Weighing the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

There are countless benefits of choosing weight loss surgery when traditional weight loss options fail to work and body mass index has reached dangerous proportions. In this instance, bariatric surgery can increase happiness, quality of life, life expectancy and health. Also known as weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery is quickly becoming an extremely popular medical procedure in the United States.

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery 

This rise in popularity regarding weight loss surgery can be attributed to the fact that so many have found a new and improved quality of life. This life changing bariatric procedure remove the struggle of losing weight and minimizes both the risks and the effects of many health issues that are typical in those who deal with obesity.

 

Bariatric can be life saving as well as life changing, as there are many serious complications that are often attributed to obesity. What may seem like a drastic intervention to some is actually giving the gift of a new and improved life for people who have struggled with their weight for years until giving up. Weight loss surgery intervenes, bringing new hope and a new outlook on life while eliminating many risks that obesity brings.

 

The numbers change every year as more and more people opt for this life-renewing option but recent records suggest more than 150,000 had bariatric surgery in the United States last year alone. According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, previous years saw numbers as high as 220,000 in weight loss surgery patients.

 

With each new and innovative technique discovered by modern medicine, weight loss surgery has become safer than ever before. The biggest problem with bariatric surgery is the millions who need this procedure will never reap these benefit. This is due to the fact that, out of the 15-20 million severely obese people in the United States, only about one percent will follow through with this surgery after meeting the guidelines.

 

In terms of weight loss surgery, there are several options and various procedures that can be chosen to help you lose weight effectively. Your doctor and nutritionist will know which of these bariatric procedures can best benefit your personal situation, health needs and lifestyle. The most common bariatric treatments are called:

*      Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

*      Adjustable Gastric Banding also know as the Lap Band

*      Realize Band

*      Sleeve Gastrectomy

*      Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Surgery

These are some of the more popular bariatric surgery techniques, most of which are performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. Usually, this entails one or more tiny incisions, rather than open surgery techniques using one larger incision, for minimal pain and healing time.  

Who Needs Bariatric Surgery?

Obesity is considered to be a chronic health condition that many suffer with for years, sometimes even an entire lifetime. People who suffer from the many effects of obesity find it difficult, if not impossible, to lose weight through the traditional methods such as exercise, healthy diet, or medically supervised programs such as diet pills. Bariatric surgery is not always the easiest option but it does give hope to obese individuals. Chosen by doctors as a last resort to save lives, bariatric surgery gives new options to those who need a medical intervention to increase quality of life.  

Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery

Now that you know the basics about weight loss surgery, it is important to know how much weight you can expect to lose after undergoing a bariatric procedure. The results of bariatric surgery have been quite favorable as a permanent treatment for obesity, promoting and providing long term weight reduction. If you are at least one hundred pounds overweight, the only permanent treatment for weight loss is bariatric surgery.  

To better understand the benefits of bariatric surgery, please consider other popular weight loss options. When obese patients lose weight via diet and exercise, the long term weight reduction equals only about ten percent. However, with Gastric Bypass and Lap band surgery techniques, this number increases to an impressive fifty to sixty percent over five years. With the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Surgery technique, average weight loss increases to as much as eighty percent of the excess weight.

While bariatric surgery options are designed to specifically deal with the need for weight loss, these options offer amazing results regarding many other metabolic conditions and diseases. Many positive results have been seen after weight loss surgery in health conditions such as

*      Type 2 Diabetes

*      Obstructive Sleep Apnea

*      Hyperlipidemia

*      Cardiovascular Disease

*      Hypertension or High Blood Pressure

*      High Cholesterol

*      Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease  

*      Skin Issues such as Rash and Infection

*      Lymphedema

*      Arthritis

*      GERD

*      Depression

*      Venous Stasis Disease

*      Stress Urinary Incontinence

*      Gout

*      Swollen Ankles

*      Infertility

*      Heart Failure

*      Metabolic Syndrome

*      Migraines

*      Asthma  

*      Premature Death

 

Extended Your Life Span with Bariatric Surgery

You may have noticed the last item on the long list of benefits above is Premature Death. People who suffer from obesity not only suffer from a reduced quality of life but a reduced life expectancy as well. Weight loss surgery could add anywhere from thirteen to twenty years to a person’s lifespan.

