2014

Making a vegetarian post-bariatric surgery lifestyle possible

February 27, 2014

Good nutrition is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle after bariatric surgery at our Connecticut weight loss surgery center. At Griffin Hospital we recommend that patients who had Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Lap-Band, or Revision Surgery consume a diet that is rich in protein and low in simple carbs and sugars. But that does not mean that you can't enjoy a vegetarian lifestyle with healthy plant-based protein. After bariatric surgery, you want foods that pack a lot of nutrition in a relatively small portion size. The protein goal for most post-op bariatric patients is about 75 grams of protein per day. When eating non-vegetarian protein sources, this is a bit easier to do, however, with all this focus on high quality protein, even non-vegetarians look forward to expanding their palate with tasty, nutritious vegetarian dishes. Often, this leads to the frequently asked question: What are good vegetarian protein choices? Good Vegetarian Protein Choices for Post-Op Patients Eggs – Unless you are vegan, eggs are a perfect protein. Each large egg gives you 6 grams of protein. If you... Read More

Eating Disorders Awareness Week and Bariatric Surgery in Connecticut

February 25, 2014

This year over 10 million men and 20 million women in America will be affected by a clinically recognized eating disorder. An additional unnumbered amount of Americans will struggle with eating disorders in private without diagnosis or treatment. As we raise awareness during Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we urge our patients at Griffin Bariatrics to learn about eating disorders so that you can provide support to those need treatment, or seek treatment for yourself, if needed. Eating Disorders Don’t Have a “Type” Appearances are often not an indicator of someone who struggles with an eating disorder. In fact, often people are surprised to learn that a loved one has been struggling with eating. People with a food disorder come from different races and sexes, and come in all shapes and sizes. Eating Disorders That Can Affect Bariatric Patients Binge Eating Disorder (BED), unlike anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, has a fairly equal balance of men and women, with nearly 40% of BED sufferers being male. BED is the most common eating disorder and is characterized by eating until uncomfortably full,... Read More

Protein Shake Recipes After Bariatric Surgery

February 21, 2014

If you’ve attended one of Griffin’s free weight loss surgery seminars, or you have recently scheduled your surgery at our Connecticut center, than most likely you’ve learned that after bariatric surgery your body needs time to heal and become accustomed to eating smaller portions. That means a change in diet. With the help of your surgeon and a nutritionist, you’ll learn how to follow a liquid and soft food diet until your body is ready to eat small portions of regular food again (about 12 weeks). After surgery it is essential that your body gets plenty of proteins without heading to your local steak house. Proteins are essential because they help your body stay full, regulate blood sugar, and maintain muscle mass. So, how do you get in enough protein, especially during the first liquid phase of your diet? Protein shakes! Luckily for us, protein shakes come in all kinds of flavors these days. Many health food stores even sell single servings of different flavors and brands so you can find one you like before committing to a large canister.... 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

Plateaus After Weight Loss Surgery

February 10, 2014

If you’re one of the unusual people who haven’t experienced a weight loss plateau during your weight loss journey, consider yourself lucky. For the rest of us, hitting a plateau at least once between your starting weight and your goal is part of the process. Even patients of our Connecticut weight loss surgery center can experience a plateau. Often, a weight that just won’t budge can be linked back to little habits that are undermining your efforts. Other times, a plateau can be caused by an imbalance in a fitness plan. While frustrating, overcoming a plateau is possible! What is a Plateau? A weight-loss plateau is typically considered to be stalled weight loss even though you are still practicing your healthy eating and exercise habits. Nearly everyone who is following a weight loss program will experience a plateau at least once during their weight loss journey. Do Bariatric Patient’s Experience Plateaus? Even weight loss patients who are making great strides to a healthier body weight may experience a plateau along the way. Most patients who have had gastric band (lap-band)... Read More