Bariatric Weight Loss

John Barnes, revisted

Thursday, March 12, 2009 by Andy Pollen

Several of you in the Indianapolis area are already familiar with John Barnes, CEO and co-owner of Panther Racing, who was kind of enough to share his weight loss surgery story with us.

Well, his transformation is now making the rounds of the Indy Racing League circuit! Click here to check out an article about John on IndyCar.com. I will re-post our Clarian Bariatrics commercial with John in case you want to see more.

In the meantime, if you are considering bariatric weight loss, join us at a FREE informational session this Thursday. Information can be found by clicking on the photo at the top right of this page.

At the seminar you can ask questions of Indiana Weight Loss Doctors at a premier Indianapolis Bariatric Center. Feel free to bring as many people along as you'd like. We can't wait to meet you!

Nerves, the good kind

Friday, March 6, 2009 by Andy Pollen

This week has been a big one. I wrapped up midterms earlier in the week (just two more months and I officially have my MBA!), we are moving our marketing offices today (gotta love new beginnings) and tomorrow I will run my first competitive 10K in more than five years.

I'm not good with change. I never have been, and probably never will be. With the three things I mentioned all happening in one week, I have been a ball of nerves since Sunday night, and I don't see it stopping until I cross the finish line tomorrow (hopefully at 8:46 a.m. exactly).

What I'm beginning to realize is that being nervous about something is not necessarily a bad thing. I used to hate the feeling of uncertainity and would worry myself sick about all the things that MIGHT happen. I would build myself up for the worst and expect the worst.

Do you ever feel that way? Is that how you feel about bariatric weight loss? That it's too nerve-racking to take the first step so you'll just maintain the status quo? Nothing in life worth doing is easy and weight loss surgery is no exception. Afterall, sometimes you just need to have faith that things will be fine.

So what I'm asking you to do is take a chance and get out of your comfort zone. If you've already had Indianapolis weight loss surgery then try something new this weekend - go for a hike in a new park (Tina offered some tips on great Indiana State Parks earlier in the week). If you are contemplating the weight loss journey, the join us at a FREE info session next week (click on the image at the top right of this page for more info).

There is no time like the present.

Spring Cleaning: Inside and Out

Friday, March 6, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

Are you feeling the spring bug? Are you itching for sunshine, flowers and warm breezes? Me too. Every spring I start my spring cleaning from the inside out. I know, you think what is she talking about?

You know those cobwebs that gather on our unused treadmill, sewing machine and stationary bike. They gather in our minds and hearts as well. The springtime is a perfect time to start over, clean out the old and face the new.

March is Women’s Health Month. When is the last time you visited your primary care physician, had a mammogram, a pap? You know where I am going with this. We cannot start new things without first knowing how the “old equipment” is fairing. Dust off your running shows start a walking group at lunch time. Hang your clothes in the closet and use the treadmill for something besides a coat rack (don’t worry all of us do it).

Clarian Bariatrics can help you with the dusting of the cobwebs on the education process for bariatric surgery. Visit ACallToChange.org and sign up for a FREE weight loss surgery education seminar to begin the process. The seminar is the starting point for all of us who seek bariatric weight loss, so dust of the spiders and we will see you soon.

How the Bariatric Process Works

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 by Andy Pollen

Have you ever wondered how the bariatric process works? Then check out this educational video starring Samer Mattar, MD, for a brief overview of the weight loss surgery process.

If you have additional questions about causes of obesity, Indiana Weight Loss or Indianapolis Bariatric Centers and the costs of bariatric weight loss surgery then join us at an upcoming informational seminar.

Simply click on the photo at the top right of this page to sign up!

February Gastric Band Support Group Recap, Part II

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 by Alvin Furiya

Here are few more recipe modification tips that were discussed at last month's gastric band support group. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions about nutrition after weight loss surgery or bariatric weight loss surgery.

EGGS: The purpose of eggs in a recipe is to provide leavening, color, texture, flavor and richness, bind ingredients together and act as a thickener. Substitute two egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute for each whole egg.