Bariatric surgery improves nearly every aspect of an obese individual’s life including those related to social, economic, physical, recreational, and even relationship opportunities. With an increased sense of happiness and well-being, bariatric surgery patients can also expect to save money in future medical expenses and lost wages to illnesses which would have related to their obesity.   

 

Family Dynamics with Weight Loss Surgery

 

Significant Weight Loss Brings Many Changes for You and Your Family

First, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery is a personal one that should be decided upon with the assistance of your doctor and nutritionist. However, the results will be life-changing for you and this will affect your family as well. Your new boost in confidence will bring out a new attitude and outlook, one that your family members may have never experienced before. While the many health benefits are great motivation, this new and improved family life may well become your most favorite result of weight loss surgery.

family weight loss issues

Most people who suffer from obesity deal with many other mental and physical issues, robbing their happiness and leaving depression in its place. Some patients feel as if they aren’t the same person anymore and report that family activities have been reduced to a minimum since obesity has stolen their ability to enjoy normal activities.

After bariatric surgery, your pounds slowly slip away and a new life emerges – one that is greatly enriching to you and your family. Friendships flourish as you have more energy and time to enjoy those around you. For your consideration, here are just a few of the many benefits that can be enjoyed after undergoing weight loss surgery by both you and your family.

 

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Relatives will spend less time worrying and more time making memories with you. Whether you realize this or not, your spouse and children worry about your health and the risks associated with obesity and whichever additional health complications you may suffer from. Children hope that you will be present at all future landmark events: graduations, weddings, the births of your grandchildren as well as many other special occasions. Your family loves you and wants only your happiness and health – even if that means weight loss surgery.

 

Your family will becomes more healthy and health-conscious after your weight loss surgery experience. You will become a role model regarding your family’s health. Research has proven that those who have undergone weight loss surgery noticed positive health benefits for their family members as well. Researchers believe that this happens because the patient’s new and healthier lifestyle extends to the family in regards to meals, activities and even attitudes.

 

You will spend more quality time with your spouse and children. After bariatric surgery, you can expect to feel better and have more energy to invest in relationships with those you love. You will also show an increase in mobility and stamina levels which will lead to more freedom and activities, providing the ability to do things you could have never done before such as camping, sports and amusement parks.   

 

By making your own list with pen and paper, you can probably add several more items to this list. Take your list when you visit the doctor to discuss your options regarding weight loss and if bariatric surgery is right for your situation. There are many more benefits of weight loss surgery regarding your family, depending on your individual situation. In your world, your children and your spouse are the most important people in your life. This is exactly how they feel about you as well. Weight loss surgery improves the relationships in your life as a brand new YOU emerges.

 

Obese Children and Sleep Apnea

Comorbid Effects of Obesity in Children – Sleep Apnea

Childhood obesity is believed to affect approximately thirteen percent of children from six to eleven years of age and fourteen percent of adolescent children age twelve to nineteen years of age. These numbers continue to climb annually, putting these groups of children at risk for type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and even hypertension. Another risk that we fail to remember when considering the comorbid effects of childhood obesity is Sleep Apnea. According to statistics collected by the Surgeon General, Sleep Apnea is another risk of childhood obesity. Sleep Apnea can be serious and even life-threatening if not managed properly.

Childhood obesity

What is Sleep Apnea?

Characterized by short, involuntary pauses during sleep, Sleep Apnea can happen several times per night. Children who suffer from Sleep Apnea find it hard to get a good night’s rest as with each pause in breathing, the average sufferer will abruptly awake, often gasping for breath.

Without restorative sleep, children with Sleep Apnea are tired and often feel the need to sleep all through the following day. Attention spans shorten and children become more sedimentary. This often leads to a decrease in grades, sports and other activities. While overweight children are at high risk for Sleep Apnea, thin children are not completely safe from this condition.

 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Obese Children

Often times, the symptoms of Sleep Apnea are overlooked or explained away as children are labeled as attention deficit or hyperactive. Some common daytime symptoms to watch for in children include: hyperactivity, inattention, behavior problems and sleepiness.

Children with night time symptoms of can exhibit the following Sleep Apnea issues: snoring, restless sleep, breathing with only the mouth, pauses in breathing during sleep, and difficulty waking up in the mornings, even after a full night’s rest.

