Weight Loss Surgery

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

The Connection Between Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

June 18, 2015

When you sleep, your mind and your body have the opportunity to recover from the day’s events, stressful, happy, and neutral alike. However, if you’re not getting good quality rest each night, a number of unwanted effects can occur. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing periodically during the night. There are many risk factors that can lead to OSA, and one of the most common is excess weight. To help our patients identify if they have this condition and seek treatment, our team at Griffin Hospital has provided the following quiz that you can use to assess your sleep quality. In the event you receive a score of 10-24, we recommend you seek out a sleep specialist that can diagnose your concerns. For more information about OSA, weight loss surgery, or to schedule a consultation with our experienced bariatric surgeon, please contact us today. Take Our OSA Quiz

What Is Dumping Syndrome?

May 28, 2015

Dumping syndrome or “rapid gastric emptying” can be a common side effect after weight loss surgery. Our bariatric surgery specialists can help you identify this concern and address the issue before serious problems can set in. Dumping syndrome describes a group of symptoms that can occur when food is emptied too quickly from the stomach. These symptoms may include: Nausea or vomiting Abdominal pain or cramping Diarrhea Increased heart rate Dizziness Sweating or feeling flushed Feeling full after eating only a small amount Symptoms typically occur during or right after a meal, but may also occur 1-3 hours later. Although the effects may be frightening, they are not life threatening and can be avoided with changes to how and what you eat. Here are a few tips to help avoid this uncomfortable experience: Try to eat smaller and more frequent meals. Aim to eat 5-6 small meals a day Eat your food slowly, and chew food well before swallowing. Cutting food into small pieces will also help Avoid foods/fluids that are high in sugar. For example: cookies, doughnuts, fruit juices, pies, and... Read More

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