SALT: The purpose of salt in recipes is preservation, texture aid, binder, color, fermentation control and flavor enhancer. Great substitutes for salt are seasonings which are ingredients added to food to intensify or improve its flavor. Most commonly used seasonings herbs, such as oregano, rosemary and basil; the fragrant leaves of any of various annual or perennial plants and do not have woody stems and spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice; the is pungent or aromatic seasonings obtained from the bark, buds, fruit, roots, seeds or stems of various plants and trees. You should also consider using various vinegars and peppers.

Splenda can be a good substitute for sugar in some recipes.

SUGAR: The purpose of sugar in recipes is complex and is difficult to replace. Sugar adds volume, tenderness, texture, acts as a preservative, golden or caramel color and flavor. So a substitution for sugar is difficult but most recipes sugar can be reduced by at least one-third without changing the taste and texture. A great alternative is a use sugar substitute. If possible add sugar substitutes after cooking process – heat may cause a bitter after taste. Your ultimate goal is to avoid the foods that require sugar, such as cakes, pies, cookies, etc.

Clarian Bariatrics will provide monthly support group for gastric band weight loss surgery patients on the third Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Patients may bring family and/or support members to the meetings. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 18 at our Indianapolis location.

Keeping It Hidden, Part V

Monday, March 2, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

Think about it for a moment. Your family has known you forever as you are. After weight loss surgery they are not sure if you are still you. You do not look like you anymore. Some feel they have lost the old you, and they have to learn to know and love the new you. It can wreck havoc on your life if you do not play an aggressive role in learning to deal with the process. I encourage support groups, buddy systems and talking to others who have had bariatric surgery.

My life is better now than before, I still have two beautiful children, I still volunteer at our church, help at the school and work with the youth in my community. I have changed for the better. I cannot say if it is the bariatric weight loss surgery or age, but I love a little deeper and care a little quicker.

The changes in your life cannot be blamed or credited to the surgery. Life happens. Things change. Marriages end. Jobs change. Learn to modify and roll with the punches. I do not believe in feeling sorry for myself, nor do I believe in beating myself up. We can never get a day back once the sun sets. Make the most of every day. Make good choices, if you don’t chalk it up to a learning experience and move past it.

Tell the ones you love that you love them and be kind to those you do not. But most of all learn to love your self. Learn to appreciate what has been given. Learn to be proud of your self for your accomplishments; this is not an easy road. It is a rough, dusty, curvy dangerous path that you have to take at a steady pace. Clarian Bariatrics will be there a long the way to help dust off the dirt, but you must first take the steps on that road. Only you can put one foot in front of the other. Happy Hiking!

Did you know?

Friday, February 27, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

We know that weight loss surgery isn't just about shedding pounds. It's about gaining confidence, and the ability - both physically and psychologically - to do all the things you haven't been able to do for years.

We encourage you to talk to your friends and family who may benefit from bariatric weight loss surgery, and encourage them to take the first step to improving their health and their life.

As a current or past patient, if you refer a person to a Clarian Bariatric support group of information session, we will reward you with a $15 Starbucks gift card (used for a healthy treat, of course!) if that person schedules a consultation.

It is our way of saying "thank you" for being a good ambassador of our program, and to help others overcome causes of obesity and life a healthy, more fulfilled life. If you would like to learn more, please call us at 317-275-7010.

Keeping It Hidden, Part IV

Friday, February 27, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

On November 30, 2006, I went in for my RNY weight loss surgery. I was embarrassed and chose to not tell anyone with the exception of my immediate family. Not even my best friend. I couldn’t tell anyone, I felt like a failure, I could not do this on my own.

“Normal” people could do it, why couldn’t I? The surgery went well and immediately the weight started to drop. I was still dealing with the issues inside. I had to learn everything over again. I learned how to prepare a healthy meal; I learned to not eat because I was bored, sad, mad or happy. I learned to form family functions around things besides food.

