Press and Media Inquiries
About Slimband
Slimband is Canada's premier weight loss group, specializing in reversible laparoscopic weight loss surgery with a unique 5-year aftercare program that includes nutritional counseling and coaching. Clients benefit from safe, long-lasting weight loss, increased energy levels and in many cases, the control or elimination of weight aggravated conditions like sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. Slimband has helped more than 6,000 patients realize their dreams of losing excess weight and feeling their best.
Press Releases
Toronto, ON, January 16, 2013 – According to a recent survey by Virgin Mobile, 51% of Canadians make New Year's resolutions, but more than half abandon them after just one month. Healthier living continues to be a leading goal, with 30% resolving to exercise more, lose weight or eat better in 2013.
Meanwhile, the obesity crisis continues to worsen. According to a 2011 study by Statistics Canada, 24.1% of adults were obese between 2007 and 2009. Obesity rates jumped about 10% for men and 8% for women from levels seen between 1986 and 1994.
Slimband recently conducted a number of online surveys examining what should be done to deal with this fast-growing problem. These surveys attracted responses from hundreds of Canadians who identified themselves as both obese and non-obese.
The health impacts of obesity are serious and widely acknowledged. But the problem goes much deeper. Here are just a few of the surprising responses the Slimband surveys returned:
- Obesity poisons interpersonal relationships: Of the 918 respondents who answered this question, 79.1% said their weight negatively affects their relationships with the people they're closest to, such as family, friends and co-workers.
- Employers see overweight workers as lazy: A strong majority—80.6%—felt that managers see obese employees as less productive than other workers. That vastly increases the odds of being passed over for raises and promotions. According to a recent study by Tennessee State University economists Charles Baum and William Ford, obese men and women can expect to earn 1% to 6% less than other employees.
- Nutrition labels are getting attention: There were a few rays of sunlight in the results that Slimband uncovered. For one, more Canadians are reading—and paying attention to—the nutrition labels printed on food containers. A full 83.0% read these labels, and 52.3% said they do a good job of letting consumers know what's in the food they eat.
- Key education programs continue to resonate: Canada's Food Guide and ParticipACTION, two fundamental government efforts to promote healthy living, remain popular: 94.5% of respondents were familiar with Canada's Food Guide, while 69.4% knew about ParticipACTION, which promotes regular exercise. More than 60% felt Canada's Food Guide was effective, and 50.5% gave ParticipACTION a passing grade.
"Our research into the obesity crisis continues to show that it affects all aspects of people's lives, from mental health to employment prospects," said Slimband CEO Michael Scott-Smith. "That makes swift action to control the problem all the more important. At Slimband, we're determined to play a leading role in tackling obesity using the wide-ranging expertise we've developed during our long history in the weight-loss business."
About Slimband
Slimband is Canada's premier weight loss group, specializing in reversible laparoscopic weight loss surgery with a unique 5-year aftercare program that includes nutritional counseling and coaching. Clients benefit from safe, long-lasting weight loss, increased energy levels and, in many cases, the control or elimination of weight-aggravated conditions like sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. Slimband has helped more than 6,000 clients realize their dreams of losing excess weight and feeling their best.
Overweight Women
Toronto, ON, July 17, 2012 – A new study suggests that IVF fertility treatments may be less effective for obese women trying to become pregnant. In a press release, Slimband encourages overweight women undergoing IVF fertility treatments to lose weight, which may improve their chances of conceiving with the treatment. "Regardless of whether a woman is undergoing IVF treatments, losing weight if you're obese is absolutely something that should be done to improve health and quality of life" the company said in a statement. Read more.
Toronto, ON, July 11, 2012 – The American Medical Association (AMA) has endorsed providing annual education about obesity to public school students in the United States. In a press release, Slimband supports this position on obesity education: "We applaud the decision of the AMA to support classes on obesity awareness… Obesity is a deadly disease that affects a growing number of North Americans." Read more.
Toronto, ON, May 8, 2012 – Slimband Team Participates in Annual Goodlife Fitness Toronto 5K Run/Walk; Company Matches Funds Team Raises for Canadian Diabetes Association
A team of Slimband staff members participated in the Goodlife Toronto Marathon's 5 km run / walk during the past weekend, and raised $610 to support the Canadian Diabetes Association, a sum which is being matched by Slimband to raise the total to $1,220.The Goodlife Toronto Marathon has been a Toronto tradition for 35 years, drawing hundreds of participants each year.
The Slimband team comprised: Dietitians Alexandra Friel, Ashley Comstock, and Rachel Hannah, Post Op Support Nursing Associate Joanna Hollie Yu along with Katherine Good and Ken Pollard.
"We have so many patients who are affected by diabetes, and we want to do something to show how much we care. I'm a big believer in the idea that every little bit helps," said Dietitian Alexandra Friel, the team's organizer.
More than 9 million Canadians are currently living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes – high levels of fat in the bloodstream may destroy insulin producing cells in the Pancreas. For years, all that was available to diabetes patients was advice on lifestyle changes and medications. Now, there is new evidence that weight loss surgery, such as adjustable gastric banding and gastric bypass surgery, may help those living with diabetes.
Slimband congratulates these employees not only on their completion of the run, but also on their support of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
"I am very proud of the team because of their commitment to our patients and eliminating diabetes," said Toula Zootis, Patient Support Manager at Slimband.
Toronto, ON, April 9, 2012 – Slimband, Canada's leading weight loss surgery clinic is pleased to announce the winners of the draws for two Slimband weight loss surgery procedures. The winners are Cheryl Tessier, 40, of Pickering, Ontario, and Heather Blake, 52, of Toronto, Ontario.
