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Why a Comprehensive Weight Loss Program Is Best

August 10, 2016

Making significant lifestyle changes to lose weight and improve your health is a tremendous undertaking. If diet and exercise alone were always sufficient to achieve the desired results, there would be very little need for the variety of weight loss methods available. At Griffin Bariatrics, our experienced physicians believe a comprehensive, multi-discipline weight loss program offers the greatest opportunity for accomplishing your goals. Our combination of bariatric surgery, nutrition assistance, fitness classes, and support services takes a whole-health approach that respects that weight loss is a physical and emotional journey. Weight gain occurs as a result of many influencers, and food intake and activity levels are only two of the most commonly cited. Genetic predisposition, access to healthy meals and snacks, and mental health can each play a role. Since several factors can contribute to excess weight, we believe achieving lasting weight loss requires at least as many countermeasures. That is why we offer a comprehensive weight loss program that is customized to your unique needs, goals, and experience. At Griffin Bariatrics, we will work with you to get you... Read More

Griffin Bariatrics Achieves National Accreditation and is Recognized as a Center of Excellence

July 21, 2016

At Griffin Bariatrics, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve their health and weight loss goals in the most effective, supportive, and safe environment possible. For this reason, our skilled medical team is proud to have achieved national accreditation and be recognized as a Center of Excellence from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This organization is a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and its purpose is to review weight loss facilities around the world to determine which locations offer the highest level of care available. The meticulous inspection of the Griffin Bariatrics community yielded numerous notable strengths, which were detailed in a report. Several team members, including Dr. Abe Fridman and Kimberly Fisher, were specifically highlighted for their commitment to patient needs. Additionally, our low complication rate, variety of support programs, patient-education initiatives, and convenient hours were also featured. Just as importantly, no deficiencies were cited. We recognize that state-of-the-art bariatric procedures and techniques are only part of the... Read More

What Our Dietitian Is Eating: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

January 19, 2016

Using a slow cooker is ideal for post-op bariatric patients because slow cooking meats produce meat that is tender and moist (a must for patients that cannot tolerate dry/grilled meats). Slow cookers are also a great way to prepare meals when you are short on time – dinner will be waiting for you when you get home! I always loved my mother’s chicken cacciatore dish growing up. She made it the traditional way – by braising the chicken and then frying the vegetables in the remaining fat. If you’re short on time and are looking for a way to reduce calories – you can simply skip the braising (and added oil), remove the skin, and place the chicken right in the slow cooker. The recipe that follows is quick and easy. I’ve included nutrition information for a “post –op” portion, as well as for a regular portion (for your family members). Enjoy! Larissa Zepko-March, RD, CD-N Clinical Dietitian Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Serves 8 1 ¼ pound skinless, boneless chicken breast 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes 1 medium onion –... Read More

What Can the Planetree Philosophy Do For You?

July 2, 2015

Our Planetree philosophy focuses on supporting your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We believe our bariatric surgery patients can thrive in an environment that holds itself to the highest surgical standards while also providing compassionate care with a patient-oriented approach to healthcare. When undergoing procedures such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, our patients have the benefit of many unique programs designed to nourish the body, mind, and soul. Good nutrition is an essential aspect to the recovery process and leading a healthy lifestyle. Under our care, we provide culturally diverse meal options, nutrition education for your post-bariatric diet, as well as cooking demonstrations. Our arts and entertainment programming keeps patients intellectually engaged during their stay by integrating art, music, games, and nature. For our patients who lead active spiritual lives, our practice also offers meditation programs and chapels to provide time and space to tend to the soul. Even after you leave our facilities, we offer continued care with our post-bariatric surgery support groups to ease your transition to your new healthy lifestyle. - Dr. Rishi Ramlogan For more information... Read More

What Is the Planetree Philosophy?

June 25, 2015

At Griffin Hospital Bariatrics, we offer a number of bariatric procedures to help our patients lead happier and healthier lives. While many bariatric surgeons across the country use gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy to achieve significant weight loss for their patients, our practice differentiates itself with our Planetree philosophy. Every aspect of our practice is designed with your best interests in mind. Only a select number of hospitals in the United States and around the world participate in the Planetree model of care. Practices that employ the Planetree approach are committed to creating an environment that fosters genuine compassion and support while maintaining the highest surgical standards. This specialized group of healthcare providers focuses on creating healing environments that simultaneously care for the mind, body, and soul. We believe in honest and open communication, emotional and spiritual well-being, healthy nutrition, and patient education – essential components to optimizing surgical results and improving our patients’ overall quality of life. - Dr. Rishi Ramlogan If you would like to learn more about how we practice the Planetree approach at Griffin Hospital Bariatrics, or... Read More

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