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Archive for the ‘Bariatric’ Category

Losing weight: What are you afraid of? | Baycare Bariatrics

Thursday, September 16, 2010 @ 12:09 PM Ballywho News

Losing weight: What are you afraid of? | Baycare Bariatrics.

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Diet Restrictions After Bariatric Surgery

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 @ 03:08 PM Ballywho News

Regardless of which bariatric procedure that a patient undergoes, they will be on a planned diet as part of the recovery process. One of the most important things to remember is to follow your diet plan designed by our nutritionist and the team at North Florida Regional Medical Center. The post-surgery diet consists of four “phases” of foods. Following the plan, phase by phase, facilitates the healing process and allows the body to acclimate to its new condition.

Phase1: Liquid Diet (Days 1-10)

Immediately after surgery, patients are put on a liquid diet which consists of mild sources of nutrients for the healing stomach. It has two stages: clear liquids and full liquids.

  • Clear Liquids (Days 1-4 for Gastric Bypass; Days 1-2 for Adjustable Gastric Band)- The substance of the diet is clear to nearly clear liquids. The liquids cannot have any solid pieces in them; this includes small pieces of pulp in juice. Liquids are to be sugar free and non-carbonated. The patient will sip them slowly. The goal is to build up to consuming 48-64 ounces a day without drinking so quickly that the patient feels nauseas. This limit applies to both Gastric Bypass and Adjustable Lap Band procedures.
  • Full Liquids (Days 4-10 for Gastric Bypass; Days 3-10 for Adjustable Gastric Band) – After the body can handle clear liquids without a problem, the patient should switch to “full liquids”. These liquids can have some solid pieces in them, but it is important to make them as fluid as possible. Supplement shakes and even well cooked cereals (oatmeal or grits) can be eaten. The limit is 64 ounces of liquid per day for Gastric Bypass procedures and 78 ounces a day for Adjustable Lap Band patients. Low fat, low sugar food sources that are high in protein are the ideal choices.

Phase 2: Pureed Foods (Weeks 2-5 for Gastric Bypass; Weeks 2-3 for Adjustable Lap Band)

Once the healing process is finishing up and the patient’s body is adjusting to its new stomach, some more traditional foods can be included in the diet. 64 ounces of water should be drunk a day for Gastric Bypass patients while Adjustable Lap Band Patients should consume 72 ounces per day Keep in mind that it should be consumed in between meals. Drinking with a meal will cause the stomach to be full faster and reduce the amount of food that can be eaten. All food must be naturally soft or pureed so that any large pieces are broken down. Patients must avoid food choices that are hard to digest. For Gastric Bypass patients weeks 2 and 3 will be entirely pureed foods, in weeks 4 and 5 the patient can start to have some foods that are soft. For patients who undergo an Adjustable Lap Band procedure, pureed foods are eaten for 5 days and the rest of the phase can consist of soft foods. Remember to eat slowly so as to not over do it. The following food groups (with suggestions) are the basis of the pureed food diet and are listed in order of importance.

  • Protein (The most important part of your diet) – Protein is the anchor of the diet and should be eaten first before the patient is full. Soft food choices are important and it is recommended that meals be pureed in a food processor. We suggest:
    • Baby Food
    • Scrambled Eggs
    • Low Fat Yogurt
    • Hummus
    • Broiled fish (weeks 4 and 5)
    • Tofu


  • Fruits- Even though fruits are generally soft they should be mashed. All skin must be removed.
    • Ripe bananas
    • Unsweetened Applesauce
    • Sugar free jams/jellies
    • Strawberries


  • Vegetables- Vegetables provide necessary vitamins. As with fruits, remove all skin and do not choose fibrous vegetables like celery. Remember green vegetables are the best.
    • Mashed Potatoes (Not sweet potatoes)
    • Boiled Carrots
    • Well Done Spinach
  • Grains- Grains must mostly be in pureed form as well. Many hot cereals are good choices. Use low fat milk when they are prepared to add protein.
    • Grits
    • Oatmeal
    • Cream of Wheat
    • Whole wheat toast (weeks 4 and 5)


Phase 3: Soft Foods (Weeks 6-8 This additional time with soft foods is only for Gastric Bypass patients. Adjustable Lap Band recipients move on to their permanent diet at week 4 or as instructed by their physician. The food suggestions here can be consumed during the second stage of Phase 2 for those who undergo Adjustable Lap Band procedures.)

