Hi, I am Sara Donlan! A graduate of Indiana University School of Nursing, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree and have spent much of my nursing career in a hospital providing care for adult medical/surgical patients, Case Management and Informatics. I was privileged to join the Clarian Bariatrics team in 2007 after undergoing bariatric surgery myself in 2006, losing 125 pounds and reclaiming my life. I am grateful every day for our patients, surgeons and staff, all of whom contribute to making my work a joy and an honor.Hi, I am Sara Donlan! A graduate of Indiana University School of Nursing, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree and have spent much of my nursing career in a hospital providing care for adult medical/surgical patients, Case Management and Informatics. I was privileged to join the Clarian Bariatrics team in 2007 after undergoing bariatric surgery myself in 2006, losing 125 pounds and reclaiming my life. I am grateful every day for our patients, surgeons and staff, all of whom contribute to making my work a joy and an honor.We have received a lot of questions about how obesity can affect different races. I did some research and found that all human bodies, regardless of race/ethnicity, respond to surgery basically the same way. There are some perceptions that African-Americans have less desirable outcomes, but that may be more a matter of culture than race.
Regardless, there are some health issues related to obesity that do affect ethnic groups in different ways. The following article from Weight Loss Surgery magazine highlights one such issue related to sleep disorders.
People who get too little sleep are at risk for obesity, and for blacks the risk is greater than for whites, New York researchers have found. Studying the connection between short sleep duration and obesity, researchers analyzed national data from 29,818 adults aged 18 to 85. The study found that 52 percent of blacks and 38 percent of whites were obese (body-mass index of 30 or higher). Rates of short sleep duration (five hours or less per night) were 12 percent for blacks and 8 percent for whites.
The adjusted obesity/short sleep duration odds ratio was 1.78 for blacks and 1.43 for whites, which shows that blacks have a 35 percent greater risk of obesity associated with short sleep duration, the researchers said.
"Compared to white Americans, black Americans had a greater prevalence of short sleep and a greater prevalence of obesity. Both black and white Americans who were obese tended to have short sleep duration," study author Girardin Jean-Louis, an associate professor at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center at the Brooklyn Health Disparities Research Center, said in a news release.
The findings suggest that short sleep time may be a contributor to the obesity crisis in the United States, Jean-Louis said. Previous research has found that people who sleep for less than seven hours a night are at increased risk for obesity. The study was to be presented Monday at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies annual meeting, in Chicago.
Do you have a question about causes of obesity, Indiana bariatric surgeons or the different types of weight loss surgery? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar. Information can be found by clicking on the image at the right of this page or by visiting this Web site.
Regardless, there are some health issues related to obesity that do affect ethnic groups in different ways. The following article from Weight Loss Surgery magazine highlights one such issue related to sleep disorders.
People who get too little sleep are at risk for obesity, and for blacks the risk is greater than for whites, New York researchers have found. Studying the connection between short sleep duration and obesity, researchers analyzed national data from 29,818 adults aged 18 to 85. The study found that 52 percent of blacks and 38 percent of whites were obese (body-mass index of 30 or higher). Rates of short sleep duration (five hours or less per night) were 12 percent for blacks and 8 percent for whites.
The adjusted obesity/short sleep duration odds ratio was 1.78 for blacks and 1.43 for whites, which shows that blacks have a 35 percent greater risk of obesity associated with short sleep duration, the researchers said.
"Compared to white Americans, black Americans had a greater prevalence of short sleep and a greater prevalence of obesity. Both black and white Americans who were obese tended to have short sleep duration," study author Girardin Jean-Louis, an associate professor at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center at the Brooklyn Health Disparities Research Center, said in a news release.
The findings suggest that short sleep time may be a contributor to the obesity crisis in the United States, Jean-Louis said. Previous research has found that people who sleep for less than seven hours a night are at increased risk for obesity. The study was to be presented Monday at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies annual meeting, in Chicago.
Do you have a question about causes of obesity, Indiana bariatric surgeons or the different types of weight loss surgery? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar. Information can be found by clicking on the image at the right of this page or by visiting this Web site.
One of Clarian Bariatrics' success stories is about a lovely lady who entered her first 5K run recently. She was in the office the other day and we could feel her exuberance. She sent this detail in an email:
“I ran about ½ mile total of the 3.1 miles and I ran on every street we were on. I am very proud of myself to have even entered, let alone finish. To think that just one year ago I weighed almost 400 lbs and smoked 1-2 packs of cigarettes a day! We are all truly blessed.”
This is a TYPICAL scenario for many people who have undergone weight loss surgery. They regain their lives…and then some! This woman would never have dreamed of accomplishing what she did the other day. I invite you to share your stories or dreams of a healthier, better life.
