Before I attended the informational meeting last October in Indianapolis regarding weight loss surgery, I truly intended to have the lap band procedure, and I left feeling that was my best option. While I’m sure there is great success with this surgery, after careful consideration and speaking to a few patients I learned that it wasn’t the best choice for me. Not only did I want to drastically improve my BMI and have successful weight loss, my strongest desire was to achieve longevity and keep it off...forever.

When comparing the percentage loss of excess weight within the first year between the lap band procedure and the RNY procedure, the comparisons are pretty drastic when you compare 48 percent to 80 percent of excess weight.

I chose the RNY gastric bypass surgery for not only the amount of weight I desired to lose, but also for the proven success of keeping it off. At this point, I’m six months out and 70 pounds more beautiful.

I’m thrilled with my decision it doesn't mean it is always an easy road. I truly miss Coke and am not ashamed to admit it! I’m also filled with gratitude that my energy level is the highest it’s ever been and I feel wonderful about the new me. I’ve gained more in confidence and genuine happiness over the past six months than I’ve ever had and look forward to what 2009 and it’s losses.

I'm sorry it has been a few weeks since my last post. Below, I finish sharing my story. I would love to hear from you if you have questions!

This is not magical surgery which melts away the pounds this journey is full of hard work and dedication every single day for the rest of your life.

Before you criticize someone for choosing weight loss surgery think about this:

1. This person is choosing to have a heather life and is committing to it by having surgery.
2. Medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and many others will decrease and may even cease due to the weight loss and these major life changes. This means that these health problems associated with to obesity will disappear!
3. This person will have more energy to do everyday things that others take for granted: tie their shoes, cross their legs, take a walk without their oxygen machine, walk up and down a flight of stairs, run in a marathon, play at the playground with their kids, ride a bicycle, ride in an airplane and not have to ask for a seatbelt extension, to have room between them and the steering wheel, shop at a Target, Meijer, Wal-Mart for regular clothes, get on a ride at an amusement park, attend a sports game and sit comfortably in the chair, go to the movie theatre and sit comfortably in a chair, be there to watch their children get married, Live a LONGER and HEALTHIER LIFE.

If you know of someone who has had this surgery do not unintentionally sabotage everything they've worked for by offering something they can't have. Ex: saying Oh just take one bite what will it hurt or shoving a huge plate of food in front of them and stating that they don't eat enough or it's a holiday and put pressure on them to eat eat eat.

You are not helping this person you are hurting them. The surgery is performed on the stomach not the head. Head hunger will always be a part of this person’s life and can become the devil to someone who has always turned to food for comfort. These people now eat to live not live to eat.

My goal is to educate people one by one and some day people will learn to think before they judge and not be so cruel.

Below are my final two fall recipes. I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of having these wonderful ingredients available!

Butternut Chicken
This chicken is topped with a delicious butternut squash sauce. Who needs a greasy gravy when there’s bright orange delicious butternut squash around? 

4 chicken breasts
1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped into ½ inch cubes
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp rubbed sage (or 2 tsp fresh!)
½ tsp fresh rosemary
2 tsp Splenda ® (if needed…sometimes the butternut squash cooks up with a sweet hint)
Several good twists of fresh ground black pepper

Spray a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Heat skillet to medium-high.   Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add to skillet, letting chicken develop a good sear. Cook about 7 minutes, and turn over, cooking on opposite side until chicken is done (juices should run clear). Remove chicken and place to rest on a clean plate. Respray skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Add onion and butternut squash, cooking until onion is translucent and squash is tender.  Stir in chicken broth, cooking 2 minutes to let squash absorb liquid. 

Remove squash mixture and place in blender, blending until pureed.  Add squash puree back to the skillet.  Stir in sage, rosemary, Splenda, pepper, and salt to taste.  To serve, spoon butternut squash sauce over chicken, and top with fresh sage if desired.  Serve with a side of green beans, or End-of-the-Summer Veggie Casserole.  Enjoy! 

Pumpkin Ricotta Mousse
Serves: about 6-8 (1/2 cup portions)

Pumpkin Ricotta Mousse is a light, creamy dessert (good for you, of course!).  The Chinese Five Spice adds layers of flavor, while the addition of ricotta cheese increases the protein, and makes this dessert perfect for new post-ops, but delicious for everyone!

