Community Corner

How Can I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

April 29, 2019

Many patients who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise are curious if they qualify for bariatric surgery. Of course, two factors contribute to “qualification.” You can qualify for surgery, and you can qualify according to your medical policy. To help people better understand the approval process, our weight loss surgeons offer a quick overview of what medical insurance companies may require for approval for weight loss surgery, as well as the typical qualifications to be a candidate for a weight loss procedure. Two main aspects are considered when determining if a patient is a good candidate for a bariatric procedure: body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related health conditions. Each weight loss technique has slightly different requirements for BMI, which is usually modified based on whether an individual also experiences weight-related medical concerns. Generally speaking, the minimum BMI for any weight loss surgery is 35. As for the medical insurance approval process, this can vary dramatically from policy to policy. However, most insurances that cover bariatric surgery will require a patient to prove they have made a sincere... Read More

Three Things to Do This Week to Help You Eat Healthier

February 28, 2019

1. Plan your dinners for the next five days. Meal prep (prepping several meals at once) is great, but it’s not for everyone. An easier way to make sure you eat healthy? Plan out your meals for the week. Once you’ve figured out what you’re going to make, go food shopping for the ingredients. When you get home hang the list of daily meals on your fridge. This scheduling of meals will decrease the odds of getting take out, prevent food waste, save you money, and last but not least, will result in healthier eating. When you prepare your own meals (vs. eating out) you’re in charge of the ingredients. An added benefit to planning your weekly meals is that your household will also know what the plan is (list on fridge) and can help out by defrosting or cutting up ingredients before you get home. 2. Eat slower. How long does it take you to consume a meal? Three minutes? Five minutes? If you’re typically the first one to finish at the table you might want to consider slowing... Read More

Have Your Root Vegetables and Eat Them, Too!

January 25, 2019

With winter upon us, you might find yourself wondering what vegetables you should be eating. The answer? Root vegetables! While certain root vegetables (such as white potatoes) are not recommended for bariatric surgery patients due to their high carbohydrate content, there are plenty of other (less starchy) options to choose from this winter season. Root vegetables are high in fiber (1 cup of cooked carrots has 5 grams), low in calories, and chock full of antioxidants that provide additional health benefits. Some root vegetables to try this season include: beets, turnips, rutabaga, and radishes. Beets: Studies have shown that eating beets (also known as beetroot) may help fight chronic inflammation, reduce blood pressure, and possibly even improve athletic performance [1]. In addition, this vegetable is high in fiber, which promotes regularity and reduces constipation (note that eating beetroot can cause red urine or stool). Beets can be roasted, steamed, or eaten raw. Add them to your salad or coleslaw, pair them with goat cheese or fruit, or get creative and make beets into a pesto or horseradish. TIP: the beetroot... Read More

Medical Tourism and Bariatric Surgery: Why It’s Better to Stay Close to Home

October 18, 2018

Healthcare can be confusing and expensive, and if you’re seeking bariatric surgery, usually there are a number of requirements to complete and “hoops” to jump through before you can have it. As a result, many people look into crossing the border for their weight loss procedure; however, patients should be very cautious about traveling to foreign countries for this type of operation. Once surgery is complete, the real work begins. The recovery period is an important part of achieving the results you are seeking. Healing, overall progress, and bariatric support programs will continue well after you have returned to the US, so checking in with your physician, monitoring your experience, and providing excellent care and treatment become far more difficult from a distance. Furthermore, should you need urgent care, it may be difficult or impossible for you to see your operating physician. It’s also important to remember that patients who are obese often have weight-related medical conditions that make flying and traveling by other means more complicated or unwise. Your health, comfort, and results should remain primary concerns throughout treatment.... Read More

Tips for Eating Healthy All Summer Long

June 28, 2018

Now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of the higher temperatures and longer days, but summer, as wonderful as it is, presents some difficulties for bariatric surgery patients, too. Maintaining a healthy diet can prove daunting when so much tempting food abounds. Fortunately, you can have your fun and eat great too with these healthy tips for staying foodwise this season: Heading to the Water Whether it’s the local swimming pool, the beach, or lakeside, preparing for a day on the water is as easy as packing a picnic lunch. Skip the greasy spoons and bring hummus, veggies, sliced turkey, cheese cubes, grapes, and almonds in a cooler and you’ll stay full without the need for utensils. Visiting a Theme Park Many theme parks don’t allow outside food, which can present a special challenge to people trying to lose weight. Your best bet is to head online and research your dining options in advance, and be sure to enjoy a healthy breakfast before you go. If no options look ideal, it’s ok to choose... Read More

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