Indiana Bariatrics Patients

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

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.

Cookbook Recommendations for Bariatric Patients

Thursday, April 16, 2009 by Alvin Furiya

Earlier in the week I discussed the request from many patients for cookbooks that could be used by weight loss surgery patients. Even though there is not specific cookbook for bariatric surgery, these include some great recipes.

The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons, and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution. (ISBN-10: 0307336794 ISBN-13: 978-0307336798)
The author, Alice Waters, is credited with the organic food movement. This doesn’t mean you have to use 100 percent organic foods but her description and simplistic approach to cooking is the best attribute of this cookbook.

Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook (ISBN-10: 0307396444 ISBN-13: 978-0307396440)
We all know Martha Stewart. This cookbook is visually one of the best books I have seen. The use of photographs to demonstrate technique is fantastic. In addition her explanation of basic kitchen tools – pots, pans, spices, herbs, etc is for anyone with no or very little culinary knowledge.

I'm Just Here for the Food: Version 2.0
(ISBN-10: 158479559X, ISBN-13: 978-1584795599)
Alton Brown, host of “Good Eats” on the Food Network has put into writing his special brand in the explanation of basic cooking techniques.

Don't forget to check out the recipes on this blog either!

Pasta? Who needs it!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

I was sitting in the kitchen this past weekend, going through the same cabinets over and over trying to figure out what I was going to make for dinner. I know this is a dilemma that most working mothers face nightly so I try very hard to plan my meals out earlier in the week, so I am not tempted to make a run for the border or take a drive to the Golden Arches.

One of my biggest hurdles is trying to keep the menu varied. I am nearly 2 ½ years post op and the menu can be a little intimidating after a while. The children like pasta and potatoes and I chose to not fix those so I must come up with a healthy alternative. I make a homemade spaghetti sauce and I have a great low carb alternative to lasagna noodles or spaghetti.

Take an egg and beat as if you were making scrambles eggs. Spray a non stick pan with a non stick spray. Pour a very thin layer of egg on the bottom (just enough to coat the pan). This should be thin almost the consistency of a piece of filo dough. The egg will cook quickly so watch closely.

These are great to stack and cut as if noodles, to use as lasagna or to use as a wrap for tamales, etc. Once you put it in place of the noodles, you will not even know it is eggs. My children do not even know it when I use these. It allows the Bariatric patients to have the same “comfort foods” without the negative feelings of cheating.

Exercise Affects Surgery Success

Monday, March 16, 2009 by Erin Light

A recent study shows “patients who incorporated regular physical activity into their lives after bariatric surgery lost more weight and had better general health and vitality and less depression and anxiety than those who were inactive,” the Washington Times reports.

Spending a minimum of 200 minutes per week doing physical activity (such as walking and sports) helped the 199 patients in the study boost their progress towards their overall goals. They lowered their body mass by two units or more and reduced their overall weight by 8 percent more than those who weren’t exercising.

In addition to all the benefits post-surgery, other research proves that exercising pre-surgery is important as well. A study published in the journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) shows that “bariatric patients with low cardiopulmonary fitness levels experience longer operative times and suffered more post-surgery complications than patients with higher fitness levels.” Although complications aren’t always able to be determined before-hand, patients can work to decrease them by improving their cardio fitness.

If you are interested in learning about ways you can increase your fitness level, please contact Erin Light at the Clarian Bariatrics.

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.

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.

Feeding my heart, not tummy

Friday, February 6, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

Any holiday can be stressful, especially if the focus is food. How about putting the focus back on what counts. Instead of exchanging boxes of chocolates for Valentine's Day you and your significant other could try giving

small gifts of affirmation.

Give each other the top ten things you love about each other, or a box of your most memorable moments together. If we keep the focus off of our tummies and keep it on our hearts we will accomplish much more. Bariatric patients need to avoid situations where they will be tempted to “fall off of the wagon”. You want to express yourself but remain true to your new lifestyle, stress to your partner that what you really want this year is for him/her to show you how he feels, not how full he can make your tummy.

