Nutrition

Becoming a discriminating gourmet after weight loss surgery

December 28, 2011

Bariatric surgery, commonly known as weight loss surgery, is not about being on a diet for the rest of your life. It’s about learning how to make the type of bariatric procedure you had, be it Gastric Bypass, Lap-Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy or a Revisional surgery work for you. Many patients think that it is about depriving themselves and “being on a diet” for life. We dare you to think about it a bit differently: Become a discriminating gourmet. It is a new life, a new start, a chance to start over and enjoy really good food without guilt. • Be smart. Bariatric surgery helps patients feel satisfied with less food, especially when protein-dense foods are eaten. To make the most of your bariatric procedure, choose a solid protein source first, then veggies and avoid carbs such as rice, pasta and potatoes (carbs are quickly broken down and do not provide long lasting satiety, but rather empty calories). • Go for variety. Protein-rich foods can be quite boring if all you eat is chicken. Dare to venture into new food territory!... Read More

High Protein, Low Sugar Desserts for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

December 2, 2011

We are in the middle of the holiday season and everyone seems to be indulging. Don’t feel left out! Even though we recommend limiting sugars after the Sleeve Gastrectomy, the Lap-Band and especially after the Gastric Bypass, everyone wants to serve a special dessert when guests arrive. These treats are high in protein and low in sugar but do not compromise flavor. Chi-Chi-Chi Chia Panna Cotta (makes 6 servings, about 80 calories and 11 grams of protein) 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 3 TBSP Splenda ¼ TSP salt ½ cup skim milk Seeds of ½ vanilla bean 2 cups Greek yogurt 1 TSP lemon zest 1 TSP fresh lemon juice 2 TBSP chia seeds (optional, but not nearly as fun) In a small pan, stir together gelatin, Splenda, salt, milk and vanilla and let stand a few minutes. Heat on low heat until simmering and gelatin dissolves. Add mixture to a blender with the yogurt, lemon zest and lemon juice. Give it a quick blend. Divide mixture into 6 small glasses and cover with plastic wrap. Chill overnight in fridge and... Read More

Thanksgiving Strategies Addressed at On Track Workshop for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

November 16, 2011

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you may already be preparing for the yearly family feast. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves during the holidays and it can be a stressful time. It can be particularly hard after weight loss surgery, especially if not everyone is particularly supportive. Thus, we will be discussing coping strategies at this Saturday’s On Track Workshop. We’ll get started with some fun exercise. Come with comfy clothes and get ready to Zumba! We will finish the exercise segment with some holiday exercise ideas. Dr. Ehrlich, Becky McAndrews, PA-C and Delphine Geraci, RN, CBN will be here to trouble shoot questions and will discuss concerns such as weight regain and post-op complications and the necessity of follow-up after weight loss surgery Chef Greg O’Gorman is going to be entertaining us with a seasonal cooking demonstration. Come and taste his recipes that are bound to be both nutritious and delicious! Hillary Freedman, RD will be discussing bariatric nutrition and the special concerns weight loss surgery patients face. She will be discussing Thanksgiving tips for... 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

Comforting, Bariatric Surgery Friendly Breakfast Recipes

October 6, 2011

Eating a healthy, protein rich breakfast is important, especially after weight loss surgery. Breakfast is part of a healthy lifestyle: breakfast boosts your metabolism, gives you much needed energy and helps you reach your protein goal for the day – provided you choose a healthy, protein-rich breakfast. Now that the mornings are getting a bit cooler, we thought that you would enjoy some easy, feel-good breakfast recipes. Hot Quinoa Breakfast After Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy or Lap-Band, oatmeal can feel anything but comforting. Often, oatmeal sits like concrete in the stomach (or pouch) leaving little room for that soothing, comforting feeling you were looking for. In this recipe, Greek yogurt gives this hot breakfast a light texture that is easy to tolerate. Swap out the chocolate protein powder for vanilla or unflavored varieties to change the flavor. You can add a little skim milk or soy milk for a thinner porridge. Makes 3 servings, 15 grams of protein per ¾ cup serving ½ cup quinoa ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 Pinch nutmeg 1 cup plain non-fat Greet yogurt 1 scoop Bariatric... Read More

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