The bariatric weight loss surgery changed my body. I had to change my mind. I still work on this daily. The process of weight loss by surgery or other means causes a ripple affect through your entire family. I truly believe the surgery doesn’t change you on the inside.

If you are a loving, caring person before you will still be after, if you are a hateful, ugly person before I pray you will change after but no promises. The steps you take to become a happier, healthier person are multilayered. You must learn to deal with your reaction to the changes you are going thru as well as the changes those around you are experiencing. It is almost as hard for others to deal with the changes as it is you.

Check Your Gauges

Thursday, February 26, 2009 by William Hilgendorf

Do you remember your first car? Mine was a 1966 Chevy Impala. Instead of the detailed gauges more contemporary vehicles have, my first car had what some referred to as "idiot lights" on the dashboard.

The problem was, by the time the red light flashed on, the steam was already coming out from under the hood! Whether you are preparing for weight loss surgery or maintaining your weight after bariatric weight loss surgery, make sure you frequently check your “gauges.”

Use whatever tools you need to keep yourself honest: nutrition journal, asking for feedback from trusted and frank individuals, carefully charting your exercise. I like Dr. Henry Cloud’s definition of integrity: The courage to meet the demands of reality.

Being accountable and able to objectively track your progress (dashboard gauges) will help you see reality and give you time to make adjustments before a serious problem pops up.

Join us on Thursday!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 by Andy Pollen

Have you been reading the stories on this blog and think that bariatric weight loss surgery might be right for you? Are you interested in learning more about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity and Indiana Weight Loss Doctors?

Then join us at a FREE information session on Thursday, February 26. We will be holding two seminars - one at our Indianapolis location and one at Clarian Health Cicero.

You can find out additional informaiton and RSVP for each event by clicking on the image at the top right of this page. Remember that you are more than welcomed to bring as many people as you would like with you!

Downfalls

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 by Debbie Tibbs

It’s difficult to imagine that life won’t feel/be perfect once you’re well on your way to losing weight and finally seeing the numbers you’ve longed to see for many years. The truth is the challenges are there, and on some level always will be.

Once you’ve recovered from weight loss surgery and are on the meal plan for life of proteins and fluids and vitamin regimes, foods will still smell great, restaurants will still be in the picture, the grocery store can and will at times be overwhelming, and cravings of favorite foods/meals will come back. It’s hard to imagine how to pack protein into your ‘meal’ when you’re desiring something will little to no protein.

New habits are more difficult for some than others. For me, drinking water at such a volume per day is a challenge in that it’s something I’ve never done before. After a while, some days become better than others, fluids to the volume of 64 ounces/day might as well be 64 gallons…or so it feels.

Another challenge for me has been to learn to listen to my body versus finishing the meal amounts my head/eyes think I should have. Smaller plates, smaller portions to start…it’s all a process of creating and remembering the new you. The other day I placed a straw in my drink and haven’t done that since surgery. I guess it’s from years of using straws. I was as shocked and even asked myself (silently) “How did that straw get in there?”

Exercise is another challenge…time constraints with busy schedules, winter weather limits outside activities, etc. What will work best post-op is unique to each person/family, and I’m still figuring out what’s best for me.

Worth it? Absolutely. Currently, I’m minus 76 pounds in 9 months and feel terrific. The weight is definitely slowing down in how fast it comes off, but that was to be expected and I haven’t been too terribly disappointed with this. I’ve also reevaluated what I can do with increasing protein, exercise and fluids to kick-start the faster loss again…all in good time.

If you are considering bariatric weight loss surgery and found your way to Clarian Bariatrics…man, are you in the right place! I could not imagine taking this journey with anyone else!

My Re-birth...It Isn't Always Easy

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 by Traci Baker

My re-birth date is October 18, 2007. This was the day I had been fighting for the past two years. That date marks the start of my journey when I had a RNY gastric bypass surgery. Four days after my re-birth date on October 22, 2007 I was readmitted to the hospital for revision surgery.

