It’s a new year, time for a new, more interactive website!  We will be posting a newsletter monthly and we welcome any comments or suggestions on our message board or you can email us directly at ami@georgiacoastsurgical.com or janet@georgiacoastsurgical.com.

StomaphyX Now Available

The StomaphyX Device for incisionless surgery is now offered at Georgia Coast Surgical.  This breakthrough procedure is for Gastric Bypass patients who have regained their weight and are having trouble losing it again.  The StomaphyX is done through the mouth so there are no incisions, no visible scars and most patients can return to work as early as the next day.  The procedure is performed by an endoscope inserted down the central shaft of the StomaphyX.  Once inside the stomach, a small section of the stomach wall is suctioned up into the device and fastened with a suture-like fastener creating a fold called a plication, as many as 10-20 plications may be created depending on the needs of the patient.

Dr. Henderson said, “Hundreds of StomaphyX procedures are now being performed successfully worldwide, and it is with great excitement that we bring it now to Georgia Coast Surgical.”

For more information on the Stomaphyx visit www.endogastricsolutions.com.

Did You Know

Bariatric Advantage Vitamins are available in our office!  We have the chewable multivitamins in Watermelon, Lemon Cream, Orange and Berry flavors; the chewable calcium supplements in Cinnamon and Wild Cherry flavors, the Passion Fruit chewable Iron and the Sublingual B-12.  We now have the multivitamin capsules for patients who would rather not chew their vitamins.  You may also visit www.bariatricadvantage.com to purchase your vitamins online.

New Procedure

Dr. Henderson is now offering the Gastric Sleeve procedure.  The Gastric Sleeve surgically removes the left side of the stomach leaving a pouch roughly the size and shape of a banana.  Since the Gastric Sleeve does not require the rerouting or reconnecting of the intestines it is a simpler surgery than the Gastric Bypass and does not require the implementation of an artificial device like the Gastric Adjustable Band.  To find out if you or a friend would qualify for the Gastric Sleeve call us and make an appointment to speak with Dr. Henderson.

Refer a Friend

Do you have friends who struggle with their weight?  Refer someone to our practice and receive a $25 Visa gift card when they complete surgery.  Weight loss surgery has helped most of us enjoy a more fulfilled life so help a friend or family member enjoy the same freedom that health can provide.

FYI

Dates and times of the local support groups are listed on our event calendar.  If you are struggling with your weight loss or just looking for someone who knows what you are going through the support group is a wonderful way to reach out.  Meetings are held in Brunswick, Waycross, Savannah and Collins.  We are working on a web-based support group for our patients who have hectic schedules and/or live too far away to make a group. 

Free to all Georgia Coast Surgical patients, the Back on Track program is a two session, non-judgmental program that will provide additional skills and knowledge needed to help you refocus on your weight loss goals or maintenance. Annette Mallard, a successful gastric bypass patient, is the program facilitator. She is a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, a Certified Personal Trainer, and a Bariatric Coach.

The sessions are February 23, 2008 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and March 1, 2008 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Each session will take place on Saturday in Conference Room 1 located on the Brunswick Campus of Southeast Georgia Health System. Attendance is required for both sessions.

Please call or email to register: (912) 466-7428 or dproulx@sghs.org