The third phase does not require that any food be pureed. The diet consists of the soft foods that were eaten along with pureed foods at the end of the previous stage. Remember that patients should not drink within 30 minutes of a meal. They should chew food thoroughly, at least 20 times before swallowing. No fibrous foods are allowed, only soft easily digestible choices. Try:

  • Protein- Beef is not allowed nor are cuts of poultry unless they are pureed.
    • Fish
    • Soy Burgers
    • Tofu


  • Fruits- Fibrous fruits and skins are still not allowed.
    • Mangoes
    • Berries
  • Vegetables- Vegetables are to be cooked well until they are soft. Avoid raw vegetables and fibrous choices like asparagus.
    • Collard Greens
    • Carrots
  • Grains- Toasting bread is still necessary as it makes it easier to digest. Enjoying hot cereals is still a great idea but do not add nuts, raisins or anything else.

For Gastric Bypass patients there is a fourth stage that includes the hard foods that can be eaten for the remainder of the patient’s life. This is to be discussed at a different time. Above all, heed the warnings in each dietary stage. Cooking foods well and following the steps precisely will produce the best results for the body.

For more information on bariatric procedures please contact North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit our bariatric page online or call 1-800-342-6057.

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Physical Activity Guidelines After Weight Loss Surgery

Monday, August 2, 2010 @ 02:08 PM Ballywho News

Weight loss surgery makes some significant changes to your body in a short amount of time. As a result, you will have some physical limitations after surgery. Beginning or getting back onto an exercise plan is very important for your health and weight loss goals. At the same time you will need to follow some guidelines so that your body is able to recover and allow you to exercise.

Timeline for physical activity after surgery

  • Immediately after surgery- Begin walking as soon as you physically can. Mild walks will take place at the hospital before you are discharged. Try to take 3 or four short walks a day. This will give you some basic exercise and help to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.
  • 7 to 10 days after surgery- At this point you can begin some light exercise. You can walk moderate distances on foot or on a treadmill. You can also use an exercise bike or elliptical machine set to an easier level. Remember this is only moderate exercise so don’t overdo it. Your body will tell you when you have had enough. Do not be concerned with what others (outside of your doctors) say about your exercise regimen. It is your plan, not theirs.
  • 4 to 6 weeks after surgery- Now you can begin strenuous exercises. This is the point where your full-time exercise regimen, which you should continue on for the rest of your life, begins. Now you can jog, bike or even do sit-up and lift weights at the gym.

Committing to a full-time exercise plan is necessary. Your doctors and even a personal trainer can be great resources to help you put together a plan. A full exercise plan incorporates several different types of exercises:

  • Aerobic- These exercises are often called “cardio.” They get your heart rate up, allowing you to burn calories. These exercises are also good for overall cardiovascular health.
  • Resistance- These exercises are aimed at building muscle and strength. They make your body and skeleton stronger. An added bonus is that the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns on a daily basis.
  • Stretching- Stretching exercises are good for all muscle groups. They help to make you flexible and improve your range of motion. They also stretch muscles, which is necessary because resistance training can tend to shorten muscles. Stretching also makes you body more flexible, which could potentially save you from some basic injuries down the road.
  • Stability- These exercises help you develop and maintain balance. Your body will be different after you lose weight and your balance will change. These exercises help you regain balance once your body changes.

Making sure that you perform all of these types of exercise as a part of your plan will help you lose weight and keep it off, as well as increase coordination and mobility. Keep in mind that the amount of food that you eat after surgery will be reduced. Exercise requires that your body take in enough calories to provide “fuel” for your physical activity. One of our dieticians will be able to advise you on how much to eat to fuel your body once you begin a work-out routine. An approved personal trainer will also be able to make good suggestions. One possible plan is to eat complex carbohydrates (we suggest whole grain breads and pastas) before a workout and plenty of protein after exercise. At some point, your body will burn fat and use that for energy during your work out which is exactly what you want to happen.

