Let 2012 be all about you!

January 26, 2012

The health benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous and are often the primary reason patients seek out the gastric bypass, the sleeve gastrectomy or the lap band for sustained weight loss. However, results do not happen without hard work and weight loss cannot be maintained without a healthy lifestyle. Implementing a healthy lifestyle is not easy and requires continued effort and time. Putting your own needs first is difficult to do. Goal setting is a good way to enforce a healthy lifestyle. Important things to consider when setting goals: Make it measurable Your goal may be to be healthier, but how do you measure this? Do you want to have lower triglycerides, have a BMI below 30, gain more muscle mass, be able to run a 5K? Making your goal measurable will help you see your progress and keep you motivated. Make it a fun Truth is, if it feels like work, we are much less likely to stick to it. Make it a game and involve your loved ones. For example, if your goal is to increase your protein... Read More

The Seven Habits of Successful Weight Loss Surgery Patients

January 12, 2012

Bariatric surgery is often referred to as a tool toward weight loss. Ever wonder how to best use this tool or what other tools will lead to the best outcomes? We have put together a list of 7 essential components to maximize your weight loss and overall health. 1. Follow-up. The importance of life-long follow-up with the surgeon cannot be understated. It has been proven to dramatically increase weight loss, especially with the Lap-Band procedure. It provides accountability and education, but also can prevent medical concerns from becoming severe. 2. Understand how it works. The Gastric Bypass, the Sleeve Gastrectomy and the Lap-Band provide satiety through a mechanical component: The procedures create a smaller stomach, leading to faster satiety with little food. However, not all foods are created equal. Solid protein sources, such as fish, seafood, legumes, poultry, pork and beef will empty slowly out of the stomach, leading to long-lasting satiety – simple carbs will leave you hungry again within an hour. Thus, we recommend eating protein first, then veggies and rarely starches and fruit. Thin soups, even though... Read More