Types of Weight Loss Surgery: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
This operation is the most common and successful malabsorptive surgery. First, a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This bypass reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. It is the primary surgery performed by The Clarian Bariatric Center.

This operation can be performed either by a traditional open surgery or laparoscopically, a relatively new technology using a small video camera and a few customized instruments to perform surgery with minimal tissue damage. The Roux-en-Y technique is generally more effective in reversing health problems associated with severe obesity. Patients who have malabsorptive operations generally lose two-thirds of their excess weight within two years.

Why is Bariatric Surgery a Safe Option?

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Below is another popular educational video that we produced to help potential patients understand the risks and rewards of Indiana weight loss surgery. Remember, if you have additional questions, please call us at 317-275-7010 to sign up for a FREE weight loss surgery seminar.

How the Bariatric Process Works

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by Andy Pollen
It has been several months since I posted this video, but I have had some requests to re-run some of our "What to Expect" series. Look for a few this week and next, and remember to leave a comment if you have any questions about weight loss surgery procedures, bariatric surgery costs or Indianapolis surgeons.

Have you been to our new clinic?

Saturday, October 17, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew
As was mentioned earlier, Clarian Bariatrics recently moved into a new 30,000 square foot clinic space to better accommodate our program's recent growth. We now have more meeting space, a dedicated fitness room and more exam rooms. Not to mention that the new location (directly across the parking lot from the "old" one) is absolutely beautiful!

So why am I telling you this? Because we want you to come check it out for yourself via visiting an upcoming support group! We are going to be having the small group sessions this Tuesday, October 20 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. and we would love to have you join us.

You can find directions to our new location by clicking on this link. See you soon!

Join us at a FREE informational seminar tomorrow!

Friday, October 16, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Join us for an educational seminar to speak with our surgeons, nutritionists and past patients to learn how weight loss surgery can help you gain control of your weight, regain health and start a new life.

This Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. you are invited to visit our outpatient clinic on the northwest side of Indianapolis and have your questions answered about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity and sustainable weight loss options at the hands of our skilled Indianapolis staff.

If you are interested in attending, please fill out our online registration form or call 317-275-7010 or 877-275-2555 (toll free) to reserve your spot.

Walk from Obesity Photos!

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by Erin Light
Hi Everyone! I wanted to share a photo of the "Walk the Talk" group taken at the October 4 Walk from Obesity. It was a great morning, and our group had a nice time bonding in the fall sunshine. You can find more pictures on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/clarianbariatrics.

If you have thought about joining a "Walk the Talk" session, what are you waiting for? We meet every Friday at Clarian Bariatrics at 11:30 a.m. Remember to bring a sack lunch and comfortable clothes.

Behavior Change Group! What Do We Talk About?

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by William Hilgendorf
The following blog was written by Misty Hawkins.

I'm writing today to give you an idea of which topics are covered in the Behavior Change Group offered by Clarian Bariatrics.

Last Tuesday we focused on why people want to get Bariatric surgery and our unhealthy relationships with food.  Now, I know that everyone's ultimate goal is to "lose weight" but what are the "real reasons" - how will losing the weight change your life for the better?  Will losing weight help you live without as much pain?  Will you be able to keep up with your family and children?  Your reason could even be as simple as finally being able to shop in whichever clothing store you want…instead of being forced to go to the "plus size" stores! 

I think at the heart of everyone's yearning to lose weight is the desire to get back in control of your life - and that means no longer letting food control you.  Everyone in the group could give me an example of eating for the "wrong" reasons:  Eating when they were angry or sad, eating when they were watching T.V. or studying, and even eating to make themselves happy.  The problem is these are unhealthy ways to use food and often lead to weight gain and more unhappiness.  You can often use your "real reasons" for losing weight to change your relationship to food and get back on track!

Come to our group to talk about these issues and learn to overcome unhealthy relationships!  Next week, we will be talking about cravings and how to fight them! The Behavior Change Group is offered 7 PM to 8 PM every Tuesday night except for the fifth Tuesday of the month.  I hope you'll stop by and see us and, if you like, you can share your story!

Who is a candidate for weight loss surgery?

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
The following factors will be considered in determining if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery:
  •     You have tried to lose weight by changing your eating habits and exercise and are still severely obese.
  •     You are unable to perform routine daily activities without being seriously affected.
  •     You understand the procedure and the lifestyle changes you will need to make after bariatric surgery.
  •     You are motivated to make a lifelong behavioral commitment that includes well-balanced meals and physical exercise.
  •     You understand that this surgery won't solve all your problems, but can make you healthier -- and probably much happier.

Before patients undergo surgery for morbid obesity, they must qualify for our bariatrics program. Our basic program guidelines are:
  •     Being 100 pounds or more over your "ideal body weight," according to the established weight charts.
  •     Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 with no co-morbidities or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities.
  •     Being able and willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes.