The entries were received during the 2011 National Women's Show, and the Zoomer and International Home Shows.
"Emotionally I think it will be freeing," said Blake of her upcoming Slimband weight loss procedure. Blake's struggles with weight began at a young age. "Gym (class) was horrific for me… even running for the bus now (is an effort)," she said. Blake currently weighs 211 pounds and hopes to reach a goal weight of 130 pounds with Slimband.
During her early 20s' Blake joined Weight Watchers; it became an on again off again effort that she couldn't stick with. "I would go to meetings and say 'please don't weigh me.'"
Blake first heard about Slimband several years ago when she read an ad in a magazine, but the procedure was out of reach financially. At the Zoomer Show she decided to enter the draw. Now she looks forward to a lasting, permanent weight loss solution that will allow her to stay healthy and active instead of living with the health risks that excess weight can bring.
"I think this is a wonderful opportunity and I feel blessed."
Cheryl Tessier, 40, of Pickering, Ontario, is the winner of the Slimband draw at the 2011 National Women's Show.
At 220 pounds she wants to reach a goal weight of 140 pounds with the help of her Slimband.
As a 16-year-old, Tessier weighed 250 pounds. She lost over 100 pounds through diet and exercise, but slowly regained the weight as old eating habits took over.
After moving to Toronto where she works as an Escalation Manager for TELUS, Tessier met her husband and gave birth to a daughter. After the arrival of her daughter, Tessier's weight began to climb again. "I felt I didn't have time (to eat healthy). Everything became about what could get done quickly. Healthy eating fell by the wayside," Tessier said.
After she has her Slimband procedure Tessier is hoping to have more energy to keep up with her 5-year-old daughter. I'm really excited. I didn't think I would ever have an opportunity like this. I'm a very lucky person."
"We're so pleased to give Cheryl and Heather the gift of a weight loss solution that works for the long term. We'll be there for them every step of the way as they work to achieve their weight loss goals," said Lisa Borg, COO at Slimband.
Press Release Archives
Toronto, ON, February 1, 2011 – Slimband, North America's premier weight loss surgery clinic, today announced Olga Horbaczuk of Mississauga, Ontario, as the winner from the November 2010 National Women's Show.
The contest, which received hundreds of entries, was promoted at the National Women's Show in Toronto, which ran from November 5 - 7, 2010. As the winner, Olga will receive a Slimband surgical procedure and 5 years of follow up care valued at $16,000.
"This should be the end of the diet road for me," said Olga.
Before her current job as a receptionist for a medical company in Mississauga, Olga not only tried various diets unsuccessfully, she even worked for the companies that promoted them. But now the stars have aligned for Olga as she prepares for permanent weight loss success.
Slimband decided to hold the contest to give the gift of weight loss to someone who might not otherwise be able to afford the procedure. Visitors to the November 2010 National Women's Show were encouraged to fill out a ballot at the Slimband booth. The contest was open to all Ontario residents.
Slimband has been North America's premier weight loss surgery clinic for more than 10 years. Their experienced team of surgeons has given more than 6,000 men and women a permanent solution to losing weight and keeping it off. Slimband has offices and fill locations across Canada.
"We are pleased to be giving Olga the chance of a lifetime," said Lisa Borg, Vice President of Marketing for Slimband. "I speak for everyone at Slimband when I say we're excited that we are able to give Olga, a lifelong dieter, a permanent solution to achieving weight loss success."
Toronto, ON, October 22, 2010 – If you’ve always wanted to lose weight but felt that weight loss surgery was out of your reach because of the associated costs, then now’s your chance of a lifetime as Slimband announces a special attendee sweepstakes promotion for the 2010 National Women’s Show in Toronto, ON, November 5 – 7, 2010.
The prize package, a Slimband gastric banding procedure valued at approximately $16,000, will be awarded to one lucky National Women’s Show attendee on November 10, 2010.
To enter the drawing, attendees must visit the Slimband booth (#807) to complete and submit the contest registration form prior to 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 7, 2010. Only one entry per attendee is allowed. The winner will be chosen by random drawing and need not be present to win. Official rules and requirements are available online click here.
One of the biggest events of its kind, the National Women’s Show is a three-day event that has something for everyone. Food and wine sampling, fashion and beauty, celebrity speakers, fashion shows, free makeovers, entertaining ideas, weight loss solutions, travel, cooking demonstrations and of course-shopping!
For a specially discounted entrance free coupon from Slimband please click here.
Toronto, ON, October 18, 2010 – Slimband Inc. Canada's leader in weight loss surgery, is pleased to welcome Katie Jay, MSW as a guest speaker at their bi-annual Slimband Bandster Symposium, to be held in Richmond Hill, Ontario on November 12 at 11:00am.
Katie Jay, director of the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery, author of Dying to Change: My Really Heavy Life Story and successful WLS participant, will offer an engaging and motivating presentation sharing insights into the importance of changing your thinking and behavior to be successful after weight loss surgery. Her presentation will also touch on the Top 10 Stages of Transformation - an explanation about how to move through the common post-surgical stages, with an emphasis on the mental and emotional transformations that take place.
"We are privileged to have Katie join us for this event and provide us with inspiration based on her vast experiences as a certified life coach and successful weight loss surgery patient." says Sharon Mueller, Director of Patient Support at Slimband. "We sought after a speaker who has strong personal ties to the weight loss surgery community. Katie Jay has been on the world's stage, and we are very interested in how her insights will galvanize all of our patients in achieving their weight loss goals."
To learn more about this event please click here.
Presale tickets are $30 (includes buffet lunch) until November 7, 2010. Tickets are available online click here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Andrea Langdon
pr@slimband.com
416.923.7546
