Comfort Food, Part I

Thursday, June 4, 2009 by Traci Baker
I remember the days when no matter what mood I was in, food was my friend just waiting to wrap its arms around me like a big fluffy blanket and snuggle.  I am 19 months post-op from having gastric bypass surgery and still think about comfort foods! These past few weeks I’ve been on a very emotional roller coaster ride and many of us know that it can become a slippery slope if we aren’t careful. 

I’m currently taking a few college courses and spending any spare time I have studying, doing homework and taking tests, which involve late nights along with lack of sleep.  I gave up my five month old puppy for adoption, which is very heart wrenching to me because I have always been a dog lover.  I cried many times with a close friend who lost two people in her life within four days of each other.  I cried again with another friend as she was going through some personal struggles, and I’m working on helping my son deal with teasing and bullying due to his weight. 

I look back and think what has been so traumatic in my life to make me constantly think about food and needing the feeling of comfort?  I think I’ve answered that question!
Being addicted to food can truly be a struggle physically, emotionally and spiritually.   I can’t tell you how many times I thought to myself, go find something to eat you will feel better and the pain will go away. 

I can’t count how many times I got up and went into the kitchen searching my cabinets for some comfort. I wanted to eat because I was exhausted from lack of sleep and worry.  I felt like a failure as an owner when I gave up my puppy while my heart ached for my friends who were going through so much pain.  As a mother who has a child being bullied and teased I just wanted to eat and make it all go away. 

I longed for some snuggle time with my old friend and wanted to forget about life even if it was just for a moment.  Every time I passed the McDonalds, Wendy’s or Burger King I thought how wonderful would it be to drive through and pick up my favorite super sized meal!  How I wished for that comfort. 
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Join us!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Have you been wondering if weight loss surgery is right for you? Then consider joining us at a FREE informational seminar! At the session you can learn about bariatric weight loss options (gastric bypass or Lap Band among others) and about bariatric surgery costs.

Indianapolis bariatric surgeons and staff will be on hand to answer your questions and you are welcomed to bring as many support people along as you would like. Visit this Web site to find a date that works well for you. We can't wait to meet you! 

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Did you know?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Clarian Bariatrics is composed of staff and surgeons who specialize in the advanced surgical treatment of clinically severe obesity, a condition recognized by medical authorities as a major health problem in the United States today. In fact, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, surpassed only by cigarette smoking.

The surgeons of Clarian Bariatrics are highly skilled, experienced professionals backed by the vast network of Clarian specialists, affording you the latest in proven medical techniques. These include laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, resulting in shorter hospital stays; advanced pain management techniques; and long-term support and follow-up. Patients can and do achieve major weight loss, a healthful and vigorous body and long-term weight control.

Want to learn more? Then join us at an upcoming FREE informational seminar. Click here to learn about upcoming seminar dates.

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See you today!

Friday, May 15, 2009 by Andy Pollen
I am currently at the office packing up my gear to take out to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and I am so excited! I think that this former patient event is going to be great, and I am even more thrilled that the weather will (hopefully) cooperate. If you are unable to make it today, you will be missed, but know that we value the time, effort and dedication you have put into making a lifelong commitment to getting healthier.

If you are not currently a patient of Clarian Bariatrics, but want to learn more about weight loss surgery, then consider joining us at a FREE bariatric surgery informational session. You can learn about the different types of procedures (gastric bypass or Lap Band among others) and hear about bariatric surgery costs from Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeons.

We would love to meet you! Just click on the "Free Surgical Weight Loss" banner at the top right of this page. Maybe next year we will see you at our patient event! 

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Did you know?

Friday, May 8, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Weight-loss surgery falls into two basic categories: restrictive surgery and malabsorptive surgery.

Operations that reduce the stomach size are known as restrictive surgery because they restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold. An example of this type of procedure is the adjustable banding.

Some operations combine stomach restriction with a partial bypass of the small intestine. These procedures create a direct connection from the stomach to the lower segment of the small intestine, literally bypassing portions of the digestive tract that absorb calories and nutrients. These are known as malabsorptive surgery.