The following weeks consisted of some mild dehydration, lack of energy and the consumption of protein drink after protein drink. November 12, 2007 I again visited the hospital only to discover I had an abscess! Again, tests,

Bariatric Surgery Costs, Causes of Obesity, Indianapolis Bariatric Surgery, Indiana Hospitals, Bariatric Weight Loss, Weight Loss Surgery

blood, and the insertion of a drainage tube this time. My next trip was December 11, 2007 which was minor and was only a marginal ulcer.

What I learned throughout this experience was that nothing worth doing is ever easy, and weight loss surgery is no exception.

The next few months were basically uneventful compared to the previous three months. I finally switched jobs and came to work for Clarian Bariatrics in April 2008. Working in the medical field with bariatric patients has been a passion of mine for quite some time. This was a very exciting time for me. I was at my six month mark from surgery and had lost 100 pounds. I NEVER thought that was possible in such a short period of time.

Although I had two more hospitalizations last year, I have no regrets about my decision to undergo bariatric weight loss surgery. In a later post I will discuss the "priceless" aspects of this procedure, and trust me, they far outweigh any possible hesitations I may have had...even in light of the hospitalizations after the initial procedure.

On July 19, 2008, my husband and I renewed our vows for our 10-year wedding anniversary. Not only were we celebrating the last ten years of our lives with our son, we were also celebrating each other. I can honestly say that I would NOT have made it these past months without the love and support of my husband.

You never know how truly blessed your relationship is until you have major life altering events happen like we did this past year. Vince did more for me than I ever imagined I would need. Words can not express my deepest appreciation for him and depth that our love has grown over this journey.

News article: Economic Status Affects Obesity Rates in Mexican-American and White Women

Friday, February 20, 2009 by Andy Pollen

Another interesting read from the Obesity Action Coalition. Don't forget to visit us at an upcoming info session if you have additional questions about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity, Indiana Hospitals, bariatric weight loss or weight loss surgery. We are here for you!

Happy Friday!

Obesity continues to increase for women in the United States, particularly among African-American and Mexican-American women. Between the ages of 35-44, there are approximately 3.3 million white women, 1.4 million African-American women, and 575,000 Mexican-American women who are obese

A new study published in the journal Public Health Nursing reveals that there is an increased risk for midlife obesity among Mexican-American and White women who were poor as children and adults. However, this did not hold true for African-American women.

For more information, please click here.

Did you know?

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 by Lorie Blythe

After weight loss surgery you lose weight even in your feet. Yep, that's right, your shoe size might get smaller. As you continue to lose weight from your bariatric weight loss surgery, you might to ask your sweetie for a new pair of shoes instead of forbidden items like chocolate and other sweets.

Do you have an additional question about what to expect after gastric bypass surgery or health problems with obesity? Then leave me a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.

Off the wall things that occur after bariatric surgery

Monday, February 16, 2009 by Traci Baker

The staff at Clarian Bariatrics has a few members who are also Gastric Bypass or Gastric Banding patients. We love to share stories with each other about how our physical being has changed in odd ways. I would like to share some of these with you!

When you start losing weight on your backside your tailbone will become sore! Be prepared to take a cushion/pillow with you when you are sitting for a long period of time. This includes your car rides to and from work!
You may experience some sensations as your food moves through your new stomach and intestines. Many of our female patients describe this as the butterfly feeling and some patients describe it as a baby kicking! Don’t worry this is just a sign that your food is traveling down it’s newly given path!

Look for other thoughts in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have a question about causes of obesity, bariatric weight loss, weight loss doctors or Indianapolis Bariatric Centers, do not hesitate to ask!

News article: Obesity - America's epidemic

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 by Andy Pollen

An interesting take on America's obesity epidemic from the perspective of our neighbors to the north. While it doesn't really break any new ground, it gives an interesting perspective of our American health care system and our perceptions of obese individuals.

You can read full text of the article from Canada.com by clicking here.

Do you have an additional question about Indiana hospitals, bariatric weight loss, causes of obesity, or Indiana bariatric centers? Then join us at an upcoming FREE info session. Dates and information can be found by clicking on the image at the top right of this page.

