Exercise

Why a Comprehensive Weight Loss Program Is Best

August 10, 2016

Making significant lifestyle changes to lose weight and improve your health is a tremendous undertaking. If diet and exercise alone were always sufficient to achieve the desired results, there would be very little need for the variety of weight loss methods available. At Griffin Bariatrics, our experienced physicians believe a comprehensive, multi-discipline weight loss program offers the greatest opportunity for accomplishing your goals. Our combination of bariatric surgery, nutrition assistance, fitness classes, and support services takes a whole-health approach that respects that weight loss is a physical and emotional journey. Weight gain occurs as a result of many influencers, and food intake and activity levels are only two of the most commonly cited. Genetic predisposition, access to healthy meals and snacks, and mental health can each play a role. Since several factors can contribute to excess weight, we believe achieving lasting weight loss requires at least as many countermeasures. That is why we offer a comprehensive weight loss program that is customized to your unique needs, goals, and experience. At Griffin Bariatrics, we will work with you to get you... Read More

Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Inspiration for the Weight Loss Surgery Patient

February 13, 2014

The weather in Connecticut may not be as tropical as it is in Sochi, Russia, but there is still a lot we can be inspired by. It is always exciting to watch the best athletes from around the world compete. Even though you may be sick and tired of the snow storms and the endless shoveling this winter, you have to agree that all this snow lends itself to quite a bit of exercise. Exercise is an integral part of our Bariatric Program. It helps patients get optimally ready for surgery, makes them recover faster and with less likelihood of complications. How much patients exercise determines how quickly and how much weight they loose and in the long run, how much weight loss is maintained. This is why we keep encouraging everyone to exercise daily. After patients fully recover from Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Lap Band or Revisional Surgery, they are no longer limited to walking. It is time to try new things or to pick up a sport they have not done in years. Let the Winter Olympics and... Read More

Gardening- Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

June 12, 2013

Exercise and stress management are major components of the healthy lifestyle necessary for continued weight loss success after bariatric surgery at Griffin Hospital. Regardless if you had the Gastric Bypass, the Sleeve Gastrectomy or the Lap-Band, knowing how to manage stress and exercising daily is just as crucial to a successful weight loss experience as knowing which foods to eat and which vitamins to choose. In order to be able to stick to this healthy lifestyle, it is important to choose activities that you enjoy. Gardening is an ideal component of a healthy lifestyle. It incorporates exercise and mediation and promotes healthy eating. Gardening is a great form of exercise. Bending, digging, and reaching are repeated many times through the course of a mornings’ worth of gardening. If you have been working out in the gym but feel discouraged because you cannot see immediate results, then gardening may be what you need to boost your morale. With gardening, you can see your work and feel it the next day. You do not need to be an expert gardener to enjoy... Read More

Have Fun Like a Kid Again on Mother’s Day!

May 10, 2013

When is the last time you had some belly-laugh, jump up and down kiddo fun? Mother’s Day should be about allowing yourself to be a kid again – at least for one day. After bariatric surgery, patients are very committed to a healthy lifestyle. Regardless if they had Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy or a Lap Band, patients understand that they need to exercise every day, eat healthfully with plenty of lean protein, and take time to “smell the roses”. All this is great advice, but is it still fun? If going to the gym seems like torture and you seem to be pulling your hair out lately, then it’s time for some kiddo fun. Some time ago, at our monthly OnTrack Workshop, we had a hooping demonstration. Yes, that’s right. We had fun with a hula hoop. It was such a popular event and lead to several patients taking hooping classes and many continuing to hoop every day. We thought that it would be time for a refresher course. The Right Hula Hoop If you tried hooping with your kid’s... Read More

Massage Therapy Helpful After Bariatric Surgery

April 24, 2013

At Griffin Hospital we talk a lot about bariatric surgery being most effective when coupled with a healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition, daily exercise and time for relaxation and stress management is important for propelling you towards your new, healthier self. One wonderful and indulgent way to relax and let go of stress is through therapeutic massage. Massage offers many benefits beyond pampering to bariatric surgery patients, including: Mind-body connection – many patients have a hard time seeing their new body size. Often, patients see themselves several sizes larger than they actually are. Weight loss in the first 6 months, especially with the Gastric Bypass, can be dramatic. It takes patients a while to adjust to the smaller version of themselves. Massage therapy helps to make this mind body connection. Improved circulation – if you are suffering from poor circulation before or after bariatric surgery, you may find massage therapy to be helpful. Massage therapy pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, thus improving circulation. For lymphedema, patients have found much relief when receiving treatments from a trained massage... Read More