BMI Categories:

Underweight: less than18.5
Normal: 18.5-24.9
Overweight: 25.0-29.9
Obesity (Class 1): 30-34.9
Severe obesity (Class 2): 35-39.9
Severe obesity (Class 3): 40-49.9
Super-obesity: over 50

Learn more by joining us at a FREE informational seminar this week! Learn more at ACallToChange.org.

Protein Taste Test...The Results are In!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 by Sarah Muntel
On October 6, Clarian Bariatrics had a Protein Taste Test at Support Group.  At the group, many supplements were available for patients to try.  And the winners are….
  • Unjury (available in unflavored, chocolate, vanilla and chicken broth)  Unjury provides 20 grams of good quality protein per scoop with 80-100 calories depending on the flavor.  We mixed sugar free Kool Aid with the unflavored powder and everyone loved it!  We also sampled chocolate Unjury powder mixed with milk which was very popular as well!
  • Beneprotein is a tasteless supplement that can be mixed with anything!  It provides 6 grams of protein and 25 calories per scoop.  We added 2 scoops to 8 oz of skim milk for a total of 20 grams per cup.  One patient commented “It tastes just like milk, but higher protein”
  • AMP (Advanced Muscle Protein) was also a winner.  It is very high in protein 60 grams for 250 calories and has a great clear liquid taste! 

More tips to come! Plan on attending Support Group regularly! Groups meet the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

What will be required of me to have a successful outcome?

Saturday, October 10, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
The success of your bariatric surgery depends greatly on your understanding that you MUST change your lifestyle. Having the surgery is only the beginning.

DIETARY CHANGES – You should be prepared to make substantial and permanent changes to your eating habits to ensure that you reach an ideal, healthy weight and maintain that weight. Dietary guidelines vary from surgeon to surgeon – the key is to adhere to the plan given to you by your surgeon. Here are some common dietary guidelines to follow after your surgery (confer with your surgeon for more detailed eating guidelines and lists of acceptable foods during various stages of recovery):
  • Chew your food thoroughly and eat very slowly.
  • Wait 2-3 minutes after swallowing before putting the next bite of food in your mouth. You will not be able to digest steaks or other chunks of meat if they are not ground or chewed thoroughly.
  •  Learn to stop eating when you feel full. DON’T EAT UNTIL YOUR ARE STUFFED.
  •  Don't drink fluids 30 minutes prior to eating, during your meal, or 30 minutes after your meal.
  •  Don’t eat desserts and other items with sugar if they have more than 3 to 5 grams per serving size.
  •  Avoid carbonated drinks, high-calorie nutritional supplements, milk shakes, foods high in fat, and foods that have no nutritional value.
  •  Avoid alcohol.
  •  Limit snacking between meals.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES – Your life will change dramatically… FOR THE BETTER. But you must always remember to
  • Follow your dietary guidelines (eating larger portions or foods not recommended can result in gaining weight back)
  • Establish and maintain a regular exercise plan (to build and keep muscle mass)
  • Take your vitamin supplements regularly

What is the cost of weight loss surgery?

Thursday, October 8, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew
We recently received a blog comment asking about the cost of a typical procedure. While there are many variables as each patient is different, I thought I would re-run the posting as a way to answer some additional questions.

I am often asked by prospective patients the price of Bariatric surgery.  I try to give a ball park figure, but it is a price that I cannot quote exactly.  Prior to surgery we verify the benefits available to each patient with their insurance plan.  If insurance is not an option, I offer the patient the cash pay rate.  This is not one fee for all; you will receive a balance of approximately $26,000
 
A portion of this will be due before surgery (two weeks) the remaining balance will be in different bills.  Pre-operative testing, anesthesia, surgeon fees, etc…I cannot give an exact figure as each patient has different mitigating factors affecting their procedures.  Different co-morbidities require different tests for example.


If you have any additional questions about bariatric surgery financing, gastric bypass costs and other fees related to weight loss surgyer, please do not hesitate to call us at 317-275-7010 or attend a FREE seminar.

Are you our "friend?"

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 by Traci Baker
Have you become a fan of Clarian Bariatrics on Facebook? No?! What are you waiting for???

Our Facebook page is just another way that you can stay connected to the most recent happenings at Clarian Bariatrics. With photos, reminders of events and postings to news articles it is a great way to learn more about what we are up to and start conversations with other patients.

Just click below to add us as a fan.


Clarian Bariatrics in the news!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 by Erin Light
Thanks to everyone who has let me know that they've enjoyed my excercise series in the Indianapolis Star! I wanted to post the most recent edition, which features feet seat crunches. Click on the information below to read the article!

Feet seat crunches
Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis,IN,USA
Erin Light, fitness coach for Clarian Bariatrics, 6640 Intech Blvd, Suite 300, ... Light works with those enrolled in Clarian Bariatrics' supervised ...


