Nutrition

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

Weight Loss Surgery Friendly Ice Cream Recipes

August 31, 2011

After bariatric surgery, it is important to avoid simple sugars and to adhere to a protein-rich diet that is low in fat and supplemented with bariatric formulated multivitamins and calcium citrate. Following these dietary recommendations for weight loss surgery maximizes weight loss and helps maintain muscle mass, while maintaining optimal micro-nutrition. But what are you supposed to do when the heat is on and you are just craving a cool treat? Make it yourself and let go of the guilt! Here are a few of the recipes that were demonstrated at last Saturday’s On Track Workshop: Orange Creamsicle: 4 oz. water 4 oz. skim milk 1 ½ scoops Bariatric Advantage Orange Cream High Protein Meal Replacement Powder Shake, pour into Popsicle molds, freeze and feel like a kid again (you may want to keep those hidden in the back of the freezer, they tend to disappear quickly). Frozen Mocha Bites: 4 oz. coffee 4 oz. skim milk 1 ½ scoops Bariatric Advantage Chocolate High Protein Meal Replacement Powder Shake, pour into ice cube trays (make it special by using summer... Read More

Griffin Bariatrics Expands Dietitian Services

August 17, 2011

Please join us in welcoming Hillary Freedman, Registered Dietitian, to our expanding bariatric team. Hillary is a key member of our team and bridges the services provided by Griffin Hospital and Dr. Tim Ehrlich. Griffin Bariatrics, in keeping with the Planetree Philosophy of Patient Centered Care, appreciates the importance of making dietary services personable and accessible. Thus, Griffin Hospital brought the dietary services to where they are most convenient for bariatric patients. Hillary Freedman is sharing office space at the new location of Ehrlich Bariatrics in Shelton, so she can get to know each patient personally and understand their individual nutrition needs throughout their weight loss journey. She works hand in hand with Dr. Ehrlich and his team to create a comprehensive plan that ensures the best nutritional outcomes after weight loss surgery. As a registered dietitian, Hillary provides a central component of the comprehensive patient care vital to weight loss surgery. Hillary supports patients who need to be on an insurance-mandated medically supervised diet and ensures that all the requirements are being met. Pre-operatively, Hillary is counseling patients on... Read More

Going Strong: Weight Loss Surgery Exercise Program at Griffin Bariatrics

July 27, 2011

At Griffin Hospital, we understand the struggles of adopting a healthy lifestyle, particularly when it comes to exercise. Finding a gym that has staff that recognizes the challenges and health concerns of obesity can be difficult. Due to the popularity of the inspiring and judgment-free Bariatric Exercise Program at Griffin Hospital, the specialized team of exercise physiologists has been expanded. Three exercise physiologists evaluate each person, develop an individual exercise plan and help them progress. Further, new weekend and evening hours make participation more convenient. Eunice Lisk, MS, staff exercise physiologist overseeing the program, sees the incredible strides that patients make every day: “Working with the bariatric patients has been such a delight. I have learned so much from them and hope that I have been able to help them along their journey of weight loss and continued health”. Encouraging and Supportive Staff Please join us in welcoming our newest exercise physiologist, Tom Kavanagh. Tom is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. He attended Southern Connecticut State University for Exercise Science with a concentration in Human Performance.... Read More

Healthiest Barbeque Recipe of the Season

June 22, 2011

Summer brings us many exciting and fun activities, but it also offers challenges in form of enticing high-calorie foods. That’s when motivation and focus on a healthy regimen are instrumental in maintaining and enhancing weight loss after bariatric surgery. Here at Griffin Bariatrics, we want to make sure that our Connecticut bariatric patients stay faithful to their goal and maintain an optimal low-calorie nutritional program. One of the favorite summer pastimes is gathering with friends and family over sizzling barbeque. But did you know that high-fat meats top the list of the unhealthiest foods of the summertime? In fact, let’s take a look at this list: High-fat meats, sausages and hot dogs (one steak can pack up to 1,500 calories/120 grams of fat!) Daiquiri, pina colada and other cocktails (up to 800 calories) Smoothies and slurpees alike (over 700 calories) Ice cream (over 600 calories for a treat in a cone) Salads with mayonnaise (up to 180 calories per serving) These are some of the most preferred items on many dining tables, and we understand that it can be easy... Read More