Nutrition

Welcoming in the fall with a bariatric friendly Chicken stew

September 25, 2012

Autumn is a welcomed season in Connecticut. The crisp fall air encourages longer walks and adventures at the local pick-your-own orchard. And there is nothing quite as welcoming as a warm stew waiting for you after an active day outside. Bariatric patients, regardless if they had a Lap-Band, a Sleeve Gastrectomy or a Gastric Bypass, can have difficulty tolerating dry meats, such as grilled chicken or steak. This in turn leads some patients to avoid meats altogether. Stews, however, are very well tolerated and are a wonderful, comforting food that keeps well, can be frozen, and packed in small containers for lunch. Stews are also very family friendly (even kids would have a hard time resisting having a taste after smelling the wonderful aroma throughout the house). Stews can also be made with vegetarian ingredients such as lentils and beans. The key to making a bariatric friendly stew is to keep the stew mostly protein and low in simple carbs such as potatoes. Further, ensure that the stew is chucky, with the meat (if using) falling off the bone or... Read More

Coping With Summer Weather After Weight Loss Surgery

July 27, 2012

Although we all enjoy the seasonal changes and the warm weather, sometimes the heat can be too much of a good thing. In order to get the most out of bariatric surgery, keeping a healthy lifestyle is the key to success. This means that patients must drink plenty of water, eat a healthy, protein rich diet, exercise regularly and take daily bariatric vitamin and mineral supplements. Even with the best of intentions, the summer heat can but a damper of any healthy lifestyle. Here are some ideas on how to ensure that you adhere to a healthy summer lifestyle: Drink plenty of water. Water is the best source of hydration. Keep a sport’s bottle handy so you can sip water frequently and keep your thirst quenched. Stay away from sugary drinks such as sports drinks and fruit juices–they add little nutritional value and just add unnecessary calories. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol not only adds empty calories but also is dehydrating. Even though a cold beer may be tempting on a hot day, beer can lead to dumping syndrome (alcohol is easily... Read More

Chia Seeds Can Be A Helpful Supplement After Weight Loss Surgery

July 11, 2012

When most people think of chia seeds they think of the green sprouts that provide the “hair” to kitschy pottery resembling the heads of state and cartoon characters (you are probably singing the jingle right now, too). Little did we know in the late seventies that these same seeds that you soaked, as a kid, to grow a green fleece on your clay sheep was also so nutritious. Maintaining a healthy diet after bariatric surgery is very important. Patients are encouraged to consume a target of 75 grams of protein daily and to ensure proper hydration, adequate amounts of fiber and take daily multivitamin and calcium supplements. This is easier said than done. This is mainly due to the small “pouch” size of Gastric Bypass, reduced stomach capacity of the Sleeve Gastrectomy and the adjustment of the Lap Band System. Chia seeds are a helpful supplement that can add protein, fiber and a lot of nutrition. They are not, however, a replacement for your daily multivitamins and calcium supplements. The humble chia seed is a great supplement for bariatric patients... Read More

Give your body a boost after Weight Loss Surgery with Probiotics

June 6, 2012

The human digestive system is normally home to several kinds of healthful, “friendly” bacteria called probiotics. Probiotics are vital for many important biological functions, including digestion; combating harmful bacterial, fungal and yeast infections; manufacturing Vitamins B and K; producing hormones to store excess nutrients; and stimulating the immune system. Major surgery, stress, the use of antibiotics and acid blockers, illness, and poor nutrition can deplete the body’s natural supply of probiotics. Benefits of taking daily Probiotics • Improves weight loss after bariatric surgery. Patients who consume probiotics every day lose more weight than those who do not. • Supports normal digestion and may benefit nutrient absorption, especially B12 • Supports local immunity in the digestive system and is helpful in speeding up the timeframe of clearing infections • Lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol levels • Prevents diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome • Prevents and treats vaginal yeast infections • Reduces the severity of eczema and dermatitis • Reduces the severity of colds and the flu Recommendations for probiotics supplementation Natural food sources of probiotics include yogurt, kefir (fermented... Read More

Focusing on bone health and osteoporosis prevention before and after weight loss surgery

March 22, 2012

You are probably familiar with the roles that calcium and vitamin D play in building strong bones. Most people and clinicians think that obese individuals have strong bones, since pressure (weight) on bones makes for strong bones. Recent research indicated otherwise: Many persons suffering from obesity have a sedentary lifestyle, thus do not have the strong bones previously associated with carrying extra weight Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Studies have found that persons with large amounts of excess body fat have Vitamin D stored in the fat, unable to release it to help the body build strong bones Obese persons are more likely to be malnourished, often being deficient in key nutrients and calcium necessary to build strong bones What can you do to ensure strong bones before weight loss surgery? All patients meet with a registered dietitian before weight loss surgery to address nutritional concerns to best prepare for weight loss surgery. General recommendations for patients who will be undergoing bariatric surgery are: Increasing physical activity – we understand that exercise can be difficult before bariatric surgery, thus... Read More

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