2012

Bariatric Surgery plays a large role in treating Type 2 Diabetes at Griffin Hospital

March 28, 2012

Two randomized clinical trials published this week in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrate bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for type 2 diabetes in obese and morbidly obese patients and suggest surgery should be considered sooner and more often for patients battling the twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity. The results for the first head-to-head trials comparing surgery to medical treatment were: • In the study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, patients were studied who had a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 27 and 43. Within one year, diabetes remission rates with bariatric surgery were about 40 percent (42% with the gastric bypass, 37% with the sleeve gastrectomy) compared to about 12 percent for patients treated with the best medical therapy available. • In the two-year study conducted by Catholic University of Rome Italy and New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, remission rates were about 85 percent for bariatric surgery (75% with the gastric bypass, 95% with the biliopancreatic diversion) and zero for medical therapy in patients with BMI greater than 35. • In the surgical groups, both... Read More

Focusing on bone health and osteoporosis prevention before and after weight loss surgery

March 22, 2012

You are probably familiar with the roles that calcium and vitamin D play in building strong bones. Most people and clinicians think that obese individuals have strong bones, since pressure (weight) on bones makes for strong bones. Recent research indicated otherwise: Many persons suffering from obesity have a sedentary lifestyle, thus do not have the strong bones previously associated with carrying extra weight Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Studies have found that persons with large amounts of excess body fat have Vitamin D stored in the fat, unable to release it to help the body build strong bones Obese persons are more likely to be malnourished, often being deficient in key nutrients and calcium necessary to build strong bones What can you do to ensure strong bones before weight loss surgery? All patients meet with a registered dietitian before weight loss surgery to address nutritional concerns to best prepare for weight loss surgery. General recommendations for patients who will be undergoing bariatric surgery are: Increasing physical activity – we understand that exercise can be difficult before bariatric surgery, thus... Read More

Revamping your exercise routine after weight loss surgery

March 8, 2012

Exercise is a critical part of the healthy lifestyle required after Lap-Band, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and especially after Revisional Bariatric Surgery. The thought of joining one of those big box gyms is usually enough for most people to despair and lose their motivation altogether to exercise. We are here to help. In order to make exercise part of your healthy lifestyle, you will need to have a type of exercise program that you will be able to stick with. Here are some ideas: If you are new to exercise and are looking for a community who shares your goals Try our Bariatric Exercise Program here at Griffin Hospital. The expert staff will guide you and explain everything to make you feel comfortable and in control. Meet other weight loss surgery patients who share your story and who will motivate and push you to reach your goals. Not only will you be part of a great exercise program, but you will also be getting the support from other patients – all this while having a great workout! If you want... Read More

Lap-Band and Bariatric Surgery is not a gimmick at Griffin Hospital

February 23, 2012

You may have heard in the news recently that a group of weight-loss clinics in Southern California is under scrutiny because of an aggressive ad campaign, insurance fraud and the death of five patients. This group of Lap-Band surgical centers is being investigated by local, state and federal agencies, including Congress. At Griffin Hospital, we understand that bariatric surgery is not just a gimmick and it remains the most effective way to combat obesity. Any bariatric surgery, including the Lap-Band, comes with inherent risks. Our informational seminars for prospective patients and pre-operative education describe the inherent risks of bariatric surgery and of the disease of morbid obesity. Dr. Tim Ehrlich, Medical Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery at Griffin Hospital, has participated in several FDA Lap-Band studies, including the low-BMI study. He believes that the Lap-Band can be a good choice for the right patient. Today, there are several bariatric procedures to choose from, and the prospective patient should be cautious when a single procedure is marketed for every patient. Dr. Ehrlich and his associate Dr. Ramlogan perform several bariatric procedures... Read More

Putting your relationship back onto the front burner after Bariatric Surgery

February 10, 2012

Weight Loss Surgery, or Bariatric Surgery, requires adherence to a lifelong lifestyle change. Focusing on eating right, exercising and attending plenty of support groups can make your partner feel like they are no longer part of your life. How do you ensure that your partner supports you and also enjoy quality together time, strengthening your relationship? Share your active lifestyle together. Make an effort to exercise together. Try activities that you both may enjoy, such as dancing to a local rock band, hiking, walking at the beach, yoga, Tai Chi, skiing, karate class or swimming. Sweat the small stuff. If little comments about your weight hit a nerve or nagging is considered a hobby in your household, make an effort to stop it as it happens. Little hurts build up to resentment and all of a sudden, you may be wondering why the other person is so hurtful and unloving. Touch more. Intimacy is about the little, gentle touches. It is about sitting a bit too close to each other, kissing for no apparent reason and hugging, just because you... Read More

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