Why not extend this habit and change your traditions even with the kids. Give them baskets of coupons for free passes from doing the dishes, feeding the dog, a movie night with just mom and dad. Change the ideas of the holiday in their minds. It will create great memories and leave pathways for wonderful traditions.

Clarian Bariatrics offers support groups that are wonderful ways for you to discover new ways for you to recreate your life. To quote Albert Einstein “Not everything that can be counted counts and not everything that counts can be counted.” Make use of your new life and show those around you what an amazing new life bariatric surgery has given you.

I've had some requests so attached is a before picture of me. If you want to see what I look like now, just click on my name above!

Resource Materials for Bariatric Patients

Friday, February 6, 2009 by Traci Baker

I often find myself searching for information to help me with my weight loss journey. Life tends to become crazy and at times I may feel lost or in need of a little inspiration.

If you are looking for some views on obesity, weight loss surgery, inspirational words, personal stories etc. I’d like to recommend some of my favorites:

Life is hard food is easy – Linda Spangle
Feeding the Hungry Heart (the experience of emotional eating) – Geneen Roth
The Emotional First Aid Kit – Alexander Cynthia

If you are looking for support I am here to help! Feel free to ask me anything by leaving a comment below, call 317-275-7010 toll free at 877-275-2555 or by e-mail at bariatric@clarian.org.

Thank you!

Thursday, February 5, 2009 by Sara Donlan

I encounter bariatric surgery patients on a daily basis who thank me for various things. I hear it in person, on the phone and via email. All are quite sincere and I cannot express how I enjoy and value these comments. Now it is my turn to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of my patients.

It is because of you that I find such joy in coming to work each day. What a gift it is to truly love what you do and how rewarding it is to see the positive changes in people’s lives as the journey is traveled. So, to all current and potential Clarian Bariatrics patients… Thank you.

Thank you for enhancing my life while improving your own. Thank you for trusting me to take care of you and thank you for sharing your triumphs as well as the occasional despair. I look forward to the coming New Year with all of you.

More Tips for Dining with Non-Bariatric Patients

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 by Samer Mattar

Here are some additional tips created by one of my former patients, Judi. Great advice for those individuals that are pre-operative.

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT SUCCUMB TO PEER PRESSURE about what to order or eat. Those that repeatedly try to tempt you with those foods you know you should not sample fall into two categories: those that are just

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

truly ignorant about what is appropriate for you and are just trying to make you feel included, and those that are out to sabotage you.

Stick to your guns! I finally told a co-worker who repeatedly offered me desserts with the “surely one bite won’t hurt you” line, that “Yes, one bite will seriously hurt me. If I told you I was allergic to shellfish would you continually offer me crab legs? Please, don’t offer me that anymore. I will never take it, and I’m perfectly okay not having any. It doesn’t bother me at all if you eat that in front of me.” He finally got the message. My health is more important than his feelings about a dessert.

And finally, most importantly, DO NOT, TRIPLE REPEAT, DO NOT TEST TO SEE IF YOU DO INDEED DUMP! I cannot stress this strongly or urgently enough. Assume you do. Assume you do so VIOLENTLY. All post-op patients that I have spoken to that have tested this with a forbidden sugar-laden item, and have found out that they don’t dump have lived to regret it.

Once you open the door to cake and ice cream you will NEVER be able to shut it again. This puts you at EXTREME risk of going back to your old eating habits at warp speed and this is a near guarantee of gaining all of your weight back, plus some, and most dangerously, requiring the co-morbidities that got you into your surgeon’s office in the first place. I know it’s not easy, especially given the relationship most of us had with food like that in the past, but it just simply is not worth it. When you feel tempted, ask yourself if you’re really willing to go back to your pre-op life for one piece of cake... (And then yell “NO!” and step away from the cake!)

