of exhaustive review, came to the realization that the LAP-BAND® System was the right choice for me. I signed up for a seminar in July of 2006 and was immediately sold on this being the right decision, both from a procedure and surgeon standpoint. On August 23rd 2006, I went in for the surgery weighing 282 pounds with a 48” waist. The procedure went well, as I was an “outpatient” at a fabulous surgery center, that felt more like a luxury hotel, not a hospital (exactly what I needed),and began the journey of long term weight loss. After nearly six years, I am now at 170 pounds and wear 32” waist slacks and have never felt better in my life. I have the energy of a 30 year old (at least that is what my employees say) and have kept the weight off. Now I feel as though I should have done this 10 years ago! Dr. McEwen and his staff have been wonderful with my follow-up visits and have really encouraged me to come to seminars and tell my story, and share that there can be hope, and most of all, results from the pain of obesity.

AFTER LAP BAND SURGERY WITH DR KEITH MCEWEN & LAP BAND INDIANA

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I did not care but did not think it was a big deal either….I was not a sweet eater, hated cake, ice cream, or anything for that matter that was a sweet. Halloween time was boring because I would get dumb stuff that I hated.

Well, after 4 children, and several health issues I had topped the scales close to 365+….so…in January of 2007, I decided I had to do something…and started researching the gastric lap band.

I went for my consultation in Feb, and went through all the pre approval process that was required, and my package was submitted to the insurance for approval….and then I waited.

But…I went to Target and bought a bike. Heavy bike…but one I could ride. Started riding over at Patoka Lake Dam area 1 mile, than 2, than 3, and so on….eventually, was up to about 7 miles at my highest weight.

I was following part of the diet that they gave me while waiting to see if I could get approved….

Second week in May, I got the call that changed my life…I was approved…..

The next day I drive to Fishers to have my pre surgery consult, and start my liquid diet…OH YUM…LOL

May 31, 2007 I looked at myself one last time and said….this is it…..and the last thing I asked Doc was how long it would be till I could ride again…he smiled and I was asleep.

I woke up and in the late afternoon John helped me walk the halls….I knew the more I moved the better I would feel…I was determined to do this right.

After I went home I followed the liquid diet prescribed for me and gradually started introducing soft foods, than hard back into my diet, until I was eating normal, but smaller portions.

Weight was coming off for me and I was feeling good. I got a new trek hybrid bike from a bike store in Jasper, and signed up for my first organized bike ride…It was August 2007, 75degress at 7am, and all I wanted to do was to finish the route…and I did….I was so elated….

I was hooked…all I wanted to do after that was ride….

Once I hit 100lb mark for myself in May of 2008, got my first road bike…..

Along the way, I have had several setbacks with family illness, stress in my life, and getting back into old habits….

A dear friend of mine kindly reminded me how far I had come and not to give up…….and encouraged me to make the call to get back into the doc…I did.

In July 2010, I began with about 26lbs back on that I had lost, and decided no more excuses…this will be done.

I had set several goals for myself starting in January, and I made my March goal a week later than accepted, but still made it… Some of those goals are to eliminate carbonated beverages like I was supposed to, which I am doing better at…..and the other was to keep climbing the hills…which I am….It does not matter how I get there, walk or ride…I will get there.

I am about 25 lbs away from my doctors goal for me, but I hope to go even less than that…as long as I am able to continue.

I never thought I would be this close…..

They took pictures today and then gave me some before pictures that shocked me.

I want to thank all of my friends, family, face book support (some I have never met in person and some I haven’t seen in sometime), and co-workers, because without you…..it would not of happened.

So many judge weight loss surgery as a Easy out…but I can tell you first hand it is not easy….it is a new way of living…period…the things you could eat before, will not make it down if you try….and it is very easy to “eat around” the band and or use liquids to get your calories, and cause extreme weight gain and bloting.

I have to watch what I do all the time, but you know what?? it is fine with me….I love my new life, I love the way I feel, and I love my family support…..they are amazing….

I am posting some pictures that they gave me today…I would not share, but I want everyone to know…it can happen…..John and I are now mountain biking and road riding, along with hiking and are planning on kicking each other’s butts on the road and trails this year.