For more information on bariatric procedures please contact North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit our bariatric page online or call 1-800-342-6057.

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Adjusting to New Lifestyle after Weight Loss Surgery

Monday, August 2, 2010 @ 01:08 PM Ballywho News

When it comes to weight loss, there is no quick fix. While a patient who’s had the LAP-BAND® procedure will lose a significant amount of weight, it is part of a long-term commitment to maintaining a lifestyle of healthy eating and regular exercise.

Changes in diet

After the surgery, the patient’s stomach is the size of a small egg, so for the first time he or she does not feel hungry. Patients will feel as if they’ve eaten a huge meal after just a few bites. Some people have never really felt full before in their lives and don’t know what to expect.

In the beginning the key is to eat very small meals and eat slowly. Eating too fast or gulping when drinking can cause discomfort and sometimes vomiting.

There is a progression of diets during the first six weeks to make sure the band is seated into place, including making sure all food is pureed and each meal is approximately two ounces of food. Once the patient moves to solid foods, food must be chewed thoroughly.

A registered dietician will assist in selecting making good food choices to ensure you are getting adequate protein and a balanced diet. It is also important to avoid high-calorie foods to continue to lose weight.

Exercise and support

Immediately after the procedure he her or she should start walking as soon as possible with a goal of exercising daily. The types of exercise will vary depending on how active the patient was before the procedure and his or her other health conditions.

Support is an essential part of success. The patient’s surgeon and nutritionist know best how to handle special needs after surgery. Joining a support group is also highly recommended. Speaking with others who have had the same procedure and shared similar experiences can help with the adjustment to the new lifestyle.

How much weight loss is expected?

Since lap-banding is a gradual way to reduce weight, the amount a patient loses can vary.

“A well adjusted LAP-BAND® patient should lose between 1.5 to 2 pounds per week,” Bariatric Coordinator Julie Beckler, RN, CBN said. “It all depends on how they use their tool.”

It’s important to note that results vary depending on the amount the patient needed to lose before the surgery and how well they adhere to the program.

To learn more about the LAP-BAND® procedure and bariatric surgery support groups at St. Petersburg General Hospital, log onto www.StPeteGeneral.com or call (727) 341-4869.

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Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 @ 02:07 PM Ballywho News

Struggling with weight loss can be an extremely difficult part of a person’s life. After struggling with these issues for years and dealing with the physical and emotional side effects, some people elect to undergo bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery represents a group of surgical procedures that have been proven to be vastly effective at helping patients achieve significant long-term weight loss. Bariatric procedures are life altering and require considerable preparation.

Make the Decision

While bariatric procedures can have fantastic outcomes, they are not necessarily for everyone. Take the time to ask yourself these questions.

· Does my weight affect my life in a way that makes day-to-day activities more difficult?

· Am I ready to commit to a new lifestyle involving a completely changed diet and regular exercise after I have recovered from my procedure?

· Do I have the financial means or the proper health insurance that would allow me to afford a bariatric procedure?

· Has my weight problem surpassed the point where it can be controlled with by diet and exercise?

· Do I understand that there are risks as well as benefits associated with a bariatric procedure?

If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, then it may be time to seek the advice of a licensed professional to find out more about how a bariatric procedure may be able to change your life!

Understand the Process

Call our Center to find out how to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons. They will evaluate whether or not you qualify for a procedure from a medical standpoint. They will also explain the procedures, some of which include:

o Adjustable Gastric Banding- A less invasive procedure in which a silicone band is placed around your stomach to create a smaller pouch. Over time the tightness of the band will be changed to change the size of your stomach

o Gastric Bypass- A procedure where the upper portion of your stomach is stapled to divide it from the lower portion of your stomach. Your intestines are attached to the upper portion, creating a smaller stomach that facilitates weight loss.

