Weight Loss Surgery

Developing a Healthy Long-Term Diet After Gastric Bypass

August 24, 2020

Gastric bypass is more than just a weight-loss surgery, it’s an opportunity to adopt long-term lifestyle changes that support a healthier, more vibrant existence. One very important component of your lifestyle change after gastric bypass surgery is learning how to adjust your diet long-term to support your evolving health goals year after year. Once you've fully recovered from surgery (typically six months post-operatively), our weight loss surgeons at Griffin Bariatrics recommend adopting these important dietary guidelines: Make sure you are meeting your daily protein goals - your dietician will educate you on how many grams of protein your body requires. Keep the amount of fats and carbohydrates you are eating in balance with your dietician’s recommendations. Ensure proper meal frequency and meal sizes - weigh the food you prepare and keep track of calories to avoid overeating. Your dietician will provide you with an optimal calorie range to abide by. As you progress in your journey, this calorie count may be adjusted. Each meal should contain 50% protein, 25% vegetables, and 25% starches - eat protein first, followed by veggies... Read More

Presurgical Counseling for Weight Loss Surgery

November 21, 2018

One way to know whether a bariatric surgeon or practice is right for you is to ask if they offer presurgical weight loss counseling and comprehensive weight loss support programs. These options bookend bariatric surgery and support patients in their goals—ultimately leading to greater success. Presurgical counseling covers a lot of ground, going over most of what you will need to know about weight loss surgery. Some of the topics covered include: Qualification info for different types of bariatric surgery Dietary changes you will need to make before and after surgery Lifestyle changes you will need to make before and after surgery What recovery will be like Which procedure may best suit your needs and goals What results to anticipate Presurgical counseling involves healthcare professionals from many disciplines, including nutrition, exercise, mental health, and medical. They can answer your questions and help you better understand the benefits and challenges of weight loss surgery. If you have questions about what to expect during presurgical counseling, give us a call. We can review what happens in this meeting and how you can... Read More

Are More People Choosing Bariatric Surgery?

December 7, 2016

Approximately one-third of Americans are considered obese, a number that has been increasing over time. One of the most effective treatments for severe obesity is bariatric surgery. As a result, many people assume that weight loss surgery must be growing in popularity as obesity rates climb. This, however, is not actually the case. In fact, fewer people are choosing to undergo weight loss surgery. The reasons why are complex, as our skilled bariatric surgeons explain: One of the biggest impediments to receiving bariatric surgery for most patients is cost. Many health insurance companies either partially cover or do not cover the cost of weight loss surgery. Those that do provide coverage for a procedure may have a difficult and convoluted approval process that can take years to navigate. While Griffin Bariatrics provides support to patients to help them manage these issues, many individuals are left understandably frustrated by the system. We make it a priority to help people negotiate insurance-related issues, and we also offer appealing financing terms for those who opt to pay out of pocket. Obesity is classified... Read More

Can Teens Have Bariatric Surgery?

November 17, 2016

The number of teenagers and young adults suffering from obesity has increased dramatically over the years. Weight loss surgery, however, remains an uncommon treatment for this age group, and Griffin Bariatrics does not currently offer surgery to patients under the age of 18. That said, our experienced bariatric surgeons explain when surgery may be a reasonable option, and when other methods should be explored: Bariatric surgery, including techniques like gastric banding, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass, can achieve significant weight loss for the right candidates. However, there have been few studies performed on the long-term results of weight loss surgery for adolescents. Weight loss procedures require serious long-term lifestyle changes. If a teenager, or any obese patient, is unable to follow the strict dietary guidelines, bariatric surgery may not be the best approach. Additionally, patients, including teens and young adults, should exhaust all other reasonable weight loss options before considering bariatric surgery. At Griffin Bariatrics, we can help teens, young adults, and adults navigate weight loss challenges through our comprehensive support programs. Many of these groups are free or low-cost... Read More

The Importance of Support Following Weight Loss Surgery

August 30, 2016

It’s not uncommon to experience a variety of emotions following weight loss surgery, some of which may be conflicting. Excitement is of course normal, but feeling nervous or even a little bit fearful is also perfectly natural. What you shouldn’t worry about is completing this journey alone. At Griffin Bariatrics, our skilled medical team offers support at every stage of your experience, beginning well before you have the surgery and continuing throughout your life. We believe these services are crucial to optimizing your well-being and to achieving long-term success. Changing foundational elements of your lifestyle, such as how you think about food, isn’t something that can happen overnight. When you need advice on nutrition options, fitness programs, or personal concerns related to weight loss, we are here to help. We have support groups designed with your needs in mind. Counseling, exercises classes, and cooking demonstrations are all available through our On Track Program and On Track Workshops. Furthermore, we know sometimes the best resources are patients who have already been where you are. Our group therapy sessions offer you a... Read More