1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1 cup pumpkin puree (such as Libby’s®)
2 Tbsp sugar-free, fat-free white chocolate instant pudding mix
2 Tbsp Splenda®
½ tsp Chinese Five Spice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/3 cup frozen sugar-free whipped topping, thawed

In a food processor or blender, blend ricotta and pumpkin until smooth.  Add pudding mix, Splenda, Chinese Five Spice, cinnamon, and 1/3 cup cool whip.  Process until well-blended and smooth.  Remove from food processor, pour into medium bowl and fold in the final cup of cool-whip.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Serve in parfait glasses; Top with a dallop of whipped topping and a sprinkle of toasted almonds and cinnamon, if desired. Tastes like fall! 

Nutrition Facts:  Serving Size: ½ cup; Serves: 6 – 8; Calories: 51; Protein: 3.5 g; Carbs: 6 g; Fat: 2 g. 

At Clarian Bariatrics we invite our patients to spread the word about the confidence they have gained by attending our program. We want you to talk to your friends and family who may benefit from bariatric surgery, and your encouragement may be just what they need to take the first step towards better health for the new year.

We want to share with you, too, so we will thank you with a $15 Starbucks™ gift card. Make sure the new patient you refer puts your name on the form at an information seminar where we ask, “who referred you."

At their surgical consult the individual should also to mention to Tricia, who will greet them at the Indianapolis baratric center, that you were the person who sent them on their journey. After that appointment, we will mail you a thank you gift. You can receive up to five cards a year.

If you have, any questions about our Referral Program give us a call at 317-275-7010.

The current national economic situation and cost of healthcare has produced varying degrees of coverage for bariatric surgery by health insurance providers. The cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery has lead to many studies investigating initial cost of procedure to long term savings. Recent studies have verified that the cost of bariatric surgery has significant cost savings for insurance companies, patients and employers.

A study published in the September 2008 issue of “The American Journal of Managed Care” examined the third party payer return on investment for bariatric surgery in the United States.

Return on investment for this study was measured by decreased prescription medication use, decreased visit to healthcare providers, quality of life issues, increased productivity at work due to decreased sick time and decreased payout by both insurance companies and out of pocket expense from patient.

The national average cost of gastric bypass surgery was $16,000 (Laparoscopic) to $25,000 (open) per case. There are several variables such as age, sex and comorbidities but the average return on initial surgery costs occurs within the first four years after surgery.

In addition, a 2004 article in The Journal of American Medical Association reported:

• Type 2 Diabetes remission in 76.8 percent and significantly reduced in 86 percent of patients
• Hypertension remission in 61.7 percent and significantly reduced in 78.5 percent of patients.
• High Cholesterol reduced in more than 70 percent of patients.
• Sleep Apnea was eliminated in 85.7 percent of patients

This reduction in the above mentioned chronic diseases translates to significant savings. The evidence is extensive that bariatric procedure is a viable cost effective method to reduce the overall cost of healthcare.

Wow…can you imagine the freedom we would have if we could choose what we eat based upon real nutrition information on restaurant menus? Most of us have no idea the damage we can do to ourselves by making poor choices when we eat out.

The beauty of this bill requiring nutritional info to be posted on menus is that WE CAN FINALLY BE IN CONTROL! No longer will we be suckered into eating food prepared with hidden added fats and sugars without our knowledge! We will actively be choosing healthy selections and have the ability to lose weight and maintain our weight loss.  Such blissful serenity knowing the restaurant business is “on our side”…even if they don’t like it!

Below is text from an article that ran in The Indianapolis Star last week, and one which I had the pleasure of being interviewed for!

Are menus in for a makeover?
Advocates want calorie information displayed, but many in restaurant industry oppose mandates (By Barb Berggoetz)

If you're eyeing a slice of the Cheesecake Factory's carrot cake, do you really want to know it's going to pile on 1,560 calories? Or that a Double Whopper with cheese value meal at Burger King packs 2,170 calories?

Ruthanne Hilbrich does.