It is a good idea to also speak with someone who has undergone a procedure and has gone through recovery and into life after a bariatric procedure. Contact our Center or check out our calendar of events to find out when the next support group is being held. This will allow you to talk with and question others who have been in your exact position.

Prepare for Surgery

Once you have been cleared and scheduled for a procedure, there will be more necessary preparation:

· Nutritional Counseling- In the weeks before your procedure you will meet with our Center’s dietitian. The specialist will adjust your food intake and develop a pre-surgery diet for you to get your body on track. The dietitian will also help you plan for your post-surgery diet. This expert will be a valuable resource, providing understanding of what it will take to maintain weight loss and reduce recovery complications.

· Home Preparation- When you get home after surgery you will be tired. Having food that you can eat already at your house is a great idea. You can purchase supplements that your dietitian recommends and baby food in advance if you choose to make them part of your diet. You can also cook meals, puree them and store them in your freezer so you will have less work after your surgery. Be warned that regardless of how much you love to cook, you just might not have the energy when you first get home. You will also want to clean your house and make sure everything is how you will want it when you get home.

· Body Cleansing- You will have to prepare your body for the procedure beforehand. Some of the things that you will need to know are:

o Stop taking aspirin or ibuprofen 7 days before your procedure.

o Stop taking any herbal medicines or supplements 7 days before your procedure.

o You will still be able to take other medications that you are on at your surgeon’s discretion.

o Stop smoking at least 2 days before your procedure.

o Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before you are scheduled for your procedure.

For more information on bariatric procedures please contact North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit our bariatric page online or call 1-800-342-6057.

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Bariatric Surgery: Is It Right For Me?

Monday, July 26, 2010 @ 01:07 PM Ballywho News

Have you been trying to lose a lot of weight for an extended period of time? Maybe you have taken a stab at some of the better-known diets or diet programs. You’ve counted points, measured portions, eliminated some food groups, eaten only certain food groups, you name it – and still not dropped the pounds.

If all your efforts have failed, and you are committed to reaching a healthy weight, bariatric surgery may be an option. Being significantly overweight is a preventable cause of many health problems, which is why Brandon Regional Hospital offers this type of surgery.

A national crisis

Obesity is a growing problem in the U.S., where one-third of the population is heavier than they should be. In Florida, 57% of adults are overweight or obese, as determined by the Body Mass Index, or BMI, which uses a person’s height and weight to approximate how much body fat they have.

Here are some examples. A person with a BMI of 18.5 or less is considered underweight, while a person with a BMI of 23 is considered to be at a healthy weight; a person with a BMI of 30 is considered to be obese; and someone with a BMI of 40 (or who is 100 lbs. or more overweight) is considered to be morbidly obese.

About bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is designed to treat obesity. It involves making adjustments to the digestive system to restrict the amount of food going into the stomach; and to shorten the absorption process of food that does pass into the small intestine.

Many people who have bariatric surgery have rapid and dramatic weight loss.

Am I a candidate?

As you contemplate bariatric surgery, you should ask yourself some questions. For example:

· Do I understand that that bariatric surgery is not a “magic bullet” and that I’ll have to make lifestyle changes to sustain the weight loss?

· Do I have a BMI of 40 or above?

· Do I have a BMI of 35 and above along with obesity-related illness?

· Am I unable to perform basic activities such as walking?

· Have I attempted traditional weight-loss methods for a long time without success?

· Do I possess a genuine desire to be healthy?

· Am I willing to make exercise part of my life?

Types of surgery

There are three types of weight-loss surgery available at Brandon Regional Hospital:

· Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This is accomplished via small incisions in the abdomen. The size of the stomach is reduced and the stomach is connected further down the small intestine to reduce the amount of food absorbed.

· Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.  With this procedure, the stomach is reduced by 90% and results in a major reduction in the hormone which gives us hunger.

· Laparoscopic Gastric Banding. With this procedure, an adjustable, inflatable belt is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to restrict the amount of food that can be swallowed.  

All procedures are done laparscopically with faster recovery, less pain and speedier return to work.