Are you ready to do something you never thought possible? Then join us at a FREE informational session to learn about bariatric surgery costs, problems caused by obesity and how weight loss surgery can save your life. Click on the image at the top right of this page to see upcoming dates!
“I ran about ½ mile total of the 3.1 miles and I ran on every street we were on. I am very proud of myself to have even entered, let alone finish. To think that just one year ago I weighed almost 400 lbs and smoked 1-2 packs of cigarettes a day! We are all truly blessed.”
This is a TYPICAL scenario for many people who have undergone weight loss surgery. They regain their lives…and then some! This woman would never have dreamed of accomplishing what she did the other day. I invite you to share your stories or dreams of a healthier, better life.
Are you ready to do something you never thought possible? Then join us at a FREE informational session to learn about bariatric surgery costs, problems caused by obesity and how weight loss surgery can save your life. Click on the image at the top right of this page to see upcoming dates!
In a recent post, I described diabetes as a glucose metabolism disorder. The winter 2008-2009 version of Weight Loss Success Lifestyles magazine describes how weight loss can improve this condition in individuals afflicted:
“Type 2 diabetes currently affects 24 million Americans and up to 25% or 6 million don’t even know it yet. What’s worse is that 57 million more have prediabetes which studies show will develop into Type 2 diabetes within 10 years unless the patient is diagnosed and makes necessary lifestyle changes.
“The epidemic growth of Type 2 diabetes has created a race against time to find new approaches to understand and treat the disease” says Dr. Francesco Rubino of the 1st World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes."
The World Congress, a gathering of nearly 1,000 medical professionals from 46 countries, determined that bariatric surgery dramatically improves diabetes. This conclusion was based upon a study of 22,000 bariatric surgery patients whereby 84 percent of gastric bypass and 48 percent of gastric banding patient had resolution of their type 2 diabetes after surgery. Although the exact mechanism of how this occurs in not entirely known, the data is indeed compelling.
Please come and visit us at Clarian Bariatrics to learn more!
“Type 2 diabetes currently affects 24 million Americans and up to 25% or 6 million don’t even know it yet. What’s worse is that 57 million more have prediabetes which studies show will develop into Type 2 diabetes within 10 years unless the patient is diagnosed and makes necessary lifestyle changes.
“The epidemic growth of Type 2 diabetes has created a race against time to find new approaches to understand and treat the disease” says Dr. Francesco Rubino of the 1st World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes."
The World Congress, a gathering of nearly 1,000 medical professionals from 46 countries, determined that bariatric surgery dramatically improves diabetes. This conclusion was based upon a study of 22,000 bariatric surgery patients whereby 84 percent of gastric bypass and 48 percent of gastric banding patient had resolution of their type 2 diabetes after surgery. Although the exact mechanism of how this occurs in not entirely known, the data is indeed compelling.
Please come and visit us at Clarian Bariatrics to learn more!
A successful, happy, and confident post-bariatric weight loss surgery patient was attending a function with her husband of many years. Also present was a close friend of the couple, however, one that had not seen the ‘new’ wife for quite some time. The couple was perplexed at the cold and what they considered to be a stand-offish attitude of their dear friend.
“He just seemed bothered and wouldn’t look me in the eye!” claimed the lady. “There was definitely something wrong, but neither my husband nor I could begin to think what it could be.”
Since the odd behavior continued throughout the evening, the following day the gentleman took matters into his own hands, called the fellow and pointedly asked him what he or his wife had done or said to offend him.
After a long pause, he said, “I’ve known you and your wife for a long time and you need to understand I think highly of her. I did not appreciate you bringing your girlfriend last night.”
Imagine the mileage our patient is going to get out of this story!
“He just seemed bothered and wouldn’t look me in the eye!” claimed the lady. “There was definitely something wrong, but neither my husband nor I could begin to think what it could be.”
Since the odd behavior continued throughout the evening, the following day the gentleman took matters into his own hands, called the fellow and pointedly asked him what he or his wife had done or said to offend him.
After a long pause, he said, “I’ve known you and your wife for a long time and you need to understand I think highly of her. I did not appreciate you bringing your girlfriend last night.”
Imagine the mileage our patient is going to get out of this story!
There are many medical conditions that can be resolved or improved by having weight loss surgery. People who have been dependent on insulin to treat diabetes have been freed from daily injections, blood pressure medications have been eliminated and major joint pain is a thing of the past. Patients also report improvements in their symptoms of chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia and polycystic ovarian disease.