Thanks again for being there…

How it works
Without any stomach cutting or stapling, the LAP-BAND® System reduces your stomach’s capacity, restricting the amount of food you are able to eat at one time. Plus, you feel full faster and stay full longer, so you wind up eating less.

Today’s LAP-BAND AP® System is:
Designed for Advanced Performance: our most advanced device approved by the FDA.
Developed in collaboration with leading bariatric surgeons, this third-generation device is built on the proven performance of the LAP-BAND® System.
Specially designed with our proprietary OMNIFORM® technology — with pre-curved sections (or pillows) that conform to fit your body better, minimizing leaks due to creases or folds. This offers a 360° inflation area for an even distribution of pressure, more secure placement, and complete coverage of stomach anatomy. The result: a perfect fit right from the start.
Designed for increased flexibility; with two sizes and a wider range of adjustments to suit your precise needs.
Available in two sizes to allow Dr Keith McEwen to choose the best option for you.

Join us for a Free Information Session on Weight Loss  Terre Haute.

Dr Keith McEwen, medical director of Indiana Obesity Center, will present information on medical and safer surgical weight loss options.  The Lap Band system has been performed by Keith McEwen MD since 2005.  Over 600 Lap Band Indiana Patients have experienced weight loss and improved medical conditions with our Lap Band Certified Total Care Program.  If you are looking for an experienced surgery with Adjustable Gastric Banding, please take this opportunity Terre Haute.

Location:  Holiday Inn Terre Haute   3300 US 41 South, Terre Haute Indiana 47802.  To register:  email  lapbandindiana2500@comcast.net or bingram@ecommunity.com.   View our website www.lapbandindiana.com or call 317-621-2511

“Similar to the current indication for Lap-Band and our supporting promotional activities, we will continue to raise awareness of the proper benefit/risk profile of the device for patients who may be candidates based on their BMI qualifications,” said Caroline Van Hove, and Allergan spokesperson, in an email. She declined to discuss specific marketing plans for the new indication.

The Lap-Band implant requires surgery and can be expensive, making insurance coverage a key element in product sales. Hove said the Lap-Band is “currently covered by most insurance plans in the US for patients who are morbidly obese,” but coverage for patients eligible through the new indication “may take up to two years,” she said.

Wish TV indy Style will feature Dr Keith McEwen on his results with the LapBand System in INdiana. Dr McEwen is the medical director of Indiana Obesity Center. He is a proctor for ALlergan, maker of the LapBand System. Dr McEwen has placed over 600 LapBand Systems for patients in INdiana. Patients have averaged 68% of excess weight loss with the LapBand System. Weight loss is individual and adjustable with the LapBand System.

WASHINGTON – About 12 million more obese Americans could soon qualify for surgery to implant a small, flexible stomach band designed to help them lose weight by dramatically limiting their food intake. The Food and Drug Administration will make a final decision on the Lap-Band in the coming months.

The device from Allergan Inc. is currently implanted in roughly 100,000 people each year and usually helps patients lose 50 pounds or more. Under federal guidelines, it has been limited to patients who are morbidly obese.

On Friday, a panel of FDA advisers recommended expanding use of the device to include patients who are less obese. The panel voted 8-2 that the benefits of broader approval outweighed the risks.

If approved for wider use, the Lap-Band could be available to more patients.   It will help prevent super morbid obesity with earlier intervention.  The Lap Band System or Realize System are both adjustable, restrictive, and removal devices. 

But experts stress that the Lap-Band cannot stop deeply ingrained behavior that drives people to overeat.   The procedure is a lower cost option that Roux en Y (commonly referred to as Gastric Bypass).  It is routinely performed as an outpatient.  .

More than a third of all American adults are obese. About 15 million of them meet criteria for gastric banding surgery under existing guidelines, which say a person should have a body mass index of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher if the person suffers from a weight-related medical problem such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

If adopted, the proposal would lower the Lap-Band requirement to a BMI of 35 or higher, or as low as 30 with one related health problem.

The rate of obese adults remained consistent in the state in the past year. Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state in the past year, according to the F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009. In addition, the percentage of obese and overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.