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Improve your bariatric surgery outcomes – get some sleep

May 4, 2012

Bariatric surgery, be it the Lap-Band system, the Gastric Bypass or the Sleeve Gastrectomy, is a very effective tool for weight loss for patients who are suffering from morbid obesity. However, to make this tool effective, significant lifestyle changes have to occur after weight loss surgery. Patients participate in our Bariatric Exercise Program, attend On Track Workshops and Support Groups, meet with our dietitians and learn to cook tasty and healthy recipes during our cooking demonstrations. At Griffin Bariatrics, we like to offer our patients all the tools to achieve the best results with bariatric surgery now and for years to come. However, there is something that most of us undervalue: plenty of restful sleep. Why is sleep important for weight loss? Irregular sleep patterns (stemming from sleep apnea or shift change) affects hormone regulation. Hormones help us feel full or hungry and when sleep patterns change frequently, normal cues for eating can be altered. The brain needs glucose to operate. When tired, we tend to crave sugar, needing the quick boost of energy. Studies suggest that shorter sleep provides... Read More

Body Image: The struggle after bariatric surgery

April 19, 2012

People of all sizes can struggle with body image. It does not help that we are constantly bombarded with images of what we are supposed to look like. If you are obese, then you are probably familiar with the hurtful looks and comments some people can make. A positive body image is developed early in childhood and its fragility cannot be overstated. One of the many questions we hear when patients are considering bariatric surgery is about excess skin. For some patients, the thought of excess skin after significant weight loss can be overwhelming. The amount of excess skin that can be expected after bariatric surgery varies greatly and is related to how much weight is lost, the body fat distribution, genetics and age. How fast you lose the weight does not impact how much excess skin you will have. Although very effective, the surgical removal of excess skin (reconstructive surgery) is rarely covered by health insurance. The probability increases somewhat when the patient is diligent about having multiple health care providers document how the excess skin affects the patient’s... Read More

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

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