 

Treating Sleep Apnea

Childhood obesity is not the only cause of Sleep Apnea in children. Common causes can include enlarged tonsils or adenoids and some dental conditions such as a serious overbite while less common causes include tumors or growths obstructions in the airway. Down and Pierre-Robin Syndromes may also cause Sleep Apnea symptoms because of enlargements affecting the jaw and tongue.

Whether child or adult, obstructive Sleep Apnea may cause a bevy of serious and even life threatening complications. Some of these complications include cardiovascular disease and accidents as well as premature death.

It is vitally important for parents of obese children to watch for signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea – especially labored snoring or pauses in breathing. If any of these warning signs are present, make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to discuss the possible causes and ask for the appropriate medical examinations.

While it is doubtful that your child will need to undergo weight reduction surgery, this is a growing possibility that may be considered. Your pediatrician will help with weighing the options and making an educated decision that is best for the health of your child. One great benefit is that in many cases after weight reduction surgery in children, doctors have found that the body is able to slowly heal itself from several results of obesity. 

Lastly, when dealing with obese children, it is important to be attentive to the possible onset of health issues such as Sleep Apnea without singling children out. Always be supportive and use tact as children know when they are obese and need both love and support.

Hypertension – Comorbid Effect of Obesity

Hypertension, the Silent Killer

It is no secret that obesity has many comorbid effects that increases the risk of many other medical issues which include: type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, gout, hyperuricemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis and certain cancers such as prostate or colorectal cancer in men and breast, endometrial and gallbladder cancer in women. These effects continue with several psychological problems such as depression or binge eating and continue on with social issues such as discrimination and stigmatization which can cripple one’s quality of life.

Hypertension a Comorbidity to Obesity
Hypertension a Comorbidity to Obesity

The most dangerous and most common effect of obesity is hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure or as HTN among medical personnel. Hypertension is often referred to as the secret or silent killer because it works quietly, damaging your body’s normal functions over time, without obvious symptoms. Ignoring your obese condition and allowing hypertension to become a part of your life may lead to a disability, a reduced quality lifestyle, and/or a heart attack which may be crippling or fatal.

The good news is that your obesity does not have to be permanent. There are treatments, lifestyle changes, and weight reduction options to help monitor and effectively control your high blood pressure. Thanks to modern day options such as gastric bypass surgery, there is no reason why your obesity should result in the complications listed below.

 

Hypertension Causes Arterial Damage

Normally, your arteries are strong, flexible and elastic with a smooth inner lining which aids in supplying your body’s tissues and organs with much needed oxygen and nutrients. Hypertension affects the arteries over time as the increase in blood pressure may cause a variety of problems including the following issues.

Narrowing and Weakening of the Arteries – Hypertension damages the smooth inner lining of your arteries, making them stiff, thick and unable to stretch to meet the needs of increased pressure – leading to a disease called arteriosclerosis. Arterial hardening is usually caused by an unhealthy diet.

Increased Risk of Aneurysms – As blood moves through damaged arteries, the increased pressure can create aneurysms. These are easily described as arterial bulges which have been formed to accommodate the increased pressure. The rupturing of these aneurysms can lead to life threatening and even fatal bleeding.

 

Hypertension Damages Your Heart

The arteries are not the only victims of hypertension as hypertension can damage your heart as well. Because blood is delivered to your entire body via the heart, high blood pressure can negatively affect your heart in many ways when left uncontrolled and unmonitored.

Coronary Artery Disease – This disease, commonly caused by hypertension, will affect the arteries that deliver blood to the heart. Common symptoms of coronary artery disease include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), chest pain and heart attack.

Enlarged Heart – This creates a situation where your heart must work harder than it should to perform the necessary and unending function of pumping blood to your body. Hypertension can lead to an enlarged left ventricle – called left ventricular hypertrophy which increases the risks of heart failure, heart attack and cardiac death.

Heart Failure – It is no surprise that the increased pressure can wear your heart down over time, weakening the muscles and causing your heart to fall short on its duties. Eventually, the heart wears out, causing a heart attack.