"I think calorie information added to menu boards and menus is an excellent idea," she said. "Hopefully, it would put the brakes on all of the thoughtless inhaling of calories."

As a registered dietitian at the Clarian Bariatric Center, Hilbrich sees the devastating results of overeating, no matter where it occurs. So she supports efforts to better inform Indiana restaurant-goers about the calories they're wolfing down.

Although some restaurants highlight "light" items on menus or list calories on Web sites, kiosks or menu trays, displaying calorie counts is a contentious idea here and elsewhere, particularly if restaurants are forced by law or regulation to do it.

A bill requiring calorie postings, sponsored by state Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, languished in this year's short legislative session, which was dominated by property tax issues. But he plans to introduce a similar measure in the upcoming session in January.

"This obesity epidemic is wreaking havoc on health-care costs and seems to be getting worse rather than better," said Brown, chairman of the House Public Health Committee.

In 2007, 27.4 percent of Hoosiers were obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Even so, some restaurant owners don't take kindly to the idea.

"I personally don't agree with the government telling us how to run our business," said Jay Snyder, co-owner of Hollyhock Hill Restaurant in Indianapolis. "A lot of times, people won't like to hear what they'll hear. I don't think it will be real popular with most restaurant owners."

Yet menu-labeling directed at chain restaurants is picking up traction across the country.

California became the first state to take the step. On Oct. 1, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law requiring chain restaurants with more than 20 locations and drive-throughs to offer menus listing calories, saturated fat, carbohydrates and sodium for each item starting in July.

Supporters say people are eating out more, portion sizes are often large, and calories are underestimated, contributing to weight gain. If calorie totals are visible, they contend, some people would make better choices, and restaurants would provide healthier fare.

Despite legal challenges, New York City began implementing its controversial menu law in May, and King County's (Seattle) law went into effect Aug. 1. Several other large cities or counties, including San Francisco, the Portland, Ore., area, and Santa Clara (Calif.) County, are following suit later this year.

In the past two years, 25 cities or states, including Indiana, have introduced calorie-related bills. Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., are among cities considering the step, and New York state is, as well.

Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Judith Monroe says menu-labeling is a "grand idea" that needs serious consideration, although the movement in Indiana might need to start at the county or city level, as smoking bans did. Her office is studying the pros and cons now.

"A lot of people do want to be healthier," she said. "We need to create the environment that will make it easier for them."

Brown's previous bill gave chain restaurants the flexibility to post calorie information in ways other than solely on menus. He plans to draft a bill that requires placing calorie information on menus or menu boards. But if there's not enough support, he said, he'd revise it to allow restaurants more leeway.

Considering the state's obesity problem, Sen. Patricia Miller, R-Indianapolis, chairwoman of the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee, said menu-labeling would be an excellent step. Although she'd prefer restaurants do it voluntarily, she's intrigued by the idea and would consider it for legislation after further study.

But many restaurant industry leaders nationally and in Indiana favor a federal legislative approach -- with caveats.

In June, national and some state restaurant associations and chain restaurants formed the Coalition for Responsible Nutrition Information to support federal legislation, as opposed to the piecemeal approach with varying laws in different locations, said John Livengood, president of the Restaurant&Hospitality Association of Indiana.

The group wants federal legislation that would apply to chains with 20 or more restaurants and give them the option of putting calorie information on menus, menu boards, posters, counter or table tents, food packaging, menu trays, Web sites, brochures or other reasonable means, according to draft legislation.

"What would not work is every community having their own and different standards," Livengood said. "We think it's more practical, more workable, to have a national standard."

Industry leaders are exploring a variety of proposals, said Maureen Ryan, spokeswoman for the National Restaurant Association, but no timeline is set for introducing such legislation.

Advocates for strict menu-labeling say the restaurant industry doesn't back the legislation that would be most effective.

"They want weak federal legislation that will throw out all the stronger bills that already have been passed," said Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit health advocacy group.

Some Indianapolis owners and managers, at locally owned restaurants and chains, have mixed feelings about the prospect.

