Toronto’s surgical weight loss centre, TLBC completes major rebranding exercise.

Toronto, ON – October 2009 - The Laparoscopic Band Centre (TLBC), a leading provider of gastric banding surgery and support in Canada, has just completed a major re-branding exercise. The project, which has been developed over the past twelve months, has included the identification of materials, brand redesign and finally the introduction of the new brand to the business.

The rebranding has provided the company with an opportunity to evolve, and further infuse a fresh and positive attitude into the company’s overall image. The rebranding exercise has been rolled out across all facets of the company, with the launch of Slimband.com as a key component. The new website serves not only as an information and knowledge resource, but also as an opportunity to interact with staff, as well as current and future clients through the addition of an online community.

Lisa Borg, Slimband Marketing Director said “The Laparoscopic Band Centre (TLBC) has grown strongly over the past four years and our business plan supports further growth and expansion. The development of a strong, distinguishable brand is firmly aligned with our plans and one element which will help us build on our success within the weight loss surgery industry.”

The new brand name will replace The Laparoscopic Band Centre (TLBC) name, website and logos with immediate effect.

Long Term Improvement/Remission of Type 2 Diabetes With Bariatric Surgery Using the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band.

Toronto, ON, July 30, 2009 –A new study presented at the 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery confirms that laparoscopic gastric banding surgery (LAGB) results in sustained weight loss as well as an 83% improvement or remission of Type 2 diabetes.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery (LAGB) not only results in sustained weight loss for morbidly obese patients, but it also provides an improvement or remission of Type 2 diabetes in 83% of the patients. This news, the results of a new study, was presented at the 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The event was held in Dallas, Texas, and Slimband was there to learn first-hand about the ground breaking study.

To date, this is the largest long-term study on the impact of gastric banding on diabetes. This study strongly suggests that there is a definite connection between diabetes and morbid obesity. The study noted that the patients who achieved and maintained a significant weight loss also realized the greatest remission of diabetes in a shorter time frame.

The study included 95 participants who ranged in age prior to surgery from 21 to 68 years, with an average BMI (Body Mass Index) of 46. Researchers from New York University (NYU) Medical Center conducted the study from January 2002 through January 2004. Approximately 88% of the patients were taking oral medications to control their diabetes and about 15% were using insulin. On average, the patients had been diagnosed with diabetes about 6 and 1/2 years before surgery.

As routine follow up to the surgery, the patients’ weight was monitored and blood tests were done. During the first year, researchers followed each patient on a monthly basis, and during the second year the follow-ups were every three months. After that, the follow-ups were annual unless more frequent visits were needed.

At the end of the five-year follow-up period the data clearly showed that in about 40% of patients, diabetes was in remission and in about 43% it was improved, which resulted in a combined improvement/remission rate of 83%.

The incidence of diabetes and obesity is on the rise and that has resulted in several studies for effective methods for sustaining weight loss and for diabetes remission. Bariatric surgery has been shown to be an excellent option for the treatment of morbid obesity as well as a way to improve Type 2 diabetes.

ASMBS is a non-profit organization that works to progressively move forward in the science of gastric banding surgery. This includes educating both medical professionals and the lay public about gastric banding surgery as the treatment of choice for morbid obesity. The ASMBS also educates regarding the risks and benefits of the surgery.

For additional information about laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery, visit Slimband.com.

Slimband Makes Weight Loss Surgery More Affordable for Canadians

Toronto, ON , June 10, 2009 - Slimband today announced the launch of a new payment plan that is making weight loss surgery more affordable for Canadians. The plan requires an initial payment of $2,900, followed by affordable monthly payments of $389 over the course of the program.

Slimband understands the financial pressures faced by many people due to the current economic conditions and does not want this to be a stumbling block in achieving long term weight loss success. Slimband Physician's Assistant, Dr. Umar Dar said "I believe this new payment option will make weight loss surgery a viable option to many who had previously overlooked it due to the associated costs. I'm glad that those people will now have the chance to start their weight loss journey and experience long term weight loss success."

Under the new payment plan, patients will continue to have access to Slimband's extensive post-op support program, which is among the most comprehensive in Canada. The 4 year post-op program includes features such as regular in-person and online events, advice and assistance from fitness and nutrition experts, and access to fill adjustments at locations convenient for patients.

Slimband™ Survey Reveals Weight Loss Benefits in Bariatric Surgery Patients

Toronto, ON, May 22, 2009 – In what could be the largest study of its kind in Canada, Slimband today announced the results of its Weight Loss Benefits survey for bariatric surgery patients.

The survey was completed by 386 post-operative Slimband patients from across Canada. The participants were aged between 21 years and 68 years old, and 88% of the participants were female. Almost three quarters of participants were part way through their weight loss journey, with the remainder either having only recently received surgery, or having reached their goal weight.

The impact of weight loss on self esteem was one of the main themes to emerge from the survey. A remarkable 70% of all participants reported that self esteem and self belief had increased with weight loss. One participant reported, “I have more confidence and make decisions more easily. I don't question myself and just live in the moment more”.

Lifestyle changes, such as increased energy levels and an improved sex life were reported by 60% and one third of all participants respectively. Such lifestyle changes came as a surprise to some participants, with one patient noting that the most unexpected weight loss benefit was “having so much energy, so quickly!”

A reduction in weight associated health issues was common among many participants, with 58% reporting a decrease in general aches and pains. Participants also reported a reduction in problems such as heart burn, joint swelling, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. When asked to name the most rewarding benefit of surgery, participants indicated that it was the knowledge that weight loss was having a positive impact upon life expectancy and overall health that mattered most.

Slimband™ Team Competes in CN Tower Climb and Helps Fight Against Global Warming

Toronto, ON, April 22, 2009 – A team of Slimband employees successfully competed in the 19th Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb for WWF-Canada that took place on April 16th. The CN Tower Climb is a demanding competition in which competitors race up the 1,776 steps (or 144 flights) of the CN Tower. This year more than 400 teams and over 2,200 climbers competed in the Team Challenge division.

The CN Tower Climb is not only a great physical challenge, but also a fantastic fundraising event. The event’s main purpose is to raise funds for the World Wildlife Fund, and in turn combat global warming—our greatest current environmental threat. Slimband’s fundraising efforts contributed over $500 to the cause.

The Slimband team, consisting of members David Ku, Ioana Pescarasu, Leo Palermo, Jen Prosen and Yvonne Tsui completed the trial in fantastic time; all well under the average time of 25 to 40 minutes. A standout performance however, was that of Leo Palermo who completed the climb in 15 minutes and 58 seconds, placing him amongst the top 10 competitors.

Slimband congratulates these employees not only on their completion of the climb, but also on their support of the WWF through fund raising efforts.