We have developed a comprehensive medical and surgical weight loss program in conjunction with the Victory Institute for Weight Management that has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by Priority Health.

Call the office to find out about our next educational seminar.

The Allergan Lap-Band is a surgical weight loss option that can help you achieve sustainable weight control over your life-time.  It is appropriate for individuals who have a BMI of greater than 35 (use the calculator).  Your insurance company will have specific guidelines regarding comorbidities (illnesses that can be attributed to obesity) and coverage.  Contact your insurance company for more information.

Our Lap Band program is coordinated by Rachel Dickerson.  Rachel is a nurse practitioner who assists our patients through the complex process of insurance approval.  She sees patients on a recurring basis as part of the pre- and post-op programs and is their advocate in dealing with their insurance company.

Our corporate affiliations with the YMCA's of Metro Grand Rapids & Battle Creek, and the Holland Aquatic Center offer our patients one-on-one exercise education and support.

We use Optifast products for our pre- and post-operative Lap Band patients.  For more information, contact Rachel. We recommend reviewing these useful wellness resources.

The Lap Band is a procedure to assist the patient in obtaining and maintaining a healthy body weight over their lifetime.  It does not involve cutting or rerouting the bowel and can be reversible.  It can be an excellent option for the right patient.  For more information online, please see Allergan's patient information.

Patients will typically see Dr. Beane or Dr. Purgiel in consultation after completing initial paperwork and an online educational seminar called Emmi.  Emmi informs you about the Lap-Band procedure, risks, complications and expected outcomes.  It also allows you to submit questions to be discussed at your consultation.  After the initial consult, information will be gathered from all of your physicians and your care will most likely continue with Rachel and the Victory Institute.  This combination provides further support for medically managed weight loss, while Rachel works with you to achieve insurance approval and to assist in your weight loss efforts.

The band is placed around the top of the stomach and a small "port" is placed on the abdomen wall, under the skin.  This allows for the band size to be changed as needed.

If you would like further information, please call at 616/532-8100.  Alternatively, you may submit an email requesting an informational packet, but consider that email is not a secure method of communication.  DO NOT INCLUDE ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION.   General inquiries will be replied to within 1-2 business days.  If you require a more rapid response, please call us at 616.532.8100.  Please click to email us.