Support

Shopping Addiction: When Shopping For New Clothes After Weight Loss Surgery Is More Than Buying For Your New Size

January 9, 2013

Many patients are thrilled to be able to shop for new, smaller sized outfits. It is one of the great benefits of bariatric surgery: Your health improves by regulating diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol and you are left with more energy and a slimmer body. What bariatric surgery does not do, however, is resolve any psychological issues that you may have been struggling with. This is why we have a comprehensive, patient-centered support system at Griffin Hospital. Our support groups are here to help you through some difficult times that you may be experiencing. For some patients, food was an addiction. Studies show that the same chemicals are stimulated in alcohol, drug and food addiction. Thought leaders also think that compulsive buying episodes and some of the same underlying causes can trigger shopping addiction. Bariatric surgery abruptly stops a person from overeating, it does not cure the underlying causes of food addiction. Some patients can experience addiction transfer after bariatric surgery. The addiction can take on a new form, such as alcoholism or drug addiction. We tend to not think of... Read More

Thanksgiving Give-Back

November 16, 2012

Thanksgiving can be a difficult time for bariatric patients. You may just be recovering from a Sleeve Gastrectomy and have dietary limitations that you need to follow. As a Gastric Bypass patient, you may be struggling with how to avoid dumping syndrome when pumpkin pie is being served. You may be frustrated as a LAP-BAND® patient that your family members do not understand that the weight loss is slower with this type of procedure. And of course, there is always the scrutiny of everyone seeming to look at every detail of your eating habits, weight, fashion choices, exercise routine and happiness. Sometimes, we can all feel at bit overwhelmed and read a bit too much into the “You look great!” comment. But no matter what our inner dialogue is, let’s remember what Thanksgiving is about: Being appreciative. What have you accomplished this year that you were unable to do last year? How do you feel this year compared to last? What have you gained from Bariatric surgery? Keeping these positive thoughts in mind, consider putting all this extra energy that... Read More

This Halloween, treat YOURSELF!

October 29, 2012

Of course Halloween is a time to indulge the little goblins that come to your door after dark. But with all the tricks that you put on yourself all year long, don’t you deserve a treat? Life after bariatric surgery is not always a walk in the park, hurdles can make the steep path downright scary. You may have been losing weight at a fantastic pace after the Gastric Bypass, but find that you really need to get into high gear with your exercise regimen to drop the last 20 pounds. Or, even though you opted for the slow and steady weight loss of the Lap Band, you find yourself envious of the Sleeve Gastrectomy patients and their faster-paced weight loss. Changing to a healthy lifestyle can be fun, but also involves a lot of work and brings many well-intentioned, but not always welcomed advice from friends and family. So make a new tradition for yourself: make Halloween the day you treat yourself and let go of all the unwelcomed tricks! A few suggested treats to get you started: Get... Read More

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

Putting “Me Time” On The Schedule

August 24, 2012

Back to school shopping is in full swing. Parents are participating in the yearly scavenger hunt for color matched supplies to give their children the best possible start to the school year. And of course there are also after school ballet classes, the little league games, boy scouts meetings and driving lessons for teenagers to fit into your schedule. Summer is slipping away fast and so is the “me time” on your schedule. Regardless if you have a family with children or are a busy professional, scheduling some time for yourself can be very challenging. We all want more time to relax and exercise, but being able to implement this goal can be difficult and the dreaded (yet always at the ready) Mommy (and/or professional) guilt is just waiting around the corner. After bariatric surgery, it is strongly recommended (read required) that patients exercise daily, eat a healthy balanced diet that allows for plenty of protein, take daily supplements, find ways of managing stress and get a good night’s rest. Whew! Now that you are post Gastric Bypass, Lap-Band or... Read More

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