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Thanksgiving Strategies Addressed at On Track Workshop for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

November 16, 2011

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you may already be preparing for the yearly family feast. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves during the holidays and it can be a stressful time. It can be particularly hard after weight loss surgery, especially if not everyone is particularly supportive. Thus, we will be discussing coping strategies at this Saturday’s On Track Workshop. We’ll get started with some fun exercise. Come with comfy clothes and get ready to Zumba! We will finish the exercise segment with some holiday exercise ideas. Dr. Ehrlich, Becky McAndrews, PA-C and Delphine Geraci, RN, CBN will be here to trouble shoot questions and will discuss concerns such as weight regain and post-op complications and the necessity of follow-up after weight loss surgery Chef Greg O’Gorman is going to be entertaining us with a seasonal cooking demonstration. Come and taste his recipes that are bound to be both nutritious and delicious! Hillary Freedman, RD will be discussing bariatric nutrition and the special concerns weight loss surgery patients face. She will be discussing Thanksgiving tips for... Read More

Planetree and Griffin Bariatrics – Unparalleled Patient Centered Care

November 16, 2011

Planetree is many different things to different people. Griffin Bariatrics’ Planetree model ultimately is exceptional patient centered care. It’s the little details that make the difference: being able to have family and friends nearby for support, the aromatherapy, the relaxing music, and not feeling like being in a sterile hospital environment but rather a caring home away from home. But patients do not come just for the personal care while at the hospital; they understand that Griffin Hospital provides unparalleled support services before and after weight loss surgery. Kim Fisher, Bariatric Care Specialist, ensures that patients have a smooth pre-operative experience and provides concierge services regarding the extensive post-operative patient support program. Some of the support services available to bariatric patients include: • Bariatric Exercise Program • Walking Groups • On-Track Support Group • On-Track Workshop • Cooking demonstrations • Nutrition classes • Men’s bariatric social groups If you would like to participate in any of the programs offered through Griffin Bariatrics, please contact Kim Fisher or register online. Introducing Griffin Bariatrics’ Clothes Closet at Griffin Hospital We understand that... Read More

Weight loss surgery patients should continue to take daily bariatric formulated multivitamins and calcium

October 20, 2011

Two studies this week raised gnawing worries about the safety of vitamin supplements and a host of questions. Are multivitamins and calcium supplements really necessary after bariatric surgery? Are a healthy diet and an active lifestyle enough to maintain health after bariatric surgery? Are the multivitamins that I am taking safe and effective? This week, a study of nearly 40,000 older women found a slightly higher risk of death among those taking dietary supplements, including multivitamins, folate, iron and copper. It was just an observational study, though, not a rigorous test. Another study found that men taking high doses of vitamin E — 400 units a day — for five years had a slightly increased risk of prostate cancer. The take home message though is that these vitamin and mineral studies looked at people who did not have bariatric surgery. Obviously, the best way to get vitamins is to eat foods that naturally contain them. A variety of foods can provide more than just vitamins and minerals, but also fiber and protein that are essential to a healthy diet. Surprisingly... Read More

Comforting, Bariatric Surgery Friendly Breakfast Recipes

October 6, 2011

Eating a healthy, protein rich breakfast is important, especially after weight loss surgery. Breakfast is part of a healthy lifestyle: breakfast boosts your metabolism, gives you much needed energy and helps you reach your protein goal for the day – provided you choose a healthy, protein-rich breakfast. Now that the mornings are getting a bit cooler, we thought that you would enjoy some easy, feel-good breakfast recipes. Hot Quinoa Breakfast After Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy or Lap-Band, oatmeal can feel anything but comforting. Often, oatmeal sits like concrete in the stomach (or pouch) leaving little room for that soothing, comforting feeling you were looking for. In this recipe, Greek yogurt gives this hot breakfast a light texture that is easy to tolerate. Swap out the chocolate protein powder for vanilla or unflavored varieties to change the flavor. You can add a little skim milk or soy milk for a thinner porridge. Makes 3 servings, 15 grams of protein per ¾ cup serving ½ cup quinoa ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 Pinch nutmeg 1 cup plain non-fat Greet yogurt 1 scoop Bariatric... Read More

Griffin Hospital Offers Men’s Weight Loss Surgery Social Group

September 30, 2011

It’s not that men are not welcomed at all of the extensive support services that Griffin Hospital has available to bariatric patients. Women and men alike enjoy participating in On Track Support Groups, On Track Workshops, walking groups and Business Class Dinners. However, men also need time to support each other in their own way. This is why Griffin Hospital started a bariatric social group just for men: The Men’s Huddle. This bariatric social group is open to all men who had a Gastric Bypass, a Sleeve Gastrectomy, a Lap-Band or Revisional Bariatric Procedure. Men who are considering weight loss surgery are also invited to participate. Men’s Bariatric Social Group: Led by Men for Men Griffin Hospital has taken great care to ensure that the men’s huddle will be facilitated by men. Todd Shipley is a chaplain who provides spiritual support at the On Track Workshops and will also be co-facilitating the men’s huddle. Todd has been an essential part of the Griffin Bariatrics’ team and embraces the Griffin Bariatrics’ judgment-free philosophy. Todd understands the struggle that patients can face... Read More

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