Blog

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

Keeping the Romance Alive After Bariatric Surgery

February 6, 2013

Bariatric Surgery can be tough on relationships. After all, it is a life changing event that requires diligence and adherence to a strict, healthy lifestyle. Even though you may be ready for these changes, your partner may not be as willing to follow you and your new-found energy. Bariatric surgery, like other life changing events, can cause friction in relationships. For this reason, partners are always welcome at our support groups and monthly OnTrack Workshops. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we thought that we would share a few ways to bring the romance back into the relationship. Ask: How Are You? We ask this question all day long, but rarely wait for an honest answer. Take the time to just listen to your partner and find out how they are really doing. Share an Entrée Dinner is not very romantic if you eat at different times and different foods. Make dinner worth sharing by bringing out the good china and the candles (or go out to a hidden culinary gem). Choose an entrée that you can both enjoy, eat... Read More

Hearty Soups For Cold Winter Days

January 14, 2013

Soups are a great way to make simple, one pot dishes that warm your body and soul and give you the nutrition that you need after weight loss surgery. That said, it is important that these soups be thick, protein-rich and delicious. We at Griffin Bariatrics do not recommend thin soups because they tend to not “stick to your ribs” and provide the long-lasting satiety that protein-dense foods can give you. Let us explain: Imagine that you just had a cup of tomato soup. With under 100 calories and the low fat content, it may seem like a great choice. However, after bariatric surgery, it is more important to ensure that you have enough protein – typically around 75 grams per day. So the tomato soup that has less than 2 grams of protein per serving does not give you much to run on (literally). Protein takes a long time to break down, so it keeps you satisfied longer and keeps you from feeling deprived. It also keeps your hair from falling out and generally makes you feel like Wonder... Read More

Shopping Addiction: When Shopping For New Clothes After Weight Loss Surgery Is More Than Buying For Your New Size

January 9, 2013

Many patients are thrilled to be able to shop for new, smaller sized outfits. It is one of the great benefits of bariatric surgery: Your health improves by regulating diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol and you are left with more energy and a slimmer body. What bariatric surgery does not do, however, is resolve any psychological issues that you may have been struggling with. This is why we have a comprehensive, patient-centered support system at Griffin Hospital. Our support groups are here to help you through some difficult times that you may be experiencing. For some patients, food was an addiction. Studies show that the same chemicals are stimulated in alcohol, drug and food addiction. Thought leaders also think that compulsive buying episodes and some of the same underlying causes can trigger shopping addiction. Bariatric surgery abruptly stops a person from overeating, it does not cure the underlying causes of food addiction. Some patients can experience addiction transfer after bariatric surgery. The addiction can take on a new form, such as alcoholism or drug addiction. We tend to not think of... Read More

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