Q & A with Terry!
Q. Why did you decide to have the Lap-Band over other types of weight loss procedures?
A. I chose the Lap-Band over the other types of weight loss procedures because it was the least invasive, offered faster recovery and didn’t involve malabsorption of nutrients. I truly felt that this was the better option for me.
Q. What was your deciding factor(s) in choosing SmartShape?
A. I didn’t feel like just another number or patient. Everyone knew who I was and I got the feeling that everyone actually cared. During the consultation, my surgeon was very caring and understanding. Because I am from out-of-province, I felt that the team at the clinic made the pre-operative process very easy and made sure I would have access to their affiliated offices in my hometown for Lap-Band adjustments.
Q. Do you have any tips for someone who is thinking of having the Lap-Band procedure?
A. Make sure you have a great support system in place, from family to friends to even co-workers. The support I have received since the procedure has been overwhelming. Also, don’t be ashamed of having the surgery. For the longest time, I didn’t want to tell anyone. But this is what I needed to do, in order to get myself to a healthier state and ensure that I would be around for my kids.
Q. What is your life like now after being banded in 2008?
A. Life now is completely different. I’ve lost over 200lbs! I enjoy doing outdoor activities and no longer a bench warmer. I am able to play with with my kids and am no longer ashamed to travel to hot destinations and sit on the beach. The best part is that I still enjoy all my favorite foods, just in smaller portions.
Did You Know?
SmartShape is an internationally respected weight loss clinic in research and publications. Part of the reason why SmartShape has been so successful is attributed to the fact that they understand their patients & their needs. Its team continues to stay on top of developments and education regarding obesity in Canada and effective therapies, such as weight loss surgery, available in medicine today. Since 2009, SmartShape has contributed significant global research studies on the safety and effectiveness of the Lap-Band through publications in various respected medical journals.
In 2010, SmartShape became the first Canadian clinic to publish one of the world’s largest studies on the safety of the Lap-Band as an outpatient procedure.
Learn more about SmartShape!
SmartShape Joins CIBC Run for the Cure
The fight against breast cancer is one that has touched many lives, including the team at SmartShape Weight Loss Centre. On Sunday, October 6th, SmartShape will join thousands of Canadians in the Annual CIBC Run for the Cure hosted by The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
This is SmartShape’s second year of participation. Last year, in association with the Plastic Surgery Clinic and Miracle 10 Inc., “Support the Girls” raised over $5,000 for the cause.
Sweet Quinoa Surprise
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups low fat, low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ yellow bell pepper, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ English cucumber, diced
- ½ cup low fat feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ dried cranberries
- 2 – 3 tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
DIRECTIONs
- In a saucepan, bring quinoa and broth to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer; cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until broth is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine chickpeas, pepper, cucumber, feta and cranberries.
- Fluff quinoa with fork and add to bowl. Drizzle with vinegar and oil & toss well to combine.
Reference: http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Recipes/Main-courses/Sweet-Quinoa-Surprise.aspx