 

Hypertension May Damage the Brain

Just like every other area of your body, your brain requires a steady and nourishing supply of oxygenated blood to function and survive. High blood pressure affects the brain in many ways, causing problems such as stroke and other decreased brain functions which have been listed below.

Transient Ischemic Attack – These attacks are commonly called mini-strokes because they are only small, temporary disruptions in blood flow to the brain. Usually caused by atherosclerosis or blood clots caused from high blood pressure, these attacks are to be considered a warning that you are at risk of having a stroke.

Stroke – When your brain is deprived of important oxygen and nutrients, a stroke can occur. Strokes cause death to important brain cells and many times, the effects are irreversible. High blood pressure damages and weakens your brain’s blood vessels due to clotting, narrowing, rupturing or leaking of the heart.

Dementia – Dementia can be caused by two different symptoms of hypertension, vascular dementia which is the narrowing of arteries to the brain or stroke which causes an interruption in blood flow to the brain. The effects of Dementia are often seen with the following brain functions: speaking, thinking, memory and reason, vision and even bodily movement.

Mild Cognitive Impairment – Like dementia, mild cognitive impairment can be the result of blood flow being interrupted or blocked to the brain when hypertension has damaged the arteries.

 

Hypertension Damages Your Kidneys

While many consider the heart to be the most important organ in the human body, it is the kidneys that regulate blood pressure. The kidneys are also responsible for removing unnecessary or spent nutrients and waste from the blood. These processes can only be done correctly and effectively when your blood vessels are healthy. Hypertension compromises the health of these blood vessels, resulting in damage to the kidneys, including the issues below. The presence of Diabetes can further impact these problems and impair the kidneys.

Kidney Failure – One of the most common causes of Kidney Failure is hypertension due to the fact that high blood pressure damages the arteries leading to and many small blood vessels located within the kidneys. Once damaged, the kidneys can no longer filter waste from the blood effectively which results in the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Kidney Scarring – Another form of kidney damage is referred to as Glomerulosclerosis, or scarring of the glomeruli – tiny clusters of blood vessels within the kidney. This occurs when the kidney cannot filter waste and could result in failure.

Kidney Artery Aneurysm – As mentioned before, an aneurysm occurs on the wall of a blood vessel, creating a bulge due to high blood pressure. Located in an artery leading into the kidney, this is a Renal Artery Aneurysm. This form of aneurysm can cause rupturing and internal bleeding, which can be life threatening or fatal.

The comorbid effects of obesity on your body’s normal blood pressure can be quite staggering. Hypertension can quietly damage the heart and arteries, the brain, and the kidneys – all of which are needed to perform many important bodily functions needed for survival. Maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise to shed those excess pounds are vital to the health of your body. If you find that these steps are not enough, don’t wait for obesity and hypertension to affect your body negatively, Discuss your options regarding current weight reduction methods such as weight loss surgery with a doctor or nutritionist today.

Amazing Protein Superfood and Bariatric Recipe

Amazing Protein Superfood and Bariatric Recipe

Pureed Black Bean Soup

When recovering from gastric bypass surgery, you will be limited to pureed foods for several weeks and beans are a great substitute for meat that should be added to your diet. Beans are a miracle food, known to help chronic conditions which include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Beans are also good for the waist as they provide ingredients that make you feel full much faster than other foods.

Bariatric Protein puree
Bariatric Protein puree

Another reason to choose beans for much needed protein is that it provides the fiber that many of our diets lack. A one half cup of prepared beans, the proper serving at the pureed food phase, contains six grams of fiber whereas pureed meat contains none.

While you are recovering and watching your caloric intake, remember that beans are very low in sugar and high in antioxidants.  This prevents the spiking of insulin and the presence of frequent hunger. In addition, choosing beans over meat will reduce the saturated fats in your diet.

Black Beans, used in the recipe below, contain about three times more Omega-3 fatty acids than other bean types. Not only do black beans have a rich, smoky flavor but they also contain other vital nutrients your body needs such as Molybdenum, Folate, Copper, Manganese, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Iron.

Before, during and after your gastric bypass surgery, your nutritionist, doctor or dietician has stressed the important of having plenty of proteins in your diet. As you go through the recovery phases from liquids to solid foods, proteins should be eaten first as these nutrients are greatly needed. You do not want to fill up on other foods without getting an appropriate serving of proteins. Our pureed Black Bean Soup Recipe will help.