Are you or do you know someone who needs a CPAP or BIPAP machine at night for sleep apnea? Most post bariatric surgery patients no longer need these respiratory support systems as they lose weight. No longer do people suffer from swelling in their extremities and many report that the frequent and debilitating migraine headaches they once had are nearly non-existent.
Clearly, weight loss surgery is much more than how an individual looks or even feels and it cannot be denied that a significant improvement in health is expected and enjoyed.
Are you or do you know someone who needs a CPAP or BIPAP machine at night for sleep apnea? Most post bariatric surgery patients no longer need these respiratory support systems as they lose weight. No longer do people suffer from swelling in their extremities and many report that the frequent and debilitating migraine headaches they once had are nearly non-existent.
Clearly, weight loss surgery is much more than how an individual looks or even feels and it cannot be denied that a significant improvement in health is expected and enjoyed.
Have you had weight loss surgery recently and are you experiencing post operative nausea?
If so, you may not be getting enough to drink or lack adequate protein. This situation presents a unique challenge as it becomes a vicious cycle of increased nausea resulting in a greater aversion to drinking or eating, which only serves to make the nausea worse.
It is important to understand that most often, the low fluid and/or protein intake preceded the nausea; therefore the best strategy is to stay out of trouble rather than trying to get out of trouble. For this reason, we continually assess for, and remind everyone to consume 64 ounces of fluid and 60 grams of protein daily.
In rare cases, one is not able to overcome a fluid deficit on their own and will require IV replacement. This is inconvenient, can be expensive and is best avoided. Please call 317-275-7010 if you find you are unable to achieve the necessary intake. Drink up!
If so, you may not be getting enough to drink or lack adequate protein. This situation presents a unique challenge as it becomes a vicious cycle of increased nausea resulting in a greater aversion to drinking or eating, which only serves to make the nausea worse.
It is important to understand that most often, the low fluid and/or protein intake preceded the nausea; therefore the best strategy is to stay out of trouble rather than trying to get out of trouble. For this reason, we continually assess for, and remind everyone to consume 64 ounces of fluid and 60 grams of protein daily.
In rare cases, one is not able to overcome a fluid deficit on their own and will require IV replacement. This is inconvenient, can be expensive and is best avoided. Please call 317-275-7010 if you find you are unable to achieve the necessary intake. Drink up!
I encounter bariatric surgery patients on a daily basis who thank me for various things. I hear it in person, on the phone and via email. All are quite sincere and I cannot express how I enjoy and value these comments. Now it is my turn to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of my patients.
It is because of you that I find such joy in coming to work each day. What a gift it is to truly love what you do and how rewarding it is to see the positive changes in people’s lives as the journey is traveled. So, to all current and potential Clarian Bariatrics patients… Thank you.
Thank you for enhancing my life while improving your own. Thank you for trusting me to take care of you and thank you for sharing your triumphs as well as the occasional despair. I look forward to the coming New Year with all of you.
It is because of you that I find such joy in coming to work each day. What a gift it is to truly love what you do and how rewarding it is to see the positive changes in people’s lives as the journey is traveled. So, to all current and potential Clarian Bariatrics patients… Thank you.
Thank you for enhancing my life while improving your own. Thank you for trusting me to take care of you and thank you for sharing your triumphs as well as the occasional despair. I look forward to the coming New Year with all of you.
Laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive surgical option because it eliminates the need for a long incision to open the abdomen. With this procedure, a small video camera is inserted through small incisions made in the abdominal wall, and the surgeon views the procedure on a video monitor. This helps the surgeon to achieve better visualization.
Studies have shown that this type of surgery offers the following benefits:
- Less pain.
- Easier breathing and increased lung function.
- Fewer wound complications.
- Faster recovery times.
Laparoscopic procedures produce similar weight loss to open surgical methods. However, not all patients are candidates for this approach. Contact us today for an assessment.
Have an additional question about weight loss surgery or bariatric weight loss? Then I am here to help! Feel free to ask me anything by leaving a comment below!
I just wanted to let everyone know that there were some really good ideas on dealing with holidays shared at last night's support group for weight loss surgery patients. One enterprising patient found a great recipe for bariatric friendly crustless Pumkin Pie that she fixed for Thanksgiving that her family enjoyed, too.
Another lady put her sweet potato pie in the back of the refrigerator so it would not tempt her and forgot all about it and found it many days later! Out of sight, out of mind turned out to be a good strategy for her.
We talked about exercise options for cold months and discovered that we have individuals who participate in intense water aerobics, mall walking, office building hiking and believe it or not, bicycling in the snow! Keep up the good habits through the holidays everyone and enjoy your family and friends!
Remember that support group meets monthly on the first and third Wednesdays and the fourth Friday. It's not just a great time to mingle with fellow patients, but also to discuss combating causes of obesity after surgery and other bariatric weight loss tips.
