Join us at a FREE informational seminar this week!

Monday, August 31, 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.

At the seminar you can learn about bariatric surgery costs, Indianapolis weight loss surgery options and hear from Indiana Bariatric Surgeons about the ins and outs of surgery. Please feel free to bring as many support people with you as you like.

WHEN:  Thursday, September 3 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE:  Clarian Bariatrics (6625 Network Way, Suite 100 - Indianapolis)

Please click here to RSVP or call 317-275-7010 with questions.

Staff qualifications when searching for a bariatric surgery clinic, Part II

Monday, August 17, 2009 by Tina Carmichael
This is part two of several on the questions that should be considered when looking into a weight loss program. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney lists the following questions they feel you should ask as you search for a weight loss program.

What are the staff qualifications?
Because Clarian Bariatrics is a surgical weight loss program, this is not as big an issue as it would be in a weight loss clinic.  You can be sure here that you are followed by qualified, board certified medical doctors and nurses who are well trained and have a great deal of experience in surgical weigh loss.   

Who supervises the program?
Terri Hohlt, MSN, RN, is the Program Administrator. Terri has 30 years of nursing experience with Clarian Health.  Her role is to keep an overview of the whole program.  She hires the staff, keeps the program on budget, makes sure the physicians and staff have what they need provide top of the line care to our Indiana bariatric patients.  Terri continually monitors all aspects of the program to assure we provide the quality care each person deserves.

The medical director of the program is Samer Mattar, MD, who is board certified surgeon.  Dr. Mattar has received special training in advanced laparoscopy surgery at Emory University Hospital.  He is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, and several other professional organizations.  The medical director's role is to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality medical care available.

In addition to the above, the Clarian Bariatrics surgery program provides a “complete package” program with weight loss support provided by a full staff of highly trained, licensed, board certified Dietitians who specialize in weight loss and the health problems caused by obesity.  We also have a Bariatrics Behavioral Medicine department headed up by Clinical Psychologist William Hilgendorf, PhD, HSPP.  His staff helps to support your surgical weight loss effort with a variety of group sessions geared specifically to bariatric patients.

What type of weight-management training, experience, education, and certifications does the staff have?
You can see from the list above that this program is serious about providing you top of the line quality care.  In addition to the above highly trained staff, other members of the team are patients of this bariatric surgery center with the deepest understanding of the program, and patients concerns, and struggles.  They have insights that only someone who has been there can provide, that adds to their qualifications for the position they have at this Indianapolis Weight loss clinic.

Want to learn more? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar. Dates can be found by clicking on the image at the right of this post.

Considering Weight Loss Surgery? Read This First!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 by Tina Carmichael
If you are considering weight loss surgery, there are a great many very important things to consider, such as which type of surgery, the lifetime commitment you have to make to taking care of yourself, the surgeon and so on.

I will not discuss those in this blog, but I do want to talk about two things that should NOT be a factor in the consideration for bariatric surgery. From the July 2009, issue of Obesity Action Coalition:

Loose Skin:  Loose skin is a reflection of significant weight loss and it does not seem to matter if the weight-loss is slow or fast.  If a gastric band patient, a sleeve patient and a gastric bypass patient all lose 150 pounds, they will ALL have some degree of loose skin.

Cost:  In most markets, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are more expensive than adjustable gastric banding.  While this is not important if insurance is paying for your surgery, it is important to those that have to pay for their surgery themselves. “Cash pay”
Patients should choose their operation FIRST and THEN figure out how they are going to pay for it.  The decision of which type of surgery to have needs to be discussed with your surgeon as the two of you should make that choice together.

Want to learn more about Indianapolis weight loss surgery? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar, where you can hear Indiana bariatric surgeons and staff discuss the many aspects of sustainable weight loss. Click the image of the right of this page to get started.

News article: Races Differ in Rates of Sleep-Related Obesity

Monday, June 29, 2009 by Sara Donlan
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.

Did you know?

