Blog

Bariatric-friendly Memorial Day BBQ Recipes

May 24, 2013

After coming home from the Memorial Day Parade, everyone will be hungry for summertime foods. The usual burgers and potato salad are always appreciated, but what if there were a healthy, delicious alternative that everyone would enjoy? Think turkey burgers. No, not the dry hockey pucks everyone loves to hate: Moist, flavorful, nutrient packed patties so delicious, you’ll have to make sure you have plenty on hand. An equally pleasing side dish to serve along the piece de resistance: Quinoa Salad. Light, protein packed and refreshing. You can prepare these dishes ahead, so you can enjoy the parade and your time with family and friends. Turkey Chia Burgers Turkey burgers get a bad rap because they tend to be dry and flavorless. Many patients avoid them after the Gastric Bypass because dry foods are hard to break down. But it does not have to be this way. These burgers are packed with flavor from the fresh herbs and are nutrient dense due to the added chia seeds. Chia seeds retain up to 15 times their weight of liquid, so they... Read More

Have Fun Like a Kid Again on Mother’s Day!

May 10, 2013

When is the last time you had some belly-laugh, jump up and down kiddo fun? Mother’s Day should be about allowing yourself to be a kid again – at least for one day. After bariatric surgery, patients are very committed to a healthy lifestyle. Regardless if they had Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy or a Lap Band, patients understand that they need to exercise every day, eat healthfully with plenty of lean protein, and take time to “smell the roses”. All this is great advice, but is it still fun? If going to the gym seems like torture and you seem to be pulling your hair out lately, then it’s time for some kiddo fun. Some time ago, at our monthly OnTrack Workshop, we had a hooping demonstration. Yes, that’s right. We had fun with a hula hoop. It was such a popular event and lead to several patients taking hooping classes and many continuing to hoop every day. We thought that it would be time for a refresher course. The Right Hula Hoop If you tried hooping with your kid’s... Read More

Massage Therapy Helpful After Bariatric Surgery

April 24, 2013

At Griffin Hospital we talk a lot about bariatric surgery being most effective when coupled with a healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition, daily exercise and time for relaxation and stress management is important for propelling you towards your new, healthier self. One wonderful and indulgent way to relax and let go of stress is through therapeutic massage. Massage offers many benefits beyond pampering to bariatric surgery patients, including: Mind-body connection – many patients have a hard time seeing their new body size. Often, patients see themselves several sizes larger than they actually are. Weight loss in the first 6 months, especially with the Gastric Bypass, can be dramatic. It takes patients a while to adjust to the smaller version of themselves. Massage therapy helps to make this mind body connection. Improved circulation – if you are suffering from poor circulation before or after bariatric surgery, you may find massage therapy to be helpful. Massage therapy pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, thus improving circulation. For lymphedema, patients have found much relief when receiving treatments from a trained massage... Read More

Considering Bariatric Surgery

April 5, 2013

If you are a person who has been suffering from severe obesity (morbid obesity) you may have considered bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery). There are several types of bariatric surgery. Each procedure has pros and cons. Each procedure requires a lifestyle change that includes stress management, exercise and good nutrition. Bariatric surgery also requires lifelong follow-up with the bariatric surgery team and multivitamin and mineral supplements. Oversight of Bariatric Procedures performed at Griffin Hospital Lap-Band – The lap-band is a restrictive procedures (allows you to feel satisfied with less food). The key to success with the Lap-Band is frequent follow-up and optimal adjustments to the silicone ring. The expected average excess weight loss is around 50%. Thus, this procedure is usually recommended for persons who need to lose less significant weight. Health benefits such as resolution of sleep apnea, better control of diabetes and other conditions are related to the amount of weight loss and maintenance over the long term. Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) – Even though the Sleeve Gastrectomy is considered a restrictive procedure, it must be noted that... Read More

Checking-in for Health After Weight Loss Surgery

March 25, 2013

It is too bad that Bariatric Surgery is commonly referred to as Weight Loss Surgery. It gives the impression that all that can be achieved is weight loss. Bariatric surgery is less about what you lose and more about what you gain: control over diabetes, lower blood pressure, relief of gout pain, better fertility, less frequent reoccurrence of migraine headaches, restful sleep without sleep apnea and of course better emotional and social wellbeing. This being said, it does not come without hard work. Anyone who has had a Gastric Bypass, Lap Band or Sleeve Gastrectomy will undoubtedly let you know that they work very hard at their weight loss. That’s because Bariatric Surgery is not a diet: it is a lifestyle change. Bariatric surgery is helpful because it helps patients feel satisfied with less food. Bariatric surgery does not force you to exercise, chose nutritious foods or encourage a healthy lifestyle. You, the patient, choses to do that. Along the way you’ll hear the cheers of the bariatric team and other patients to help you stay on track. Because there... Read More

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