 

Pureed Black Bean Soup

Ingredients:

  • ½ tablespoon of coconut or other healthy cooking oil
  • ½ chopped onion
  • ¼ teaspoon of chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups of water
  • 1/4 cup of low sodium mild salsa
  • 1 teaspoon of lime juice
  • Dash of salt substitute and ground pepper

 

Optional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat or fat free sour cream (optional)

 

Directions:

  • First, heat the oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook two or three minutes, until onion softens and becomes clear.
  • Add chili powder, cumin and other spices and continue to cook for one minute longer.
  • Add the beans, salsa and water and bring mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to simmer and leave for ten minutes; remove and stir in lime juice.
  • Transfer to a blender and puree before returning the mixture to the saucepan.
  • Serve the pureed bean soup garnished with low fat sour cream if desired.

 

Additional information:

This recipe will yield 2 ½ cups of delicious pureed Black Bean Soup which is approximately four servings after gastric bypass surgery. Because your appetite has decreased dramatically, you may cover and store this soup in your refrigerator for up to three days. This recipe is 95 calories and 2 grams of fat for each half cup serving.

*If you do not normally use spices such as cumin and chili powder, please use sparingly. Taste the soup to make sure your digestive tract does not reject it, which is common when trying new foods after gastric bypass surgery.

Health Benefits of Cauliflower and Bariatric Recipe

Bariatric Recipe: Pureed Cauliflower Soup

After gastric bypass surgery, you will go through a phase when only pureed foods are allowed. As you look for healthy recipes which meet this standard, consider the nutritional value of Pureed Cauliflower Soup. The recipe is super simple with only four or five ingredients and serves up a great mixture of nutrients your body needs right now as it heals.

Bariatric Recipe Cauliflower
Bariatric Recipe Cauliflower

There are many benefits of adding cauliflower to your diets due to the fact that this vegetable contains numerous

vitamins including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, K and Omega 3 fatty acids. In addition, cauliflower is a good source of proteins which your doctor has recommended, potassium, manganese and phosphorus.

But that is not all, as cauliflower also contains beta-carotene and several phytonutrients. Consumption of these phytonutrients have been proven to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, glucosinolates and thiocyanates assist the liver to neutralize toxic substances and aid in detoxification.

After your gastric bypass surgery, digestive support is a keen benefit of cauliflower as this almost-miracle food contains more than three grams of fiber in one cup. In addition, glucoraphin found in cauliflower will assist your stomach lining. Other potential conditions that cauliflower helps include many inflammatory issues such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, bowel disease, as well as cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.

Now that you are ready to have some of this delicious nutritious vegetable, here is a pureed cauliflower soup recipe while your diet has been restricted. Choose a head of cauliflower that feels heavy and tight. Unused cauliflower can be stored in a plastic bag and placed in your crisper for up to one week.

 

Pureed Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups of low-sodium, low-fat chicken broth
  • ½ head of cauliflower florets
  • Salt substitute and mild ground pepper for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil

 

Directions:

  • Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
  • In a medium pot, combine the chicken broth and cauliflower florets. You may also use the stems as this makes a great stock for soups.
  • Season the pot carefully with a minimal amount of salt and pepper, following your doctor’s orders.
  • Bring the pot to a boil and reduce to simmering.
  • Cover. Cook until the cauliflower is very tender – this should take approximately twenty minutes.
  • Puree the cauliflower until smooth. If you need to thin the cauliflower, use the broth.

Because it is likely that your doctor has ordered half cup servings for your meals, this recipe may yield as many as six to eight servings. If cauliflower is something you normally do not eat, be very cautious about introducing new foods into your diet. Try just a couple of bites and wait. If your body does not reject this delicious and nutritious meal, enjoy this wonderful soup.

 

Food Precautions after Bariatric Surgery

After bariatric surgery, a special diet is required to assist your body with healing and recovery. At this time, you will find new eating habits through effective meal planning and the assistance of your doctor or dietician. The type of food you choose and the amounts that you consume should be closely monitored to help you lose weight at a healthy pace.

