July 6, 2009, Georgetown, OH… With a weight problem, a diagnosis of diabetes, a blood sugar level out of control and looming over her head, the concern for having to take insulin shots, Paula Thornton was told by her family doctor that she had to take the weight off.
She had tried every diet plan that came along without any success and her option for long term weight loss became one that led her to Bariatric Medicine Specialist, Dr. John Mobley and to Brown County General Hospital.
On July 2nd, Paula became the first lap-band patient to enter the BCGH surgical department. This was a milestone for the department and a first step to better health for her.
“I am very excited about making this decision,” she said. She explained that Dr. Mobley took his time to explain the procedure and as he is a banded surgeon could really help her understand what she would be going through.
In preparation Paula was placed on a liquid diet for two weeks to prepare for the surgery.“I began to realize the importance of what I was doing,” she said. “I have 5 grandchildren and I want to be around for them for a long time.”This minimally invasive procedure places an adjustable silicone ring around the upper part of the stomach. The ring- or band- is connected by thin tubing to an access port just below the skin. Through this port, the surgeon adjusts the fit of the Lap-Band System by inflating or deflating its inner lining with saline solution to meet the individual need.
The system reduces your stomach capacity and restricts the amount of food you’re able to eat at one time. “I was always hungry,” said Paula. She said she looked forward to planning her new way of cooking, eating sensibly and to the feeling of being full.
Paula will now go on an exercise program and special diet. “My treadmill will finally be used for what it was intended and I plan to take walks around our 50 acre farm in Pendleton County, KY. she said. She added that she has always been a “country” cook,and will now look at food in an all new way. “I plan to cook healthier and to pass this on to my children and grandchildren in order for them not to have to face the medical problems I have had.”
For information on Lap-Band Surgery, Dr. Mobley offers small discussion groups. You can registration for these discussions at Brown County General Hospital, Brown County Family Physicians, Peak Performance and at each BCRGH Family Medical Center located in Mt. Orab, Bethel, and Fayetteville.