2013

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

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

Enjoying the Last Quiet Winter Days in Connecticut

March 8, 2013

When a late snow storm hits Connecticut, everyone yearns for Spring and its seasonal activities. Often, though, we do not take time to relax and enjoy some quiet time. Winter lends itself beautifully to some rest and relaxation (provided that the snow removal is behind us). Stress management is an integral part of the healthy lifestyle necessary for continued success with bariatric surgery. Here are a few ways to calm the mind and enjoy the last days of winter: • Pick a book off the shelf. There is nothing like getting lost in a good book to help forget the daily stresses for a while. Allow yourself to enjoy the pleasure of reading for fun. • Watch the snow fall. Ok, maybe it is a bit like watching grass grow. However, taking the time to just watch the snowflakes dance from the sky can be wonderfully relaxing. Unlike children, we rarely marvel at the beauty of snowflakes. Bring out your inner child and go a step further and make your own paper snowflakes and hang them from the ceiling to... Read More

A Window of Opportunity

February 21, 2013

Many patients who suffer from severe obesity in Connecticut find help losing significant and sustained weight through bariatric surgery. There are several different types of weight loss surgery offered at Griffin Hospital. Our bariatric team will discuss your non-surgical and surgical options, taking into consideration your age, co-morbid conditions, lifestyle, expected surgical risk and weight loss goal. The average amount of expected weight loss varies with each surgery type: Lap Band Procedure: 50% of excess weight Sleeve Gastectomy: 60 % of excess weight Gastric Bypass: 70% of excess weight Revisional Surgery: case specific Hitting the target weight loss and exceeding weight loss expectations No matter which bariatric surgery is right for you, how quickly to jump into a healthy lifestyle directly affects how much total weight you are most likely to lose. Weight loss after bariatric surgery is very much a window of opportunity. The fastest weight loss is typically in the first 6-9 months and gradually decreases over the next 6-9 months to stabilize around 18 to 24 months post-op. That being understood, there are some ways you can... Read More

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