Your new diet should serve several purposes but first of all, your gastric bypass procedure will train you to eat smaller amounts of foods at a much slower pace than before. Your new eating habits will allow your stomach to heal without being stretched and help your body digest foods more effectively.

Following doctor’s orders is the single most effective post-surgery advice to be followed. Your physician will assist you and answer any questions you may have as you move through the four steps of gastric bypass recovery. By step four, which is usually month number three, you will be enjoying more solid foods again.

It is important to pay close attention to your body and recognize signs when you are hungry or full. You may not be able to eat some foods, even if they were once your favorites, as your body may develop certain food intolerances after gastric surgery.

 

Step One: Liquids

After gastric bypass surgery, you will not be allowed to eat for 24-48 hours, depending on your personal situation which has been taken into consideration by your doctor. This is to make sure your stomach has an appropriate time to heal. Before you are released from the hospital, you will be given liquids and very soft foods to ensure that the stomach can effectively accept foods and aid in the digestion process.

These post gastric surgery approved liquids may include any of the following: broth, fat free milk, unsweetened juice, sugar free gelatin, and cream soup which has been strained. Allow yourself to consume only two or three ounces of liquid each time and avoid carbonated beverages. Caffeine should also be avoided.

 

Step Two: Pureed Food

Once your body has grown accustomed to liquid foods without any complications, with your doctor’s consent you may be able to advance to the next step – pureed foods. For the next two to four weeks, you should consume only the foods which could be described as a thick liquid or paste. Avoid spicy foods and most dairy products as your digestive system will still be very sensitive at this time. New foods should be introduced slowly and in very small servings to prevent stomach irritation or nausea.

There should be absolutely no solid pieces and food should be pureed well. Some doctor approved healthy foods that will blend well include the following: lean meat that has been ground up, beans, egg whites, cottage cheese, fish, soft vegetables, fruit, and yogurt. Solid foods will blend well if you add a liquid such as fat free milk, water, sugar free juice, broth and even gravy, as long as it is fat free.

 

Step Three: Soft Food

With the doctor or dietitian’s approval, you will remain on pureed foods for several weeks until it is time to transition to soft food. An easy way to determine whether a food is considered soft is to try mashing it with a fork. If the food mashes easily against a fork, it can be included in your diet.

Much of the same rules apply during this phase as with the previous steps. Do not drink while you are eating; instead, wait until thirty minutes after eating to have a drink. You will feel full very quickly so try to consume as much protein as possible rather than fill up on less healthy foods. This will most likely be your diet for the next eight weeks so look for healthy variations of your favorite foods.

 

Step Four: Solid Food

With the soft food portion of your gastric bypass diet coming to an end, thanks to doctor’s orders, the time has come to begin eating solid food again – slowly and carefully. It is still recommended to avoid spicy or crunchy foods. Using caution and eating slowly will ensure there are no setbacks or complications with your gastric bypass surgery.

Solid food does not include everything you used to enjoy. It is important to use good common sense and make safe, nutritious choices. Foods to avoid should include the following: popcorn, nuts, seeds, granola, tough or dry meat, breads, carbonated beverages, and stringy fibrous vegetables (including broccoli, corn, cabbage, and celery) as these are prone to causing several gastrointestinal problems.

 

Some additional things to consider as you form new habits and your body heals:

  • Eat several small meals per day – slowly
  • Meals should be the equivalent to one-half cup servings
  • Stay hydrated with liquids throughout the day rather than during meals
  • Take a daily vitamin supplement and calcium, at the doctor’s request
  • Drink plenty of water each day
  • Avoid foods that are high in sugar or fat including items such as candy bars, ice cream, and soda
  • Avoid fried foods entirely
  • Choose high protein options whenever possible. These foods will help heal wounds, regrow muscle and skin, and even prevent hair loss.

 

Some high protein foods include lean cuts of pork, beef, fish, chicken, or beans and are wonderful for your new diet. Other sources of protein can be found in the dairy group with items such as low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt.

Weight Loss Surgery New Year’s Resolution

weight loss resolution
Start your weight loss journey today

The New Year is upon us and now is the time when everyone starts making their New Year’s resolutions. One of the most popular resolutions that many people have for the new year is weight loss. Some people will promise to exercise more or eat right, but most will not stick to their weight loss plan for more than a couple weeks.