Insurance is not a foreign language

Monday, February 9, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

Insurance is a place most of us try to stay away from. The process for weight loss surgery is unique. The first thing done is a verification of benefits. I tell all of our patients that this is not approval for surgery. It simply states that if you meet all of the criteria for you insurance they will consider paying for your bariatric weight loss surgery. There is no way around this process.

The insurance department at Clarian Bariatrics works very hard in verifying benefits. A few things to remember, if you are in the program and you are working in 2008 and you do not go to surgery until 2009, those benefits need to be verified again.

As a patient take that upon yourself to question your company. Benefits change at the New Year because of elections your employer has made with your insurance company. I can explain specific bariatric surgery costs if you would like on a one to one basis, just email me at bariatric@clarian.org.

The co-pays you will incur are varied, your office visits with your surgeon are only what your co pays normally are. The program requirements are explained at seminar and you can feel free to phone me at any time at 317-275-7010 and we can go over those again. If you do not have insurance or if you have exclusion with your insurance and chose to pay cash for your surgery there again are a few things that will change the amount owed and the time of that payment.

On an average you would expect to pay $20,000 to $26,000 for your surgery. Each case is specific to the patient, different tests, days in the hospital etc…I try to give a high average that way there are no surprises. If you have questions please feel free to phone or email me any time.

The Bariatric Valentine, continued

Thursday, February 5, 2009 by Trish Seidel

Due to today’s economy, many of us realize that we are unable spend a lot of cash to throw a grand Valentine’s Day for our loved ones. Most restaurants and retailers raise the prices of items in high demand, such as chocolates, restaurant meals and cards. Luxurious presents and fine dining are always nice, but there are ways to celebrate Valentines Day without breaking your budget or your waistline.

Take a professional dance class – Local ballrooms are offering reduced rates for private and group sessions. Once you learn the steps, you can practice together anytime. This will connect you as a couple, and it’s a fun way to enjoy each other’s company.
Does he love a clean car – Arrange to have his car detailed with an indoor polish and an exterior shine.
Sushi lessons or couples cooking classes- Many local chefs teach private classes for less than $100 per session.
Paintball game – Paintball is a great day to have fun and exercise at the same time. For about $30 per person you can play all day. Think of the fun you’ll have shooting your husband with paint.
Trip to the spa/couples massage – nothing is more relaxing than a massage with your loved one.

Do you have other great ideas for Valentine's Day on a budget? Then let me know! Also, do not hesitate to ask me anything about weight loss surgery, bariatric weight loss, health problems with obesity or Indianapolis Bariatric Physicians. I am here to help!

21 Most Common Mistakes: 17-21

Thursday, February 5, 2009 by Traci Baker

And, finally, the rest of the list!

17.    Drinking with meals
18.    Quitting when you have failed
19.    Not exercising consistently
20.    Isolating
21.    Drinking Soda

Remember to take baby steps and tell yourself every day I’m going to make good decisions today because I’m worth it!

Have an additional question about causes of obesity, weight loss surgery, bariatric weight loss or Indiana Bariatric Centers? Then leave a comment below or send an email to bariatric@clarian.org and I will be happy to respond!

Bariatric Weight Loss

John Barnes, revisted

Nerves, the good kind

Spring Cleaning: Inside and Out

How the Bariatric Process Works

February Gastric Band Support Group Recap, Part II

Keeping It Hidden, Part V

More Questions

Did you know?

Keeping It Hidden, Part IV

Check Your Gauges

Join us on Thursday!

Downfalls

My Re-birth...It Isn't Always Easy

News article: Economic Status Affects Obesity Rates in Mexican-American and White Women

Did you know?

Off the wall things that occur after bariatric surgery

News article: Obesity - America's epidemic

Insurance is not a foreign language

The Bariatric Valentine, continued

21 Most Common Mistakes: 17-21

Search This Blog

Subscribe to this blog

Categories