"From a customer standpoint, it might be a good idea so they can see what they're getting," said Justin Corrigan, general manager at Murphy's Steakhouse in Indianapolis. "But from a business standpoint, it may not be as good of an idea. Some higher-ticket items would have a little more calories, and we wouldn't want to discourage sales of those."

There certainly are struggles with everything in life, and weight loss surgery is no exception. I’m learning that choices are at the highest of importance now and that foods that once didn’t sound appealing, now do.  I must stay focused and this requires great energy…but its doable.

My one thing I miss the most is Coke. It’s a staple, rather was a staple. How do you take away something that you’ve loved and known for nearly 25 years and not miss it? To miss it is real, to understand it’s potential danger to a RNY gastric bypass surgery patient is crucial.

Does water help? No. Water, that’s another story. If you’re not a water lover prior to surgery, chances are you won’t be after either. It’s all perspective. The ultimate goal is in sight and I think it’s important to remember that at all times. I remind myself of this with every bottle I drink.

What does help? Peer support, friends and family support, and the ability to do what is necessary to remind yourself and focus daily on the new, healthy version of the same old (or young) you.

Hi Everyone,

Below I continue to tell my story. If you would like to read it up to this point, then click on my name above to see the previous posts.

I was introduced to Michelle who was a nurse and a patient at Clarian Bariatric's. The story opens up with Michelle introducing herself with some background information about how she came to be where she was at that point in her life.

As I listened to her story unfold, what she ate at lunch in high school, the emotions she went through, the physical pain she endured, the latest diet craze she was always attempting and the fear of gaining a single pound I felt déjà vu. Where did I know Michelle from?  What was our connection?  Why did my heartache for her so badly?

I remember thinking how badly I wanted to crawl through the T.V., throw my arms around her and let her know everything would be ok. I started talking to the T.V. as if Michelle was in my living room and kept saying don’t give up, let me help you, there is hope! I remember hugging my pillow with tears pouring out of my eyes. Why was this world so cruel to obese people? Who decided that thin was in and anyone who was above some magical weight did not fit the norm?

I was so upset I spent the next forty-five minutes writing comments on my personal blog about how I felt and how disgusted I was with the way the world views obesity. Here is an excerpt from the post:

I’m seriously irritated about the way people act towards overweight people. I am SICK of the comments made by people who think they have the right to criticize someone because they look different. Comment examples: can't you just eat less, how could you let yourself get that big, why is he going through the line at McDonalds he's big enough now it's not like he needs it, why can't you just push yourself away from the table, OMG do you see how big she is, why don't you just eat healthier and exercise more, weight watchers or jenny craig works for everyone else.

Why would you LET yourself get this big? Do you know this persons personal situation? Are you aware of their medical status? Are you conscious of how many prescriptions they take due to medical reasons? Do you know how many times they've been on every fad diet, exercised, tried every thing from weight loss pills to weight watchers and continually failed? What gives anyone the right to pass judgement on someone like that?

How come when an obese person decides to take action to become healthier and chooses Weight Loss Surgery the criticizing continues and they hear oh you took the "easy" way out. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to this subject. If you have not researched Weight Loss Surgery, attended a support group or been with someone through the process you have NO right to judge and make such comments. I have three family members and four friends who have been through this surgery so let me tell you how it is.

1. Obesity is a disease that is the first thing this world needs to comprehend.

2. Weight loss surgery is by FAR the "easy" way out. The surgery is only a TOOL that's it nothing more. The TOOL is the first step in a LIFE LONG change that will occur. For someone to be successful with this new tool one must make a major life long commitment. These people must immediately change their eating habits to much much smaller portions and healthier choices. Exercise must be incorporated which may be a very difficult aspect for someone who can barely walk. Attending support group or getting support from family and friends plays a major role in this surgery.

This is not magical surgery which melts away the pounds this is full of hard work and dedication every single day for the rest of their lives.

Check back next week for the rest of this story. Have a great weekend!

The concept of spaghetti squash may seem a little odd, but it is one of our favorite lunches, and it is perfect for weight loss surgery patients. There’s no mess, because you eat it in its own nature-made bowl.  What more could you ask for?!

