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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

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

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