Don’t spend 2014 stressing out about weight loss and don’t let yourself down when it comes to your New Year’s resolution. Do weight loss the right way and you will not only see results, but be able to keep the weight off longer. One of the ways you can do that is by avoiding scams and diet fads that seem too good to be true.

Don’t expect to see results with little work and don’t believe that a pill, drink or wrap will allow you to eat anything you want. The key to weight loss success is knowing what works for you.

If you have been thinking of looking into weight loss surgery, now is the time to start.  The process can take up to 6 months, so starting at the beginning of the new year will set you up on the right path for success with weight loss this year.

If you have made losing weight your New Year’s resolution, be smart about it and make a plan.  The first step should be to contact National Bariatric Link’s coordinator to find the best weight loss surgeon in your area.  We will help check your insurance for coverage and schedule you for the info session to learn about your weight loss options.

Thanksgiving Roadmap

How to: Strategize your Thanksgiving Day to minimize Binge Eating and Over-eating

Gastric Bypass Thanksgiving

Nutrients from Food After Gastric Bypass Surgery

More people in the U.S. are suffering from obesity and many are choosing gastric bypass surgery in order to quickly lose weight.  This procedure produces results much faster than is possible with the standard low-calorie diet and exercise routine.  Aside from the risks inherent in any surgical procedure, there is the risk of the patient suffering from nutrient deficiencies over the long term, which can be life threatening.

With gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is only able to accommodate 1 – 2 tablespoons of food.  Furthermore the area of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine, the duodenum, may be bypassed and this is an important area for the absorption of nutrients.  So without this part of the stomach, the patient’s intake of micronutrients is severely diminished and it will be necessary to take vitamins and minerals in the form of supplementation after surgery.

Vitamins & Minerals for Gastric Bypass

Bariatric Vitamins
Gastric Bypass Nutrient Absorption

The other factors causing the malabsorption of nutrients is the amount of hydrochloric acid, which is needed to absorb calcium and iron, and an intrinsic factor required for absorbing vitamin B12 is greatly reduced due to the diminished size of the stomach.  These vitamins and minerals need an acidic environment in order to be absorbed, which no longer exists without gastric acid, so supplementation is necessary.  So the acidic form of calcium, calcium citrate works best and 500 mg elemental calcium three times a day is recommended.  Calcium an iron should be taken separately to avoid interfering with each other.  After the surgery the foods containing vitamin B12 no longer mix with gastric acid, which is also required for B12 to be absorbed.  It is recommended that Vitamin B12 be taken in a sublingual form or by injection directly into the muscle.

Thiamin, folate, zinc, selenium, chromium and other vitamin and minerals have trouble with absorption and can be taken in the form of supplements or by way of injection.  Vitamin A, B complex, B6, C, D, E, K, magnesium, electrolytes plus the nutrients mentioned above can also be administered via injection into the muscle or through IV directly into the bloodstream.  Please consult your MD for the best method for each and for you personally.

Nutritional Deficiencies form Gastric Bypass Can Cause:

  • Difficulty with concentration and thinking clearly
  • Sleep disorders
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Muscle go into spasm
  • Weakening of the bones – Osteoporosis
  • Bone pain or deformities in the bone
  • Hair loss
  • Thinning skin, dry skin or other skin conditions
  • Bleeding gums
  • Tooth decay or discoloration
  • Increased bruising and tendency to bleed
  • Anemia
  • Neurological issues
  • Nerve damage, feeling of pins and needles
  • Tongue swelling or soreness
  • Swollen legs
  • The edges of the mouth become cracked
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Weakening of immune system to fight off infections
  • Dehydration

The Advantages of Administering Nutrients through an IV

It is critical for gastric bypass patients to take nutritional supplements because deficiencies will progress and can cause life threatening risks to one’s health.  To be sure that the patient is getting the nutrients they need, intravenous administration is recommended.  With IV therapy high doses of vitamins and minerals can be easily delivered to the bloodstream where they will immediately be absorbed into the system. Specialty testing can be done to determine each patient’s nutrient deficiencies and the proper treatment for administering these nutrients.

A healthy well rounded diet must still be maintained as supplements cannot substitute for whole foods in the patient’s daily diet.