A combination of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures tend to produce more weight loss than either procedure does on its own. An example of a combination is called Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery. Today, this procedure is considered the "Gold Standard" for bariatric surgery.

Want to learn more? Then click here!

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Small WOW Moments

Thursday, May 7, 2009 by Traci Baker
It’s that time of year when I start to dream about warm summer days, green grass and a multitude of colors to brighten the day.  I love to be surrounded by the smell of a fresh cut lawn, plants and bright flowers.  Looking back I remember driving around town, seeing people working in their yards and being completely jealous because I never had the energy to do that. 

This past Sunday was one of those days when I realize how amazing it is to be a gastric Part of my handy work from Sunday!bypass patient. I started planting a flower bed last year and had decided this year I would like to add even more. My husband and I love the look and smell of fresh mulch around plants, flowers and trees. Sunday we purchased two yards of fresh mulch, which filled up the entire eight foot bed of our truck. 

In the past when any physical labor was required I would sit on the side lines feeling guilty as my husband worked for hours. This year when we arrived at home with our two yards of mulch he grabbed the shovel and wheel barrel while I grabbed the mulch fork and we went to town! I was right there with him unloading the mulch into the wheel barrel walking to our destination, with the wheel barrel in tow, then spreading the mulch throughout our flower beds. 

My husband was so use to doing all the work I had to ask him several times to stop and let me take over.  Not only were we both astounded by me saying “Hey let me do that” I think we were both in shock that I never once complained. There was no back ache, no huffing and puffing from shoveling and no stopping to sit because I felt like I was going to pass out from exhaustion. I just kept going back for more.
                 
I did it! I accomplished something that two years ago I would have sat by and watched my husband do alone.  I had this overwhelming since of excitement and freedom.  I was no longer bound by the restrictions of the excess weight I use to carry.  I was working in my yard and it felt GREAT. Having weight loss surgery was a very personal choice for me and this is one of those small WOW moments I will always cherish.
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Two FREE Info Sessions Tonight

Thursday, April 30, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
If you have been considering bariatric surgery, but have questions about bariatric surgery costs, types of procedures (gastric bypass or Lap-Band) or Indianapolis Bariatric Doctors, then consider joining us at two FREE informational seminars around the Indianapolis area.

On Thursday evening, Clarian Bariatrics staff will be holding two seminars:  one at our Indianapolis location (6625 Network Way, Indianapolis) and one at Clarian Health Cicero (1160 South Peru Street, Ind. 19, Cicero). Now is your chance to have all your questions about weight loss surgery answered by medical professionals!

Please feel free to bring as many individuals with you as you would like as a solid support system is crucial to a successful outcome. Learn more and register by clicking on the image at the top right of this page or by visiting ACallToChange.org.

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How the Baritric Process Works

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Have you been considering weight loss surgery but are confused about what the different types of surgery - restrictive or malabsorption - and how they work? 

Then watch this educational video by Samer Mattar, MD, FACS, the Medical Director of Clarian Bariatrics. Additionally, if you have questions about bariatric surgery costs, Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeons, gastric bypass or the Lap-Band procedures, then join us at a FREE informational seminar.

Click on the image at the top right of this page to learn more!

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When was the last time you came to support group?

Friday, April 24, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

We know that support is essential to the long-term success of weight loss surgery patients not only in Indiana, but everywhere. If you have not been to a support group recently, what are you waiting for? 

This is your opportunity to discuss struggles and share successes and learn little tricks that can help you maintain the gains you've made since gastric bypass, lap-band or sleeve surgery.

Clarian Bariatrics is hosting a support group this morning and everyone - regardless of where you had bariatric surgery - is invited to attend. Visit ACallToChange.org for all upcoming dates. We'd love to see you!

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What does bariatric surgery cost?

Friday, April 10, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew
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.
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Bariatric Surgery and Diabetes, Part II

Friday, April 3, 2009 by Sara Donlan
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!
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FREE Informational Session Saturday

Thursday, April 2, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Join your friends at Clarian Bariatrics on Saturday as we hold a FREE informational seminar for individuals wanting to learn more about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity, Indianapolis bariatric centers and surgical weight loss options including gastric bypass and the Lap Band.