Friday, April 24, 2009 by Samer Mattar

Obese patients are about six times more likely to develop heart disease than those of normal weight. Increased levels of blood fats and the metabolic effects of obesity affect coronary disease.

An increased load on the heart leads to early development of congestive heart failure. Severely obese people are 40 times more likely to suffer sudden death, in many cases due to cardiac rhythm disturbances.

However, weight loss surgery can help elminate - or drastically improve - this health problem caused by obesity. If you would like to learn more then consider joining us at a FREE informational seminar.

At the seminar you can ask questions of Indiana Weight Loss Surgeons and find out more information about bariatric surgery costs and Indiana Bariatric Centers. Click on the image at the top right of this page to learn about upcoming dates.

Join Us!

Thursday, April 16, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

Have you been thinking about bariatric surgery but are not sure where to start? Then consider joining us at a FREE informational seminar tonight at Clarian Bariatrics (6625 Network Way, Indianapolis).

At this seminar you can learn about health problems with obesity, bariatric surgery costs and Indiana Bariatric Surgeons. Feel free to bring as many people along as you'd like...we would love to meet them, and you!

We start at 6:30 p.m. this evening and will hold another session next Thursday as well. Please call us at 317-275-7010 if you have questions and click on the image at the top right of this page to register.

See you there!

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!

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.

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!

Where do I begin? Part III

Monday, February 2, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew
The first thing you will probably notice after weight loss surgery is that a radiant smile will come across your face.  It not only lights up your face, but all of the faces around you.  This tool, when wielded correctly, which Indiana Bariatric Surgeons give you will empower you to change everyone around you. 

You will want to share your happiness, your successes and share the journey.  Support groups are a wonderful venue for that.  You can learn from the struggles, successes and paths of those who have gone before you and offer a ray of hope for those who will go after.  Remember this is the journey you have chosen take one step at a time, baby steps if needed. 

Instead of thinking of the past as a failure, think of it as a platform, a foundation of learning, to build a house you must learn how to hammer a nail.  The same goes for weight loss surgery patients, one bite at a time, one step, one choice. 

One of my favorite quotes by Steve Grant, former linebacker of our beloved Colts and minister for Sports World Ministries, said “You are not born a winner, you are not born a loser, you are born a chooser!”  Chose to make it a wonderful journey, and use the resources at Clarian Bariatrics to help pave the path. 

FREE Informational Session this week!

Monday, January 19, 2009 by Debbie Tibbs

Have you been curious about weight loss surgery? Then consider attending one of Clarian Bariatrics FREE informational seminars. At the seminar you will have the opportunity to meet with Indiana Bariatric Doctors and ask questions about bariatric surgery costs, bariatric surgery financing, Indiana Hospitals and Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeons.

We know how important it is to feel comfortable, and since you will not be taking this journey alone, we encourage you to bring as many family members and friends along as you need. We can't wait to meet them, and you!

The next FREE informational session will be held on Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. You can RSVP by clicking on the picture at the top right of this page or by calling 317-275-7010 or toll free at 877-275-2555. 

Don't forget about FREE informational seminar at Clarian Health Cicero

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Just a reminder that Clarian Bariatrics will be hosting its first FREE informational seminar at Clarian Health Cicero on Thursday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.

These seminars are your opportunity to ask questions of Indiana bariatric surgeons and other Indiana bariatric patients about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity and bariatric weight loss. Plus, we encourage you to bring family and friends as your weight loss journey is one that will not be taken alone.

Clarian Health Cicero is located at 1160 South Peru Street, S.R. 19, Cicero, IN. Additionally, we hold informational sessions at the Clarian Bariatrics clinic located at 6625 Network Way, Suite 100, Indianapolis on Thursdays and Satudays throughout the year.

Please RSVP for a seminar by visiting this Web site.  If you have additional questions, please call 317-275-7010 or toll free at 877-275-2555 or by e-mail at bariatric@clarian.org.

