Julie Beckler, RN, CBN

Blake Medical Center When Julie Beckler, RN, CBN, found her calling, she dis-covered there were no easy resources at the time to help her along the path.

An Indiana native and graduate of St. Petersburg College, Julie was working for a St. Pete doctor when she became interested in Bariatrics, the branch of medicine dealing with obesity - its causes, prevention and treatment. There were no classes on the subject at the time so Julie began to read everything she could get her hands on about Bariatrics. She formed a large Bariatrics program, creating support groups and holding seminars.

Today Julie Beckler is a nationally certified Bariatric Registered Nurse and the Program Coordinator of Weight Loss Solutions at Blake Medical Center, which specializes in gastric banding or lap band surgery.

Gastric banding is the least invasive of all weight loss surgeries. says Julie. You'll usually go home the same day and it's a quick recovery time. The beauty of gastric banding is that it's reversible, and if in ten years a patient begins to regain the weight, a simple office procedure renews the band's effectiveness. In this country we have 300,000 deaths a year from weight-related illnesses, says Julie. But only 1% of morbidly obese people have weight loss surgery, even though it's covered by most insurances.She adds, In order to make a dent' in the obese population we should educate parents to help stop obesity in children.

Before surgery, Julie and the Blake staff counsel each patient and then teach them about the procedure and what to expect. Blake's Weight Loss Solutions often helps patients who must lose weight in order to have another surgery, though any weight loss surgery is a tool to teach people behavior modification.

Julie stresses the importance of support groups after the surgery is complete. Patients who follow up with their doctor and attend support group meetings are found to be the most successful at weight loss. We're in the business to get them healthy, and it's an added joy to see them get rid of diabetic medications, high blood pressure medications, and conditions like sleep apnea. To learn more visit www.WeightLoss.BlakeMedical Center.com or call Julie Beckler at 941-798-6561.

Gastric banding is the least invasive of all weight loss surgeries. says Julie Beckler, RN, CBN and Program Coordinator of Weight Loss Solutions at Blake Medical Center. You'll usually go home the same day and it's a quick recovery time.

Julie Beckler, RN, CBN

2020 59th Street West Bradenton, FL 941.798.6561