This session will be held at our Indianapolis location (6625 Network Way, Suite 100, Indianapolis) at 10 a.m. Support is essential to success, so we encourage you to bring as many individuals along as you wish.

If you have questions, please call us at 317-275-7010 or toll free at 877-275-2555. See you there!

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Trigger Foods

Thursday, March 26, 2009 by Traci Baker
Do you ever feel like you struggle with food?  I’m 15 months post-op from gastric bypass surgery and I know I still struggle with food.  Do you ever say one bite one hurt?  Does that one bite turn into two, three or four throughout the day? 

Do you find yourself constantly thinking about when you will get to have the next bite of that certain food? Think about it for a minute.  Does anything come to mind?  If there is a food that you have these feelings about it’s probably a “trigger” food for you.  These foods can become detrimental to those of us who had weight loss surgery. If we aren’t careful this can lead to binge eating and bad old habits.

A trigger food can cause us to over indulge and become sick. Learning to identify and avoid your trigger foods. Try journaling about your food intake and see if there is a trigger food in your diet.  Do some positive self talk!  Remind yourself what originally contributed to our obesity problem and then say I have a choice today.  I will not suffer and go back to the old way of eating. 

Have you been to a Clarian Bariatrics support group lately? If not, we would love to see you!

Also, please know that you can contact me confidentially by e-mail at bariatric@clarian.org or you can call me at 317-275-7010 and leave a message on my confidential voicemail.  Please visit our Web site for locations and times on our support groups! 
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News article: Attention-deficit disorder linked to obesity

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 by Andy Pollen

An interesting article that came across my Google news alert today. Below are the first few paragraphs:

Paige Gilmore used to be so large she couldn't buckle up a seat belt in a car, or go on a roller-coaster ride with her son. No chair was big enough to hold her 420-pound, 5-foot-7-inch frame.

Dieting had never helped Ms. Gilmore, who has been overweight since the age of 9. "Once you get past 350 pounds, you can't even be weighed on a regular scale," she said. "I was desperate. I was hiding food and eating it for comfort. It was like a tic."

Then her doctor made an astonishing discovery - one that is revolutionizing the way morbidly obese people are treated, and viewed by society.He diagnosed her with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a neuro-developmental irregularity that causes people to behave impulsively and seek constant stimulation. They nibble to counter feelings of restlessness, explains her physician, Lance Levy, a Toronto specialist in nutritional medicine.

What do you think? Have you ever felt like Paige? If you would like to learn more about weight loss surgery, then consider joining us at FREE informational seminar. There, you can learn about our Indiana Weight Loss Doctors, and Indianapolis Surgical Weight Loss options including gastric bypass and the Lap-Band. Click on the image at the top right of this page for more information.

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News article: Obesity and hypertension

Friday, March 20, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Hypertension (high blood pressure), one of the many common conditions associated with obesity, refers to the pressure that blood applies to the inner walls of the arteries.

It estimated that excess body weight (including overweight and obesity), accounted for approximately 26 percent of cases of hypertension in men and 28 percent in women, and for approximately 23 percent of cases of coronary heart disease in men and 15 percent in women. Obese individuals have an increase in fatty tissue that increases their vascular resistance and in turn increases the work the heart has to do to pump blood throughout the body.

To view the rest of this article from the Obesity Action Coaltion magazine, please click here.

If you have additional questions about health problems with obesity, Indiana Weight Loss, Indianapolis Bariatric clinics or gastric bypass or lap band surgery, then join us at a FREE informational session. Click the image at the top right of this page for more info.

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A Song that Touched Me

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Traci Baker

I had a birthday last month and received a card from my son that plays music.  When he gave it to me he said “Mommy this is going to be the best year of your life!”  Throughout my weight loss journey I’ve always turned to music because it’s very therapeutic.  Think of your life before you had gastric bypass, gastric banding etc.  What were your struggles?  What were your challenges?  When you had surgery what were your aspirations for your life after weight loss surgery?  I’m going to share some of the lyrics from this song that really speaks to me. 
      

