Nutrition

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

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

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