The Bariatric Surgery Option

Thursday, December 18, 2008 by Terri Hohlt
How do you know if Indianapolis Gastric Bypass surgery is right for you?  There are many non-surgical treatments for people suffering from Obesity Related Problems and   only a physician from Indiana Bariatric Centers can properly determine the right course of action for you.

Bariatric surgery is often consider when a patient has a body mass index of 40 or more or if you have a BMI of 35 and other weight related health problems like diabetes or arthritis.  Gastric Bypass weight loss leads to lower blood pressure and other obviously beneficial outcomes.

Keep in mind that one may still be obese or overweight after Gastric Bypass Surgery as it takes several months - or years - to achieve a healthy weight depending on the individuals weight before surgery.

Because you will only be eating a few ounces of food at a time, expect some dramatic changes to your lifestyle that will contribute to a healthier you. Nutrition for patients of morbid obesity surgery will need to take vitamins and supplements and of course avoid high calorie sugary drinks.

Our Indiana bariatric doctors offer consultations and advice to those seeking help.   Attend one of our upcoming FREE informational seminars to learn more. Simply click on the image at the top right of this page. See you there!

Recipe: Blue Ribbon Chili

Monday, December 15, 2008 by Andy Pollen
A few weeks ago we had a chili cook-off at Clarian North Medical Center as part of our United Way Campaign. Lisa, from Clarian Bariatrics, made the recipe below and it was, by far, my favorite recipe of the day. I actually made this for a chili party and no one had any idea it was good for them! It is perfect for a chilly (pun intended) day like today!

BLUE RIBBON CLARIAN BARIATRICS CHILI

2 Lbs lean ground beef (rinsed and drained)
1 cup Textured vegetable protein
32 oz black beans (rinsed)
16 oz chicken broth
24 oz salsa of your choice (we like medium)
16 oz red beans
16 oz pinto beans
24 oz rotel medium chilies and tomatoes
2 tsp tabasco sauce
1 clove garlic minced
2 tsp chili pepper (add more to your taste )
¼ c six pepper blend
1 medium yellow onion

Brown beef, rinse and drain add half of chicken broth and TVP (textured veg protein ) to cook pot.  Allow to come to slight boil add onion, chili pepper and tabasco.  Add remaining ingredients slow cook on stove top for 1 ½ to 2 hours or transfer to slow cooker and simmer all day.  Serve garnished with low fat sour cream, low fat shredded cheese, green onions and tortilla chips or serve steaming alone for a warm enjoyable dinner. 

Serving size 1 cup: 183 calories, 8 grams fat, 18 carbs
and 25 grams protein

Enjoy this recipe and do not hesitate to ask me if you have any questions about Indianapolis Bariatric Centers, Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost, Indiana Bariatric Centers, Bariatric Surgery Financing or our weight loss blogs or bloggers.

Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery

Monday, December 15, 2008 by Traci Baker
Gastric bypass is typically the most common Indianapolis weight loss surgery.  At  Clarian Bariatrics we hold weekly seminars where you can meet Indiana Bariatric Surgeons and other prospective patients to discuss all of your weight loss options including gastric bypass surgery and bariatric surgery financing.

The procedure itself consists of dividing the stomach in two parts, then connecting the upper stomach directly to a section of the small intestine.  Gastric Bypass is basically  bypassing a large section of the stomach and small intestine fewer calories are absorbed into the body.

Come hear one of our Indiana Weight Loss Doctors speak about morbid obesity surgery during one of Clarian Bariatrics monthly information seminars. Check the upper right hand corner of this blog for more information.

Ron's Story

Thursday, December 11, 2008 by Sara Donlan
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.

Understanding Obesity Definitions

Thursday, December 11, 2008 by Andy Pollen
Often times when you surround yourself with a topic you forget that not everyone around you has the same level of understanding. The other day I was explaining weight loss surgery to one of my classmates and he kept giving me a "huh" look when I threw out a couple of terms.