I spent the morning at an old friend's grave
Flowers and 'Amazing Grace', he was a good man
He spent his whole life spinning his wheels
Never knowing how the real thing feels
He never took a chance or took the time to dance
And I stood there thinking, as I said goodbye
Today is the first day of the rest of my life

I'm gonna stop looking back and start moving on
Learn how to face my fears
Love with all of my heart, make my mark
I wanna leave something here
Go out on a ledge, without any net
That's what I'm gonna be about
Yeah, I wanna be running
When the sand runs out

Cause people do it everyday
Promise themselves they're gonna change
I've been there, but I'm changing from the inside out
That was then and this is now
I'm a new man, yeah, I'm a brand new man
And when they carve my stone, they'll write these words
"Here lies a man who lived life for all that it's worth"

I'm gonna stop looking back and start moving on
And learn how to face my fears
Love with all of my heart, make my mark
I wanna leave something here
Go out on a ledge, without any net
That's what I'm gonna be about
Yeah, I wanna be running
When the sand runs out

What is it that you want in your life after weight loss surgery?  What speaks to you?

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Don't fall for a "quick fix!"

Friday, March 6, 2009 by Traci Baker
Obesity is a growing epidemic in Indiana and many of us are looking for the “quick fix” for our disease.  I know first hand what it feels like to be morbidly obese, and to be terrified of how to get my weight under control. 

I have a 45 minute drive to work each morning, and I was flabbergasted at the amount of weight loss pill commercials I heard in that time frame.  I counted five different types of ads for the quick fix weight loss pill.  We all have different circumstances of why we have obesity problems and many of us wake up one day and wonder “How did this happen to me?”

I’m asking all of you to be very mindful of the quick fix weight loss pills! We are promised a cure all to our obesity and the commercials make us think that the pounds will just melt away.  I am the perfect example of a gastric bypass patient who tried all the fad diets, weight loss pills, not eating, all of the things that were more harmful than helpful to my obesity issues.

Think long and hard about what weight loss pills contain, why you lose weight, and how the quick fix is not pleasant and doesn’t last. Think about the damage you are doing to your body and know this is not a healthy decision. Remember we didn’t become overweight overnight.  It took us many years to get to where we are today and no pill can fix that for us!

At Clarian Bariatrics we are here for your weight loss support in a completely positive and healthy way!  I encourage each of you to come to support group no matter where you are in your journey!  We are here to support you and discuss the causes of obesity, how to help overcome our food addictions and be your best cheer leaders for your weight loss goals!

Please click on the image at the top right of this page for listings of all upcoming support groups and locations. If you are can not make it to support group and have questions please feel free to contact me directly or leave a comment below. Please call 317-275-7010 or toll free at 877-275-2555 or by e-mail at bariatric@clarian.org. 
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I love my job!!!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 by Traci Baker
Those are the words I’ve been spreading these past few weeks to my colleagues at Clarian Bariatrics.  Those of you who are reading this post are the reason I come to work each and every day.  I’ve had the pleasure of hearing from many of you about your personal struggles, successes and wow moments. 

We’ve discussed your weight loss procedures, weight loss support system, obesity related problems, questions about bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, gastric banding, support groups, free informational weight loss seminars and the list goes on. 

You sincerely touch my heart and motivate me more than you can imagine.  I want to take this time to say “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart for all of your comments, questions and concerns.  The first thing I do every morning is check my email inbox to see if I’ve touched one person’s life that day.

I am truly blessed to be  involved with the most outstanding Indiana Bariatric Center and a part of your lives. I am honored to become one of your support persons in your weight loss journey and value the confidence you have placed in me!

Please know that you can contact me confidentially by email at bariatric@clarian.org or you can call me at 317-275-7010 and leave a message on my confidential voicemail.  If you would like to leave a comment to share with anyone who reads the blog you can respond below in the comment section. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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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 Surgeryblood, 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. 
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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.
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