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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

Three Things to Do This Week to Help You Eat Healthier

February 28, 2019

1. Plan your dinners for the next five days. Meal prep (prepping several meals at once) is great, but it’s not for everyone. An easier way to make sure you eat healthy? Plan out your meals for the week. Once you’ve figured out what you’re going to make, go food shopping for the ingredients. When you get home hang the list of daily meals on your fridge. This scheduling of meals will decrease the odds of getting take out, prevent food waste, save you money, and last but not least, will result in healthier eating. When you prepare your own meals (vs. eating out) you’re in charge of the ingredients. An added benefit to planning your weekly meals is that your household will also know what the plan is (list on fridge) and can help out by defrosting or cutting up ingredients before you get home. 2. Eat slower. How long does it take you to consume a meal? Three minutes? Five minutes? If you’re typically the first one to finish at the table you might want to consider slowing... Read More

Does Bariatric Surgery Cause Hair Loss?

February 15, 2019

Bariatric surgery can be life-changing in many ways, and it offers a chance for patients to restore their confidence as well as their health. That said, some effects of weight loss surgery are less well-received, and one of the most common is hair loss. Hair loss following bariatric surgery can occur for a number of reasons, but in the majority of cases, the effect is temporary. The cause of temporary hair loss after weight loss surgery typically results from a response to anesthesia or due to the severe calorie reduction that follows treatment. This type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium and is usually a short-term condition. Depending on your risk for hereditary hair thinning and loss, regrowth may be complete or partial after a few to several months. Many hair restoration options now exist that may help regrow hair that was shed during the recovery period without returning. That said, most patients find this effect a minor bump on the road to a healthier, happier life. If you have any questions about hair loss following weight loss... Read More

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