Community Corner

How Often Will My Gastric Band Have to Be Adjusted?

August 10, 2017

Each bariatric procedure works in a unique way to help you lose weight and improve your health. Gastric banding reduces the size of the stomach to limit the number of calories a patient can consume. This is achieved by placing a band around the top portion of the stomach, which is tightened to create a smaller pouch. The band is tightened by adding saline to the balloon located on the inside of the band, which fills up and put pressure on the stomach, making it small in size. Determining how tight or loose the band should be can take several adjustments and is based on factors like your eating habits, level of hunger, and amount of weight loss since the previous visit. Most patients will need to see our experienced bariatric surgeons for adjustments three to five times in the first year after receiving their gastric band. After the first year, twice-yearly visits for fills is standard, although your experience may vary. During your appointments, your surgeon will ask you how often you’re hungry, if you’re snacking, what types... Read More

How Do I Choose the Right Bariatric Surgeon?

July 21, 2017

One of the most important decisions you will make in the bariatric surgery process is selecting the doctor to perform the procedure. There are many well-trained weight loss surgeons in the nation. But in addition to credentials, you also want to find a physician and a practice that listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and makes you feel comfortable about your treatment plan. Weight loss surgery is a lifelong journey, and if you don’t feel comfortable with your surgeon, you may feel less inclined to follow-up with the support programs and routine check-ups, which could reduce your chances for success. Our recommendations for finding a qualified bariatric surgeon are as follows: Ask how much experience the doctor has performing your specific procedure Review the patient resources and comprehensive weight loss support programs the practice offers Check to see if the surgeon is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Check to see if the surgeon is board certified in general surgery, and if he or she has additional training in the field Ask to... Read More

Could My Stomach Stretch After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

June 23, 2017

One of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries, gastric sleeve surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach and limiting the number of calories that can be comfortably consumed. Since the procedure relies on minimizing the size of the stomach, many patients wonder if there is a risk of stretching the stomach, making it larger, and regaining the weight. The stomach is a very flexible organ, and some stretching is normal. When food is eaten, the stomach stretches to accommodate the material and alerts your brain when it has reached capacity so you know to stop eating. If someone continues to eat after this point, the stomach will stretch further. Stomachs that are regularly stretched to contain excess food will eventually become permanently larger. This can lead to difficulty determining fullness and cause feelings of hunger even when sufficient food has been consumed. As a result, a patient could gain weight after surgery if they routinely overeat. If overeating is a rare event, the stomach may stretch a bit but should shrink back to its original size, so most... Read More

Is a Nutrition Plan Necessary for Bariatric Success?

May 17, 2017

It’s not uncommon to hear potential weight loss surgery patients question whether they will be able to follow the strict dietary program that typically follows a bariatric procedure. Many worry it will be too difficult, and others wonder how important it is to follow the nutrition program to achieve their goals. The truth is, following the dietary guidelines is essential to long-term weight loss, which is why our skilled bariatric surgeons and medical team gradually adapt you to a customized plan. This not only makes the transition to smaller portion sizes and healthier food easier, it helps to set you up for lasting success. Part of the reason bariatric surgery patients need to follow a nutrition plan is because stomach function often will be altered by the procedure. As a result, it can be uncomfortable for you to consume too much or to eat a lot of sugary, oily, or fried foods. It’s also important to follow our dietary guidelines so that you can intake nutrient-dense food that enhances your health and well-being. Each weight loss surgery has its own... Read More

Can Bariatric Surgery Change Your Food Drive?

April 24, 2017

Many patients experience a change in food preferences and tastes following bariatric surgery. While not everyone will notice such alterations, it’s a common enough phenomenon that it’s worth looking into the mechanism behind it. Our extensively trained weight loss surgeons and medical staff will help you through the various experiences following bariatric surgery, including an evolving appetite. Some of the most commonly reported changes in taste are aversions to certain foods, typically animal proteins like chicken, steak, and bacon, as well other foods like eggs and dairy products. A reduced craving for sweet, sugary, and fried foods is also normal. Interestingly, few individuals develop an aversion to fruits and vegetables. In most cases, these dislikes are strong in the beginning but begin to subside over time, allowing patients to enjoy many of their favorite foods again. As far as sugary and fried foods, you should try to limit those items anyway. If your aversion to food seems to be related to texture or an intolerance, it may help to change the preparation or substitute the food with another option. Animal... Read More

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