1 small spaghetti squash
2 tsp Brummel&Brown® Spread (or I Can’t Believe Its Not Butter Light®)
1 ½ cup spaghetti or tomato sauce
¼ cup textured vegetable protein (TVP)*
4 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
salt

Cut squash in two lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and pulp. Microwave on high for five minutes or until squash is fork-tender. Squash should easily be pulled away with fork into spaghetti strings.

While squash is cooking, heat spaghetti sauce in small saucepan on medium heat until hot. Remove from heat and stir in TVP. Season each squash half with 1 teaspoon Brummel & Brown® spread, and ½ tsp salt.  Add ¾ cup of sauce mixture to each squash half, and top with 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese each. Enjoy spaghetti squash in its nature-made bowl!

What is TVP?  It’s defatted, dehydrated soy flour. Sounds delicious, right? Well the best thing about TVP is its super-high in protein and fiber, making it a Bariatric superfood! It comes dry, and when you add it to a liquid, it reconstitutes and takes on the flavor of whatever it is in!

Nutrition Facts: Serving size: ½ squash; serves: 2; Calories: 165; Protein: 13 g;
Carbs: 21 g; Fat: 4 g;

Each week in October I will post some delicious and nutritious recipes for weight loss surgery patients using items only found during autumn.

This is a favorite fall stew packed with nutrients, and brewing with flavor. To be festive, serve it in a hollowed-out pumpkin. Bring on autumn! Serves: 16 – 20 (4 oz. portions)

1 onion, diced
1 large carrot, shredded or minced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 cups chicken broth
1 can fat free evaporated milk
½ c frozen or fresh corn
1 can chick peas (garbanzo beans), drained
¼ cup chopped green onions
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp cumin
2 Tbsp Splenda
salt

In a large Dutch oven, combine onion, carrots, ½ Tbsp curry, and chicken on medium-high until chicken is cooked through and onion is translucent. Salt and pepper chicken after adding to Dutch oven. Add rest of ingredients in order. Heat until simmering.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Serve warm. If stew gets too thick, thin it out with a little more chicken broth.

Nutrition Facts:  Serving Size: ½ cup; Serves: 16 – 20; Calories: 115; Protein: 16 g; Carbs: 8 g; Fat: 2 g;

It is in these times of financial worry and gloom that we all take stock of what we possess and look at the future with an uncertain eye. The tumultuous events of the last few weeks have sent waves of panic in markets across the globe and in our own streets.

People in all walks of life, are either repeatedly checking their financial statements or are too scared to open the envelopes or Web sites. We start to recalculate our plans and postpone non-essential trips or items. And we worry.

We worry whether we will make the payments, we worry whether we will keep our jobs, or we worry whether the assets that we have will maintain their value. And so, we search for “assets” that are “guaranteed” to hold their value.

Of course, we have loved ones, our friends, our “credit” of good deeds, but hands-down, the most valuable, highest yield-returning investment we could ever make is in our health. Both as a nation, and as individuals, protecting and strengthening our health pays huge dividends.

For those of us whose health is still untarnished, maintaining good health should be a priority. For those whose health has deteriorated, then, like any major investment, it should be repaired and refurbished and brought back to its former glory.

Morbid obesity damages our health, and robs us of our future. It limits our abilities, our activities, and imposes an enormous drain on our spiritual and physical energy. But, there is an antidote.

Bariatric surgery, does, indeed, reverse many of these illnesses and limitations. To this day, I remain truly astounded when I see the radiant beams that shine from my patients, their inability to sit still because of their unharnessed energy, and their optimistic and fresh outlook on life. I know that these patients are just itching to get out there and make their mark.

So please, take care of your health. Keep an eye on your weight, and live in moderation. Good health is as good as gold in the bank.

I love fall. When I was in college in Tampa, Florida, all of the “Yankee students” would receive packages from home with smashed colored fall leaves, baby pumpkins, gourds and squash!

Speaking of the squash family of vegetables, we see them everywhere this time of year, but what does one do with them (besides put them on the front porch?) Do they offer us nutritional benefits after weight loss surgery? 

First of all, the squash family includes pumpkin, butternut, acorn, spaghetti, zucchini and yellow squash. I’ve come up with some of my own recipes that showcase these brilliant veggies and get us ready for the crisp weather!

