Weight Loss Surgery

Diabetes and the Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

February 26, 2015

One of the key concerns of carrying significant excess weight is the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes occurs as a result of your body’s inability to maintain stable glucose (sugar) levels. Type 2 diabetes, also called T2D, is the most common form of this condition, and it can develop when your body cannot produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates glucose). In some cases, your body may produce enough insulin; however, your system may not be able to properly utilize the hormone to combat the volume of glucose, typically leading to insulin resistance. Insulin helps glucose move into cells, and without it glucose can build up in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of developing life-threatening problems, such as heart attack, stroke, or dehydration. Fortunately, losing weight can aid in reducing or eliminating diabetes symptoms. If you’re obese, diabetic, and having difficulty losing weight, our experienced bariatric surgeon, Dr. Rishi Ramlogan, may be able to help. Losing a substantial amount of weight can reduce the need for antidiabetic medications and, in some cases, eliminate the need for prescription diabetes... Read More

Considering Bariatric Surgery

April 5, 2013

If you are a person who has been suffering from severe obesity (morbid obesity) you may have considered bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery). There are several types of bariatric surgery. Each procedure has pros and cons. Each procedure requires a lifestyle change that includes stress management, exercise and good nutrition. Bariatric surgery also requires lifelong follow-up with the bariatric surgery team and multivitamin and mineral supplements. Oversight of Bariatric Procedures performed at Griffin Hospital Lap-Band – The lap-band is a restrictive procedures (allows you to feel satisfied with less food). The key to success with the Lap-Band is frequent follow-up and optimal adjustments to the silicone ring. The expected average excess weight loss is around 50%. Thus, this procedure is usually recommended for persons who need to lose less significant weight. Health benefits such as resolution of sleep apnea, better control of diabetes and other conditions are related to the amount of weight loss and maintenance over the long term. Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) – Even though the Sleeve Gastrectomy is considered a restrictive procedure, it must be noted that... Read More

Checking-in for Health After Weight Loss Surgery

March 25, 2013

It is too bad that Bariatric Surgery is commonly referred to as Weight Loss Surgery. It gives the impression that all that can be achieved is weight loss. Bariatric surgery is less about what you lose and more about what you gain: control over diabetes, lower blood pressure, relief of gout pain, better fertility, less frequent reoccurrence of migraine headaches, restful sleep without sleep apnea and of course better emotional and social wellbeing. This being said, it does not come without hard work. Anyone who has had a Gastric Bypass, Lap Band or Sleeve Gastrectomy will undoubtedly let you know that they work very hard at their weight loss. That’s because Bariatric Surgery is not a diet: it is a lifestyle change. Bariatric surgery is helpful because it helps patients feel satisfied with less food. Bariatric surgery does not force you to exercise, chose nutritious foods or encourage a healthy lifestyle. You, the patient, choses to do that. Along the way you’ll hear the cheers of the bariatric team and other patients to help you stay on track. Because there... 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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