To help clear the air, I thought I would periodically post some common information that are typically associated with gastric bypass surgery, stomach stapling surgery and bariatric surgery in general. If you have any additional questions, let me know and one of our Indiana bariatric doctors would be more than happy to help out!

Bariatric: The word "bariatric" means, "the branch of medicine concerned with the management (prevention or control) of obesity and associated diseases."

Morbid: The word "morbid" means "a diseased state." And "co-morbid" means "a secondary disease state caused by a primary disease."

Obesity: The word "obesity" means "the storage of excess adipose tissue (fat)."

Morbid Obesity: This means "a serious disease state that is related to the excess accumulation of fat on the body that interferes with, or causes injuries to, other functions of the body, causing serious life-threatening health problems."

A Splash of Challenge

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 by Terri Hohlt
Below are some more tips by fitness expert Erin Light. Erin is the owner of FIT-Biz! Wellness and a reporter for RTV6. Erin is an expert in Indiana weight loss and working with Indiana bariatric surgeons and Indiana bariatric patients to improve outcomes for those undergoing weight loss surgery. Enjoy!

In addition to paying attention to the pace of your workouts, it is important to challenge your strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility and balance if you want to improve on your fitness level.

Because our bodies adapt and grow stronger, we will hit plateaus that cause our fitness level to stay the same. Some people may hit plateaus at different times, so that is why it’s important to move at your own pace. It is a good idea to assess yourself about every six weeks to see where your fitness level is standing. 

Check to see if you are improving or moving towards the goals you are setting for yourself.  Periodically checking your fitness level is a great way to watch your progress and see how much you have accomplished. And when you are ready, it won’t take much to add a challenge.

Even something as simple as adding more repetitions or grabbing some heavier weights can kick-start some strength-building. So examine your goals and evaluate what kind of program you are following, and you will be sure to get the most out of your workouts.  

News article: U.S. diabetes rate doubles in last 10 years

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 by Andy Pollen
Wow! I just read this article and was really taken aback by the statistics. Diabetes is one of the most common health problems with obesity and many Indiana bariatrics patients suffer from this sometimes fatal disease.

In fact, John Barnes' (who you will be meeting in a few weeks) diabetes was so bad before he underwent weight loss surgery that he was on insulin shots six times a day! Bariatric weight loss is one way to effectively manage diabetes, and if you suffer from the disease please consider reaching out to one of our Indianapolis bariatric physicians.

This article was written by the Associated Press and taken from HeraldNet. I have posted the first two paragraphs and the full text can be found by clicking here.

The nation's obesity epidemic is exacting a heavy toll: The rate of new diabetes cases nearly doubled in the United States in the past 10 years, the government said Thursday.

The highest rates were in the South, according to the first state-by-state review of new diagnoses. The worst was in West Virginia, where about 13 in 1,000 adults were diagnosed with the disease in 2005-07. The lowest was in Minnesota, where the rate was 5 in 1,000.

Upcoming Informational Sessions at Clarian Health Cicero

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 by Terri Hohlt
Starting in 2009, Clarian Bariatrics will be offering FREE informational weight loss surgery seminars and support groups at Clarian Health Cicero. Join us on January 8 at 6:30 p.m. for the first session where you can learn more about problems caused by obesity, gastric bypass surgery cost and bariatric surgery financing.

These seminars are your opportunity to ask questions of Indiana bariatric surgeons and other Indiana bariatric patients. Plus, we encourage you to bring family and friends as your weight loss journey is one that will not be taken alone.

Clarian Health Cicero is located at 1160 South Peru Street, Ind. 19, Cicero, IN. Additionally, we hold informational sessions at the Clarian Bariatrics clinic located at 6625 Network Way, Suite 100, Indianapolis on Thursdays and Satudays throughout the year.

Please RSVP for an seminar by visiting this Web site.  If you have additional questions, please call 317-275-7010 or toll free at 877-275-2555 or by e-mail at bariatric@clarian.org.