Before trying some recipes that will make you want to “Squash into Fall,” brush up on the great things squash does for your body. They might not be packed with protein, but they’re full of nutrients your body will love. I promise you, once you “Squash into Fall,” you’ll never want to return (or live in Florida!)

Below is a quick rundown of what you can gain from eating a member of the squash family. Look for the first recipe later in the week!

Clarian Bariatrics is proud to be a sponsor of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) “Walk to Fight Diabetes” on Sunday, October 5. We are partnering with other Indiana Hospitals and corporate sponsors by raising funds to support the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

The walk will begin at 8 a.m. with up to a three-mile fun run and entertaining walk on the Canal in downtown Indianapolis. If you are interested in joining other Indiana diabetic and Bariatric patients on this walk sign up at www.diabetes.org/stepout. See you there!

I reached out for help from my primary care physician many times and was repeatedly shot down. The cure all in my doctor’s opinion was that I needed to push myself away from the table and start running five miles a day. If I had a dollar for every time he had given me that response I’d be a millionaire. 

I had three family members and two close friends that had bariatric surgery a few years prior to our move to Florida. I spent those years as a support person for my family and friends knowing that surgery was something they desperately needed to survive. I researched all surgical options and educated myself as much as possible so I could become their best support person. I searched the Internet for countless hours reading every Web site and study I could find pertaining to surgery, the life changes, eating habits and why people chose to have bariatric surgery.

I became infatuated with the Web sites designated for weight loss patients. I couldn’t wait everyday to read their personal stories, view before and after pictures, see discussions about the WOW moments and the everyday trials and tribulations. I was overjoyed at how this surgery had such a positive effect on so many lives. My family and friends were benefiting from weight loss surgery and they deserved it after all the years of countless yo-yo dieting and co-morbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure and other health problems related to obesity) too long to list. 

Driving into work one morning, a voice came over the radio. It was a young woman discussing her health, how it had deteriorated, her co-morbidities and how it was affecting her physically and mentally. I could hear the desperation in her voice when she described how she felt when she couldn’t do certain things with her family and how upsetting it was. 

When the commercial was over there was a phone number to call to obtain a copy of her story in the mail. With no hesitation I picked up the phone to call and ordered a copy. I felt like I knew this person’s voice on the other end of the radio, and her story was so familiar but I couldn’t figure out why. When I received the video I waited until everyone was a sleep, popped in the DVD and sat in my recliner with a bag of popcorn eager to learn more. 

Check back soon to hear the rest of my story. You can see my "before" picture in this story. If you would like to see me now, please click on my name under the post title!

The first Clarian Bariatrics support group meeting for gastric band patients was held on Wednesday September 17. 

The topic of discussion was “What determines fullness when you eat a meal after gastric band placement? Successful patients will preset portions to 3-4 ounces of protein (meat, egg, cheese, etc.) and up to ¾ to 1 cup vegetables except corn, peas and potato.

Total volume after about 2-3 months after surgery will be about 1 to 1 ½ cups.This combination of protein and vegetables will insure adequate protein and provide dietary fiber for fullness between meals. Ultimately each patient will develop their own way to determine fullness.

Establishing a routine is one key strategy to obtain adequate protein and fluid and will promote change in habits. Key skills are focus on solid food versus liquid type foods, no fluids with meals – stop 30 minutes before eating and wait at least 60 minutes after each meal, incorporate fresh vegetables with meals, and do not skip meals.

Clarian Bariatrics will provide a monthly support group for Gastric Band weight loss surgery patients on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Patients may bring family and/or support members to the meetings. For more information, please call us at 317-275-7010.

After my weight loss surgery, I keep asking myself: Is there truly a way to make protein pretty?  Can you use lettuce as a garnish?  After looking at tuna, a little more tuna, salmon, chicken, and then back to tuna, one must ask themselves how many ways there are to prepare such foods for variety sake.

Currently, I’m four months out and holding steady at minus 59 pounds.  The day it turns to 60 pounds will be a joyous one.  I’m challenged like never before to find high protein/low volume foods and keep the variety fresh and lovely. 

