Nutrition

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

Food Journals: Why They Work

June 4, 2015

Are you aware of how many calories you consume each day? If you’re someone that eats on the go or eats out often, you might be surprised to learn your daily calorie intake. Our bariatric surgery specialists explain how quickly food items can add up. Consider your breakfast - if you're drinking two Grande Caramel Lattes from Starbucks every day, you’re ingesting 480 calories. If your breakfast of choice is a Big n' Toasted from Dunkin Donuts, that's an additional 530 calories. Calories from coffee drinks, alcoholic beverages, and random snacks (i.e. donuts from the break room) can significantly affect the number on your scale. Using a calorie counter (a.k.a. a food journal) can be a great weight loss tool. In addition to keeping track of your caloric intake, it monitors your exercise and weight loss goals and offers other services such as community support forums. Using calorie counters can be an eye opening experience for many patients - not everyone realizes how many calories are in the foods they enjoy. They also assist you in making healthier choices in the... Read More

What Is Dumping Syndrome?

May 28, 2015

Dumping syndrome or “rapid gastric emptying” can be a common side effect after weight loss surgery. Our bariatric surgery specialists can help you identify this concern and address the issue before serious problems can set in. Dumping syndrome describes a group of symptoms that can occur when food is emptied too quickly from the stomach. These symptoms may include: Nausea or vomiting Abdominal pain or cramping Diarrhea Increased heart rate Dizziness Sweating or feeling flushed Feeling full after eating only a small amount Symptoms typically occur during or right after a meal, but may also occur 1-3 hours later. Although the effects may be frightening, they are not life threatening and can be avoided with changes to how and what you eat. Here are a few tips to help avoid this uncomfortable experience: Try to eat smaller and more frequent meals. Aim to eat 5-6 small meals a day Eat your food slowly, and chew food well before swallowing. Cutting food into small pieces will also help Avoid foods/fluids that are high in sugar. For example: cookies, doughnuts, fruit juices, pies, and... Read More

What Vitamins Should I Take After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

May 12, 2015

Following gastric bypass surgery, you must adopt a new diet that involves ingesting fewer calories and taking a number of vitamins to help you lose weight and maintain a healthy system. The food and drink you consume may not provide enough nutrients on their own, and taking vitamin supplements can help make up for the deficiency. These vitamins can be found at most local health food stores, pharmacies, and even some grocery stores, and our skilled bariatric surgeon, Dr. Rishi Ramlogan, will advise you of which ones will be best for your needs. Some of the supplements he may recommend include: Calcium: To maintain bone strength Vitamin B12: To prevent anemia and protect blood cells Vitamin D: To promote calcium and phosphorus absorption Multivitamin: For comprehensive support and to fill nutrition gaps Iron: To prevent anemia and to help store oxygen in muscle tissue In addition to these, Dr. Ramlogan may also advise taking other nutrients, such as protein or folic acid, depending on your dietary needs. Each vitamin performs a vital service, and you should be sure to take the recommended... Read More

What Can I Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

May 5, 2015

Congratulations! By undergoing gastric bypass surgery you have taken a major step toward reducing your weight and improving your health. If you’re wondering what precisely you can eat, what you should avoid, and how much you can consume following this popular operation, Dr. Rishi Ramlogan, our experienced bariatric surgeon, will be happy to detail the specifics during your consultations. To offer a helpful resource, we have provided a quick overview of the typical gastric bypass diet to help you achieve your weight loss goals from home and on the go. Generally speaking, you should try to consume between 400 and 900 calories per day, but it’s important that you stay under 1000 calories for the first year following gastric bypass surgery, unless told otherwise by Dr. Ramlogan. Taking small bites and chewing slowly and carefully will help you begin the digestion process. Within those calories, you should try to consume at minimum around 65-75 grams of protein, which can be found in meats, poultry, fish, and seafood, as well as less commonly known sources such as milk, yogurt, tofu, soy, and cottage... Read More

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