News

Lap-Band and Bariatric Surgery is not a gimmick at Griffin Hospital

February 23, 2012

You may have heard in the news recently that a group of weight-loss clinics in Southern California is under scrutiny because of an aggressive ad campaign, insurance fraud and the death of five patients. This group of Lap-Band surgical centers is being investigated by local, state and federal agencies, including Congress. At Griffin Hospital, we understand that bariatric surgery is not just a gimmick and it remains the most effective way to combat obesity. Any bariatric surgery, including the Lap-Band, comes with inherent risks. Our informational seminars for prospective patients and pre-operative education describe the inherent risks of bariatric surgery and of the disease of morbid obesity. Dr. Tim Ehrlich, Medical Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery at Griffin Hospital, has participated in several FDA Lap-Band studies, including the low-BMI study. He believes that the Lap-Band can be a good choice for the right patient. Today, there are several bariatric procedures to choose from, and the prospective patient should be cautious when a single procedure is marketed for every patient. Dr. Ehrlich and his associate Dr. Ramlogan perform several bariatric procedures... Read More

Let 2012 be all about you!

January 26, 2012

The health benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous and are often the primary reason patients seek out the gastric bypass, the sleeve gastrectomy or the lap band for sustained weight loss. However, results do not happen without hard work and weight loss cannot be maintained without a healthy lifestyle. Implementing a healthy lifestyle is not easy and requires continued effort and time. Putting your own needs first is difficult to do. Goal setting is a good way to enforce a healthy lifestyle. Important things to consider when setting goals: Make it measurable Your goal may be to be healthier, but how do you measure this? Do you want to have lower triglycerides, have a BMI below 30, gain more muscle mass, be able to run a 5K? Making your goal measurable will help you see your progress and keep you motivated. Make it a fun Truth is, if it feels like work, we are much less likely to stick to it. Make it a game and involve your loved ones. For example, if your goal is to increase your protein... 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

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

Walk To Make A Difference

September 15, 2011

You may have participated in walks for charity or are planning on attending the 3rd Annual 5K Walk Run to benefit The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, but have you ever walked for the awareness of the disease of obesity? The Walk from Obesity is the ONLY yearly event where individuals affected by obesity can join together and raise awareness of this disease. From New York to California, walkers all across the country represent their successes in the fight against obesity. The Walk from Obesity brings together those who are directly affected by obesity. Although many people who participate in the walk had weight loss surgery, the walk is not about bariatric surgery. Participating in the Walk from Obesity is the key to drawing attention to obesity and the need for treatment and prevention efforts. Griffin Bariatrics is joining the annual Walk from Obesity Join our team and meet up with friends from Griffin Hospital! Tom Kavanagh, one of the Exercise Physiologists at Griffin Hospital’s Bariatric Exercise Program will be leading our group at the Walk from Obesity.... Read More

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