My appetite appears to be slowly returning in the sense that certain foods sound good, and I can assure you there’s not a lick of protein in what I’m desiring.  Last night, for example, garden tomatoes.  Not a bad choice, certainly healthy, however, nada on the protein.

Is it worth it? You bet.  I feel great, have more energy this week, and have much to look forward to…

A few weeks ago I introduced you to Brook. One of the reasons Brook said that her surgery was successful was because of the massive support she received from individuals at Clarian Bariatrics both before and after surgery. Below she explains a little more about what happened after surgery.

After losing 120 pounds through weight loss surgery, Brook Wessel-Burke was able to reclaim her life. But even before she underwent the procedure, she knew that surgery was only one component of the program.

A solid support system is crucial to the continued success of bariatric surgery. A circle of friends, family and bariatric professionals who support, encourage and counsel the patient are invaluable in achieving the dramatic and permanent weight loss and improvement in health. Support groups are ideal forums for pre and postoperative patients to both glimpse into the future and learn from the experience of more mature patients.

“I had gone to support group several times before surgery, so I had heard people talk about what to expect,” Brook said. “Six months after surgery things started getting tough, and I was becoming emotional and turning to food temptations.”

Through support group, Brook was able to connect with other individuals and together they were able to produce solutions to these challenging situations. These solutions augmented and improved her health and self-esteem.

“It was helpful for me to have friendships with people that were in the same situation,” she said. “We could admit to one another that we didn’t have a perfect week and then talk about the ramifications. It was what I needed to get back on track.”

Because support is so vital to weight loss success, Clarian Bariatrics, a designated Center of Excellence, offers support groups for all bariatric surgery patients, and those contemplating surgery.

With a variety of group formats, interested individuals are able to meet regularly for counseling and support. They can also take advantage of occasional lectures and presentations by experts in various areas of obesity and weight loss, including physicians and makeover professionals. Several activities are also regularly held, such as, fashion shows and group excursions.

Two years after surgery, Brook still turns to the support groups at Clarian Bariatrics to stay on track.

“The patients and staff at the clinic are like my extended family now,” she said.

This year’s annual Walk from Obesity will be held in Columbus, Indiana on Saturday, September 13. On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Mill Race Park.

Clarian Bariatrics is proud to be a sponsor of the annual walk and encourages all patients to sign up at www.columbusbariatrics.com or contact Christine Davis at 812-418-3512 for further information.

Call some of your friends from Clarian Bariatrics and carpool to Columbus for a fun day of exercise and enjoyment!

My entire past is full of countless diet attempts, hundreds of pounds in weight loss, with hundred pounds more of weight re-gain over a lifetime. In 2005, my family and I moved back home to Indiana after spending a year and half in Florida while my husband followed one of his passions in life. 

When we returned home I was at an all time high in my weight with many obesity related problems including: high blood pressure, sleep apnea, major back pain, borderline diabetic, lethargic, aches and pains in places I didn’t know existed and no self esteem with major depression. Physically and mentally I was exhausted. 

At the age of 33 I felt like I was a failure as a wife and mom because I did not have the energy/stamina to do the everyday things in life. Not only was I a failure to my family I was a failure to myself. Why and how could I let myself get to this point?

I felt like I was the mom who always sat on the sidelines. I would cringe anytime my husband or son suggested a trip to the park, a walk into town or a bike ride around the neighborhood. When we did go to the park I quickly became winded walking from the car to the playground. I had no energy left to push my son on the swing. I could feel my body overheating immediately and sweat rolling down my forehead. My heart was pounding so hard I felt like it was coming through my chest. I would find the closest picnic table and sit down as fast as I could because I felt like I couldn’t breath. 

What kind of mom doesn’t push her son on the swings?

I can remember feeling so alienated from my family and from the world. My dog would look at me with the sad puppy eyes just begging me to take her for a walk and when I couldn’t bring myself to do it she’d hang her head and walk away.  I’d lie awake at night hearing my son’s voice saying “Mommy why won’t you ever ride your bike with me?” Words can not describe what happens to a parent when you feel like you’ve let your kids down. 

In a few days I will continue to share my story, but in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments regarding my journey.