Join us at support group tonight!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 by Sarah Muntel
Come join us at support group this evening, and be among the first to sneak a peek at the new Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic!

The Total Body Fitness Class will begin at 5:30 p.m. and All Patient Support Group will start at 6 p.m. Remember that we are now located in INTECH Park, Building 10 (just across the parking lot from the old location).

The address is 6640 Intech Blvd, Suite 300. Please call us at 317-275-7010 with any questions. See you tonight!

Join us at seminar next week!

Saturday, October 3, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Join us for an educational seminar to speak with our Indianapolis surgeons, nutritionists and past patients to learn how bariatric weight loss surgery can help you gain control of your weight, regain health and start a new life.

The next FREE seminar will be held at Clarian Bariatrics' INTECH Park location on Thursday, October 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  If you are interested in attending, please fill out our online registration form or call 317-275-7010 or 877-275-2555 (toll free) to reserve your spot.

Have you submitted a photo?

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Sarah Muntel
Each year, Clarian Bariatrics likes to give thanks to our community physician partners for the resources they provide us in giving patients a new life. In the past this has been a holiday greeting card, but we wanted to take a different approach this year and highlight some of our success stories in a Thanksgiving card. This is where you come in!

As one of our patient successes, we are asking that you please submit a photo (or two) that features you doing something you never thought possible. This could be participating in a competitive race, modeling the latest fashions or spending quality time with friends and family – anything at all! We will need about 150 images to create the card, and can think of no better way to give our thanks than to “show off” how amazing our patients are.

We are asking that the photos please be submitted electronically. Unfortunately, we will not be able to scan photos as the resolution is not high enough for printing. Please send your photo(s) or questions directly to Andy Pollen at apollen@clariannorth.com by October 2. If you submit a photo and do not get a verification e-mail that it was received, please send it to clarianbariatricscb@gmail.com. Sometimes our spam filters block out attachments from non-Clarian e-mail addresses!

We thank you in advance for you help!

Did you know?

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Bariatric surgery is recognized as the most effective and durable method for persons who are morbidly obese to lose their excess weight and keep it off for many years. It is NOT a quick fix. It is NOT taking the "easy way out."

The benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous:

Longer Life – Studies show that gastric bypass surgery can improve your life expectancy by as much as 89%.

Reduced Health Problems – Severe obesity is associated with at least 50 diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, fatty liver, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, gout and various skeletal and joint problems. Bariatric surgery has been proven extremely successful in eliminating or dramatically reducing most of these health problems. For example, 80% of non-insulin dependent diabetics are cured as a result of gastric bypass. Sleep apnea patients enjoy uninterrupted sleep within a year of surgery, and half of the patients with high blood pressure come of their medications within a few months of surgery.

Psychological Benefits – Bariatric surgery can also help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with obesity. With a new self-image, issues like depression and fear of social situations can be overcome. A new desire and ability to interact with family and friends is also a common benefit following bariatric treatment.

Want to learn more about how Indiana weight loss surgery can help you? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar where Indianapolis bariatric surgeons and staff will discuss treatment options. Learn more by clicking here.


We're Moving!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
As many of you know, Clarian Bariatrics is moving locations tomorrow! We aren't going far, though. Just across the street from our current location! During the rest of the week, the Clarian Bariatrics staff will be moving into a 30,000 square foot facility that will allow us more room for support group, exercise classes and exam rooms.

Our new address will be: 

Clarian Bariatrics
6640 Intech Blvd, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46278

Our Web sites will be update on Wednesday with new maps. Our phone numbers will remain the same.

We can't wait to see you in our new home!

No Support Groups this Week!

Monday, September 28, 2009 by Sarah Muntel
Don’t forget…

We will not have Support Group or Walk the Talk this week!  The clinic will be moving and our new address will be 6640 Intech Blvd, Suite 300.  The new location is right across from our current one!

Plan on coming to the first support group in the new clinic on October 6!

Topic:  Protein Supplement Taste Test
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Clarian Bariatrics

See you then!

Are You Getting in Your Protein?

Saturday, September 26, 2009 by Sarah Muntel
How much protein are you eating every day? It is important that you focus on getting enough protein in your diet regardless of where you are in the program. 

Always focus on protein first, choose lean meats, dairy, and beans as the central point of your diet. If you are able to eat a 3-4 oz portion of meat, you will be getting 21-28 g of protein per meal.  At that point you will be able to meet your protein needs without supplements.

When you are newly post op, you will need to take protein supplements between your meals in order to meet your  nutritional needs.  It is impossible for you to meet your protein needs without taking additional supplements.  These supplements should be between your meals, not as a meal replacement. Some supplements we like are Unjury, Isopure, EAS, SlimFast Low Carb and Beneprotein.

Are you looking for new protein supplements to try?  Plan on attending Bariatric Support Group for our "Protein Taste Test" on October 6 at 6 p.m.