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Let 2012 be all about you!

January 26, 2012

The health benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous and are often the primary reason patients seek out the gastric bypass, the sleeve gastrectomy or the lap band for sustained weight loss. However, results do not happen without hard work and weight loss cannot be maintained without a healthy lifestyle. Implementing a healthy lifestyle is not easy and requires continued effort and time. Putting your own needs first is difficult to do. Goal setting is a good way to enforce a healthy lifestyle. Important things to consider when setting goals: Make it measurable Your goal may be to be healthier, but how do you measure this? Do you want to have lower triglycerides, have a BMI below 30, gain more muscle mass, be able to run a 5K? Making your goal measurable will help you see your progress and keep you motivated. Make it a fun Truth is, if it feels like work, we are much less likely to stick to it. Make it a game and involve your loved ones. For example, if your goal is to increase your protein... Read More

The Seven Habits of Successful Weight Loss Surgery Patients

January 12, 2012

Bariatric surgery is often referred to as a tool toward weight loss. Ever wonder how to best use this tool or what other tools will lead to the best outcomes? We have put together a list of 7 essential components to maximize your weight loss and overall health. 1. Follow-up. The importance of life-long follow-up with the surgeon cannot be understated. It has been proven to dramatically increase weight loss, especially with the Lap-Band procedure. It provides accountability and education, but also can prevent medical concerns from becoming severe. 2. Understand how it works. The Gastric Bypass, the Sleeve Gastrectomy and the Lap-Band provide satiety through a mechanical component: The procedures create a smaller stomach, leading to faster satiety with little food. However, not all foods are created equal. Solid protein sources, such as fish, seafood, legumes, poultry, pork and beef will empty slowly out of the stomach, leading to long-lasting satiety – simple carbs will leave you hungry again within an hour. Thus, we recommend eating protein first, then veggies and rarely starches and fruit. Thin soups, even though... Read More

Becoming a discriminating gourmet after weight loss surgery

December 28, 2011

Bariatric surgery, commonly known as weight loss surgery, is not about being on a diet for the rest of your life. It’s about learning how to make the type of bariatric procedure you had, be it Gastric Bypass, Lap-Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy or a Revisional surgery work for you. Many patients think that it is about depriving themselves and “being on a diet” for life. We dare you to think about it a bit differently: Become a discriminating gourmet. It is a new life, a new start, a chance to start over and enjoy really good food without guilt. • Be smart. Bariatric surgery helps patients feel satisfied with less food, especially when protein-dense foods are eaten. To make the most of your bariatric procedure, choose a solid protein source first, then veggies and avoid carbs such as rice, pasta and potatoes (carbs are quickly broken down and do not provide long lasting satiety, but rather empty calories). • Go for variety. Protein-rich foods can be quite boring if all you eat is chicken. Dare to venture into new food territory!... Read More

Unconditional Support – The gift every weight loss surgery patient wants

December 15, 2011

The media is not doing bariatric patients any favors. Many stories go something like this: “Patient lost 150 pounds without Gastric Bypass”. They did not mention that the success rate of maintaining the weight loss over 5 years is about 3-5%? Maybe you heard this story: “Patient regained all the weight after Lap-Band”. What was the cause? Was the patient getting the support they needed? “Patient becomes an alcoholic after Sleeve Gastrectomy”, hinting that bariatric surgery will lead to an addiction transfer. Was the patient offered the help she needed? Obesity is a complex, chronic disease. There are many reasons why people become obese. Bariatric surgery helps fight obesity because it helps patients feeling satisfied with less food. Nothing more. Bariatric surgery is not the easy way out. It is hard work. Lifelong work. It includes attending support groups, daily exercise and healthy food choices. Friends and family can be instrumental in the success with bariatric surgery, their unconditional support playing a vital role. How family and friends can give unconditional support Be informed Learn about Bariatric Surgery and read... Read More

High Protein, Low Sugar Desserts for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

December 2, 2011

We are in the middle of the holiday season and everyone seems to be indulging. Don’t feel left out! Even though we recommend limiting sugars after the Sleeve Gastrectomy, the Lap-Band and especially after the Gastric Bypass, everyone wants to serve a special dessert when guests arrive. These treats are high in protein and low in sugar but do not compromise flavor. Chi-Chi-Chi Chia Panna Cotta (makes 6 servings, about 80 calories and 11 grams of protein) 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 3 TBSP Splenda ¼ TSP salt ½ cup skim milk Seeds of ½ vanilla bean 2 cups Greek yogurt 1 TSP lemon zest 1 TSP fresh lemon juice 2 TBSP chia seeds (optional, but not nearly as fun) In a small pan, stir together gelatin, Splenda, salt, milk and vanilla and let stand a few minutes. Heat on low heat until simmering and gelatin dissolves. Add mixture to a blender with the yogurt, lemon zest and lemon juice. Give it a quick blend. Divide mixture into 6 small glasses and cover with plastic wrap. Chill overnight in fridge and... Read More

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