The Transformer
Spring 2022 Edition: Message from Dr. Billing
Transform is experiencing exponential growth this year thanks to you! Many of you have referred your family and friends. It is a testimony to the team we have here that you put your trust in us.
I want to share some very exciting news.
First, we have relaunched the Lap-Band® program. We are the ONLY program in Washington State offering placement of the Lap-Band®. While we manage many patients who have had gastric bands placed by us or others, Lap-Band® placements had stopped several years ago due to lack of corporate support. ReShape Lifesciences™ (lapband.com) has taken over the Lap-Band® System, and Transform has partnered with them to relaunch it in the Pacific Northwest. I have been placing gastric bands since 2003 and I have seen hundreds of people benefit from this technology. I am so glad that ReShape Lifesciences™ has acquired the Lap-Band® System and will help support our program’s development.
Second, we are the FIRST bariatric center in the Northwest to offer the Spatz3 Gastric Balloon. I have been placing gastric balloons for weight management since 2008. This balloon is the first adjustable gastric balloon. Transform has been chosen from a handful of centers in the U.S. to launch this innovative technology. This balloon can be placed or removed in about half an hour using a flexible endoscopy. Currently, it can remain in the stomach for 8 months, but the FDA may soon provide approval to extend this to 12 months. Patients can lose about 53.6% of their excess weight, which is comparable to the Lap Band® System.
Both devices, The Spatz Gastric Balloon, and the Lap Band® System require close follow-up in our Transform at Home program. A comprehensive weight management program is essential for the best success.
Third, Transform has the newest technology in diagnosing liver disease, and we are the only bariatric clinic in the U.S. to have the Velacur™ liver scanner. The device measures fatty liver disease and fibrosis, which is helpful to diagnose metabolic syndrome and NASH. NASH is the leading cause of liver failure, and it affects those with obesity. Most people are unaware that they have a fatty liver or cirrhosis until there’s extensive disease. Having this technology at Transform will be a useful and proactive tool to address potential concerns much earlier.
We are excited to launch innovative technologies for weight management. We believe medical devices will be more common due to their reversibility and non-surgical approach. Offering innovative weight loss technology fulfills our goal to you: to transform lives with sustainable weight loss solutions.
Thank you again for putting your trust in Transform!
—Dr. Billing
Community
Save the Date
May 10th, 2022, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
May Community Group
Finding Motivation from HOPE and SUCCESS
During any weight loss journey, it can be difficult to keep the momentum going. Please join us to hear tips on how to stay motivated. The meeting will be led by our Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Karin P. Heusted BSN, MN, ARNP.
Cooking Demo: Satisfying Snack Ideas
June 15th, 2022, Wednesday Evening June Community Group Activity Urban Hike at the Washington Park Arboretum
More details to follow
Save the Date
Leek and Asparagus Quiche
A frittata is a crustless quiche. It is a great option as the eggs provide a good source of protein and any type of vegetable can be added. An 8-to-10-inch cast-iron pan works the best because it holds heat well and can go in the oven. If you do not have a cast-iron pan, use an oven safe pan.
6 servings
12 eggs (roughly 2 eggs per person)
1 bunch asparagus, sliced into ¼ inch coins
2 medium leeks, chopped
1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
Leeks belong to the onion family. They have a delicate onion flavor and are a terrific addition to egg dishes, soups, and bases for sauces.
1. Preheat oven to 350⁰F.
2. Crack and whisk the eggs until homogenous. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Trim the top of the leeks. Cut the white and light green parts into ¼ inch rings. Place in a bowl of water and allow the leeks to soak for 2 minutes to remove any dirt. Drain.
4. In a cast-iron pan or oven-safe sauté pan, heat olive oil until translucent.
5. Add leeks and sauté until translucent.
6. On high heat, add asparagus coins, whisked eggs and ¾ cup gruyere cheese.
7. Using a spatula, slowly scramble the eggs making sure to scrape and redistribute the egg on the bottom of the pan.
8. Once the eggs are set on the bottom and are 50% cooked, top with the remaining Gruyere cheese.
9. Place in the oven and cook 7-10 minutes until the center of the eggs are set.
10. Serve alone or with a salad on the side.
Vision House
Vision House is a local charity based in Shoreline that Transform has partnered with. They provide transitional housing and support services to families. Their mission is to work with families experiencing homelessness and to eventually place them in permanent housing.
In February 2022, Transform provided burrito bowls for the women’s support group meeting. In March 2022, we collected supplies for their Easter drive.
We will have more opportunities in the future to support this wonderful organization. To learn more about their mission and to support them visit visionhouse.org
Have you joined our Facebook Group?
Ask for access to our private Facebook Group where you can chat with other patients, learn about upcoming events, and find the personal support you are looking for!
