Dr. Shaban has over 30 years of continued medical experience in both family medicine and the medical management of obesity. This incorporates academic and clinical environments of public health care systems on an international level. She has cultivated a strong working foundation within the medical community, specifically in indigent populations with various health issues.

Dr. Shaban became interested in the medical management of obesity in 1992, when she noted that excessive weight is a major risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some forms of cancer in both men and women. In addition to her thorough understanding of obesity and its health risks, Dr. Shaban’s belief and conviction that obesity is a disease beyond the patient’s control (not simply the patient’s self-neglect or lack of will power) makes her very sympathetic to the cause of obese patients.

Dr. Shaban received her training in both England and the United States. She is a member in good standing of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and the American Medical Association.

Her Message to Patients

Dear Patient:

Obesity represents a significant health hazard and the National Institutes of Health has recommended that it should be treated as such. Modalities of treatment have been largely ineffective, especially for the long-term maintenance of weight loss. This I feel is due to the notion that obesity is an illness, not unlike hypertension or diabetes. A diabetic needs to receive medication every day, all of his/her life to keep the diabetes under control. The same is true with an overweight individual, medication is required everyday, all of his/her life, or the obesity will recur and the hazardous "YO-YO" phenomenon will develop.

Different people have varying types and degrees of obesity and their treatment plan may have to be different. I will attempt to construct the best plan for each one of you but my basic philosophy will apply to all. I believe that a reducing diet should be low in calories, of course, but you should be able to adapt it easily from family meals or when eating out and it should be of a reasonable cost. Otherwise, you would not put up with it for a long time. This is why I do not suggest liquids and powders and monotonous prepared meals.

I believe that the source of calories is as important as the number of calories and I urge you to greatly reduce the fat and nearly eliminate the simple sugars from your diet. Your diet should not contain more than 15% of the calories from fat. Secondly, I include anorectic (diet) medications to help control your appetite. I urge you to drink large quantities of water and eliminate the sodas and other sugar drinks. And last, but not least, I urge you to adopt a program of regular, non-strenuous exercise. I believe in educating my patients in the nutritional and caloric values of food and usher them into behavior modification and retrain them in a new set of eating habits. I like my programs to be effective and successful so I insist that you do your share. I expect your full cooperation, patience and persistence. In turn, I pledge my full support, encouragement and careful follow-up.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Shaban