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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

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

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