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Tips for Safe Summer Grilling

July 18, 2019

With the grilling season upon us you might find yourself reaching for lean grilled protein, such as fish or chicken, at your next BBQ. Traditionally, BBQ grilling has been touted by our weight loss surgeons as a healthier, and still tasty, way to prepare meat and poultry (when compared to cooking methods like frying). Grilling relies on heat from flames underneath the food, while frying/sauteing, uses fat (oil) to transfer heat to food. Fried foods, which are high in fat and calories, have also been linked to a risk of early death according to this study on the health dangers of fried food published in the BMJ. Comparatively, grilling your food uses little (if any) added fat making it a heart healthy and nutritionally superior choice. Unfortunately, grilling is not without its own caveats. Read on to learn our important tips on how to grill safely so you can enjoy that chicken healthfully and without guilt this season. HCAs (heterocyclic amines) and PAHs (polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons) are two compounds that are formed when meat, poultry, and fish are prepared using... Read More

Reduce Food Waste for Health, Financial, & Environmental Benefits

May 23, 2019

We’ve all been there – you stuff your fridge with colorful produce with the intention of eating nutritious meals all week. By the time Friday rolls around, all the food is still there and it’s not looking so fresh and some of it is past the “use by” date. What’s one to do? Turns out most of that food can still be eaten. Read on to learn tips on how to utilize your food instead of just throwing it out: Don’t take “use by” dates so seriously Those “Best if used by” and “Sell By” dates are not federally regulated. According to the USDA, many food products (with the exception of baby formula) can be safely consumed after the date label phrase. Foods that have spoiled will have an off texture, flavor, or odor and should not be eaten. For more food safety information visit the USDA website. “Revive” your food Floppy carrots and limp lettuce and celery can be crunchy again and good as new when trimmed and soaked in water. Better yet, learn how to store your food... Read More

How Can I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

April 29, 2019

Many patients who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise are curious if they qualify for bariatric surgery. Of course, two factors contribute to “qualification.” You can qualify for surgery, and you can qualify according to your medical policy. To help people better understand the approval process, our weight loss surgeons offer a quick overview of what medical insurance companies may require for approval for weight loss surgery, as well as the typical qualifications to be a candidate for a weight loss procedure. Two main aspects are considered when determining if a patient is a good candidate for a bariatric procedure: body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related health conditions. Each weight loss technique has slightly different requirements for BMI, which is usually modified based on whether an individual also experiences weight-related medical concerns. Generally speaking, the minimum BMI for any weight loss surgery is 35. As for the medical insurance approval process, this can vary dramatically from policy to policy. However, most insurances that cover bariatric surgery will require a patient to prove they have made a sincere... Read More

Dietary Fiber Intake after Bariatric Surgery

April 15, 2019

With so much attention being paid to protein intake (combined with smaller portions) after bariatric surgery, some patients may find that their diet is not as balanced as it should be. If your diet does not contain the right balance of foods you might not be getting enough fiber, which can lead to constipation and weight plateaus. Read on to learn the benefits of dietary fiber and how to increase this nutrient in your diet after weight loss surgery. What is fiber? Fiber is found in plant foods – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Refined grains, such as white rice or white flour, are missing one or more of the three parts of the grain that make it “whole” (the bran, endosperm, and germ). This process leaves these foods with a quarter of the nutrients (like fiber) that they contained before. For this reason, the recommendation is to eat make half your grains whole (1). Fruit also contains fiber, but when fruit is made into juice it loses most of the fiber. There are two types... Read More

Can I Have Caffeine After Bariatric Surgery?

March 15, 2019

Initially after weight loss surgery you will have significant restrictions on what you can eat and drink, and this list includes caffeine. However, that does not mean you can never have caffeinated beverages ever again. Our bariatric surgeons want patients to understand that their stomachs are quite sensitive after a procedure. As a result, they need to be very careful about how they reintroduce foods and liquids. Caffeine should be avoided for the first 30 days after you have surgery. If you love coffee or caffeinated tea, you may reintroduce these beverages into your diet slowly after this point if your surgeon thinks it is safe to do so. Most people enjoy their coffee or tea with other substances, including sweeteners and dairy. Choose wisely about which caffeinated items you drink and how much sugar and fat are in them. With a little care, you can continue to sip your favorite type of drinks, including caffeinated ones, once your body has healed. For more information about what to eat and drink after bariatric surgery, please reach out to our medical... Read More

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