Pros of bariatric surgery

While weight-loss surgery is usually a last resort, the benefits can be tremendous. They include, in addition to significant weight loss over a one to two-year period:

· Remission or marked improvement of Type 2 diabetes

· Elimination of sleep apnea

· Improvement in other conditions related to metabolism, such as high cholesterol

Risks with bariatric surgery

As with any surgery, there is the potential for complications. Bariatric procedures involve placing an inflatable, adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach and/or removing a large portion of the stomach; and attaching the lower end of the remaining stomach further down the small intestine to reduce the amount of food digested and absorbed.

It’s possible that staples or the adjustable band can leak or slip; requiring further surgery to correct. In addition, some bariatric surgery patients choose to have excess skin removed following their weight loss. (The skin loses its elasticity during the prolonged time the person was obese.)

Weighing your options

If you would like to learn more about our bariatric program, give us a call at 1-888-327-2636. We also offer bariatric surgery informational seminars at no cost. To find out when the next seminar will be held, contact Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Brandon Regional Hospital online.

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The Bariatric Friendly Grocery List

Monday, July 19, 2010 @ 02:07 PM Ballywho News

After your bariatric procedure, you will be on a strict diet. Not strict in the sense that you will never enjoy food again, because that is entirely untrue, but strict in the sense that you must follow rules. As always, your body will need food to provide it with nutrients. You will need to consider food in groupings. The list here is not the same as the traditional food groups but does cover all the necessary areas.

· Protein: Protein will be the most important part of your diet from here on out. Remember that you will not be able to eat the same size portions that you did before so start with protein. Choose leaner meats as often as possible. It is best to eliminate as much red meat from your diet as you can, however when you do have red meat choose the leanest cut possible. When cooking your meat cook it well done so that any potentially fibrous tissues are broken down. Braising meat is also good because it will break everything down and keeps it moist making it easier for your stomach to digest

· Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are essential to any diet. You will want to be sure to steam, boil or sautee your veggies very well as you do not want your stomach to have to work to break down fibers or hard foods. When enjoying fruit seek out choices with less acid. Avoid citrus on a regular basis and even apples. Also remove skin from all fruit before you eat for the same reason that you cook vegetables well.

· Carbohydrates: It will be difficult for you to digest many carbohydrates. Try cooking your pasta and rice an extra minute or two or using lean deli meats in a roll instead of sandwiches.

· Liquids: Hydration is important for everyone but you will have some changes in what you drink. Avoid carbonated beverages, the gas can fill your stomach and is not good for you. Also cut out drinks with high sugar content. Try vegetable juices and decaffeinated teas along with water as your mainstays. Reduce or eliminate caffeinated drinks in general. Also, be careful not drink thirty minutes before a meal and limit drinking while eating. Too much liquid in your stomach can interrupt your new digestive process.

· Supplements: You may need to take some vitamin supplements to assure that you get the nutrients you need. These will ensure that your body gets the nutrients that it needs to be healthy. Talk to a nutritionist about which supplements are best.

Suggested Bariatric Grocery Shopping List

· Poultry- Purchase chicken, turkey and even duck are great lean options for adding protein to your diet.

· Fish- We suggest finding something locally caught, but your grocer will be able to tell you about everything they sell and help you find something you will love.

· Eggs- A dairy product that is always delicious be sure to remove yolks for a healthy and tasty meal.

· Vegetables- Try green beans, mild peppers, spinach, tomatoes (limit tomatoes due to acidity) and potatoes ( remove all skin and mash them) because are all easily digestible. Due to folic acid content and their tendency to create gas in your stomach you should limit or eliminate: broccoli, cabbage, asparagus and cucumbers.

· Fruit-Bananas, kiwi and peaches are good choices in this category. (always remove the skin of fruit before eating and choose fresh over fruit stored in sugary syrups)

· Vitamins-We suggest B12, iron, zinc and calcium supplements as good additions to your diet, but once again consult a dietician in this area.

· Carbohydrates- You can have some traditional carbs like: Pasta(cooked well) or soft and non seedy whole grain breads

For more information on bariatric procedures please contact North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit our bariatric page online or call 1-800-342-6057.

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