Another lady put her sweet potato pie in the back of the refrigerator so it would not tempt her and forgot all about it and found it many days later! Out of sight, out of mind turned out to be a good strategy for her.
We talked about exercise options for cold months and discovered that we have individuals who participate in intense water aerobics, mall walking, office building hiking and believe it or not, bicycling in the snow! Keep up the good habits through the holidays everyone and enjoy your family and friends!
Remember that support group meets monthly on the first and third Wednesdays and the fourth Friday. It's not just a great time to mingle with fellow patients, but also to discuss combating causes of obesity after surgery and other bariatric weight loss tips.
Approximately 30 percent of the U.S. population is obese. Causes of obesity vary, but obesity medical problems can be severe. Problems caused by obesity include heart problems and diabetes. Morbid obesity is considered anything 100 lbs over ideal body weight or a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40.
Every year 300,000 Americans die from causes linked to obesity. Attend an upcoming Indianapolis Weight Loss Surgery seminar at Clarian Bariatrics. More information can be found by click on the image at the top right of this page.
Every year 300,000 Americans die from causes linked to obesity. Attend an upcoming Indianapolis Weight Loss Surgery seminar at Clarian Bariatrics. More information can be found by click on the image at the top right of this page.
We like to share patient stories whenever possible, and there are some stories that leave such a lasting impact we decide to use the individual's words in a television advertisement so that others can become educated on the serious health implications morbid obesity presents.
Ron's story was one that was shared via television and print advertisements to help raise awareness of health problems with obesity, Indianapolis Gastric Bypass and Indianapolis Bariatric Centers.
Feeling his life was not worth living, Ron sought help from one of Clarian Bariatric's Indiana Bariatric Doctors and he was able to reclaim his life. Below, Ron shares his story.
Ron's story was one that was shared via television and print advertisements to help raise awareness of health problems with obesity, Indianapolis Gastric Bypass and Indianapolis Bariatric Centers.
Feeling his life was not worth living, Ron sought help from one of Clarian Bariatric's Indiana Bariatric Doctors and he was able to reclaim his life. Below, Ron shares his story.
Before considering Weight Loss Surgery, you need to consult an Indiana weight loss doctor. One other thing you can do yourself is check your Body Mass Index or BMI. We have a great tool for BMI on the Clarian Health Web site. Try it out by clicking here.
Indiana Bariatric surgeons will calculate your BMI as well, but if you think you might be suffering health problems with obesity or obesity medical problems, this quick test will let you know where you stand.
Clarian's Indiana Bariatric Centers offer FREE monthly seminars where you can go and meet Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeons, support staff and fellow patients who have had or are considering weight loss surgery. You can check the schedule and find other information on the upper right of this page or by visiting ACallToChange.org.
Indiana Bariatric surgeons will calculate your BMI as well, but if you think you might be suffering health problems with obesity or obesity medical problems, this quick test will let you know where you stand.
Clarian's Indiana Bariatric Centers offer FREE monthly seminars where you can go and meet Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeons, support staff and fellow patients who have had or are considering weight loss surgery. You can check the schedule and find other information on the upper right of this page or by visiting ACallToChange.org.
Was that 60 ounces of fluid and 64 ounces of protein or the other way around? All post operative patients, regardless of the weight loss surgery performed, need a minimum of 64 ounces of fluids each day.
In the first days following bariatric surgery it seems as though all one does is spend time taking medication, consuming high quality sources of protein or sipping, sipping, sipping. If this is you, then you are doing just what you should be. Dehydration is a dangerous state for bariatric patients whose small stomach capacity makes it impossible to ‘catch up’ on fluids once you get too far behind. The result is fatigue, nausea and a generally poor feeling. Often, the only remedy is intravenous rehydration in the Emergency Room.
So what is the best way to avoid this scenario? Find a beverage that you enjoy. Most patients have been consuming these in preparation for surgery already. Sugar free drink mixes such as Crystal Light, sugar free flavored water (not carbonated) and tea (iced or hot) are all good choices.
Most grocery stores carry their own brand of mixes in a variety of flavors. Many also enjoy just plain water. Remember, something that is distasteful to you one day may be satisfying another, so experiment! Broths, sugar free Jell-o and popsicles can also be counted towards those 64 ounces.
It is imperative that every ounce of intake be written down in a log or journal. Invariably, overestimation of the amount of fluids taken in occurs. One perceives they have consumed 40 ounces, when in reality it has only been 20 or 30. Keeping a written record avoids this and goes a long way towards preventing dehydration. For those consuming protein shakes as part of their daily protein requirement, don’t forget to include those ounces in your 64 for the day…it counts!
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