Lap-band surgery now available in Yuma

Yuman Dawn Shephard used to weigh 278 pounds.

In August 2001, pregnant with her second child and at the height of her weight gain, Shepard said she was having trouble doing everyday things.

And by the time her children were almost 2 and 4, she said, she wasn't as active as she wanted to be with them.

That's when Shephard decided to get bariatric surgery with the Lap-Band System, a device placed around the upper part of the stomach to help promote weight loss.

When Shephard got the procedure in 2002, she had to go to St. Luke's Hospital in Phoenix, but now patients are able to get the procedure at Yuma Regional Medical Center, which means less time on the road for patients.

Dr. Candice Jensen, a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery, held an informational session about the new procedure at YRMC.

"I think it's really important to stay in your community," Jensen said.

Jensen said people are still driving three hours each way to have the procedure, whether they're going to Phoenix or San Diego. That means every time a patient goes for the surgery or any kind of checkup, the patient is spending about six to eight hours plus travel expenses and/or lodging if the patient decides to spend the night.

The procedure, which may or may not be covered by some insurance providers, can cost around $18,000 without insurance.

But Jensen said there are very few cars under $18,000. "And you're worth more than $18,000."

Jensen, who came to YRMC in September, is excited about the new procedure available for Yumans.

"I'm very invested in this community, and I want to see this grow," she said.

Shephard said she's excited for the new procedure at YRMC, too.

For those who say the surgery is cheating, Jensen doesn't think so. "This is just a tool to help you achieve a goal."

Shephard, who is not a patient of Dr. Jensen's, agrees.

"It has to be a decision for every single day," Shephard said talking about the lifestyle changes she had to make in order to have the Lap-Band.

She said she's given up a lot to lose the 140 pounds: steak, carbonated beverages and other food items

But it wasn't just what she's had to give up. Losing the weight is also a slow process. She lost about 3-1/2 pounds a month, but Shephard said it's worth it.

Today, her children are 7 and 9. She's under 150 pounds and has the energy she always wanted.

"I'm the same person in a different body, but I definitely have more energy. I would do it again in a heartbeat and invest the money in myself.

"What better money spent than improving your life with your family."

The program is accepting candidates now, and Jensen expects to perform the first surgery here in Yuma mid-May.

For more information on the bariatric surgery program at YRMC, call 336-LITE (-5483). For more information on the Lap-Band product, visit www.lapband.com.

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Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.