Keep these strategies in mind to help you stay on the right track and stick to the 10 Rules!

Exciting partnership

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 by Traci Baker

I am so glad to talk to you about an exciting partnership that Clarian Bariatrics has created with Dinner by Design (DBD). I'm not sure if you are familiar with this company or not, but they offer convenient resources for weight loss surgery patients.

Each month Dinner by Design creates a new menu, which we have at Clarian Bariatrics and are available online. The menu consists of many different types of food and many are bariatric friendly. The blessing is that you can do a “Half Size or Mini Meal,” which is perfect for a bariatric patient.

The orders are due the week before our second support group of the month. You review the menu, place the order, DBD staff

prepares your meals and places them in freezer safe containers, then on the second Wednesday of the month DBD will delivery our orders as long as we have six orders.

This process helps put the “convenience” back into our lifestyle. No visits to the grocery store, no prep time, delivery is free and the food can stay in the freezer for up to four months! The only planning involved is figuring out which meal you want to make and sticking it in the fridge to thaw for dinner.

As a Clarian patient we receive the meals at a discounted price, we are not charged a prep fee and delivery is free! The patient also has the option to place an order and go directly to the store to pick it up. The store has a freezer that is constantly stocked so anyone driving by with no dinner plans can also stop and grab dinner or something to take to a gathering.

There are multiple locations, but we have partnered solely with Dinner by Design in Indianapolis/Fishers. They can be reached at 317-596-9834.

Tips for Dining with Non-Bariatric Patients

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 by Samer Mattar

The following article was written by a former patient of mine, Judi. She read one of my blog posts about proper eating, and thought she would share some of her own wisdom with you! These are great tips, and I will share them over the next few weeks. Thanks, Judi!

On December 12, Dr. Mattar posted a blog entitled “Pay Attention” with 10 rules of proper eating for post-op patients. This was an excellent reminder for me, as I am now a year and a half post-op and a reminder of these rules is always a good refresher.

After reading this blog, I thought it might be helpful to share my concerns

about dining with non-bariatric patients, especially those that have unhealthy eating habits, as this is a prime situation in which we are likely to abandon those 10 Rules. I liken it to “keeping up with the Joneses (as they clean their plate at too fast a rate and of food you’re likely better without).

So – in addition to the 10 Rules from Dr. Mattar, I’ve listed a few more that you might find helpful:

DON’T PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT OTHERS ARE ORDERING OR EATING. If your dinner mate has an overloaded plate, your eyes tend to get bigger and you could be prompted or order more or to put more on your plate too. Keep your thoughts to your own plate and order or take appropriate items and quantities. Ask if you can have a half order or a child’s portion - if the child’s menu actually has something worthwhile on it. (By that I mean something more appropriate than chicken fingers and hot dogs! No wonder we have an exploding epidemic in childhood obesity!)

DON’T TRY TO KEEP PACE with your dinner mate. People who have not had the surgery can eat much larger quantities of food at a much quicker pace than us post-op patients. If they’re a fast eater, you could be prone to pick up your pace without realizing it and that’s something you’re likely to regret rather quickly. Eat at your own pace and follow the 10 Rules. It’s okay if you’re slower. They won’t abandon you at the restaurant if it takes you longer to eat less.

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.

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.

A Dash of Pace

Thursday, December 4, 2008 by Terri Hohlt

Make sure you don't push yourself too hard, too fast

program. If you push yourself too hard too fast, you can increase your risk of injury and burnout, which can obviously ruin plans to make exercise a part of your lifestyle.

Plus, if you are exhausting yourself at every workout, you are more likely to build a negative attitude toward exercise in general. Think about it---if your workouts leave you tired and in pain, you are not going to look forward to that next trip to the gym. Exercise should energize you … not leave you dragging on the floor.

If you are very enthusiastic about starting a workout program and you have a hard time controlling your energy, try working with a personal trainer who can keep you at a steady pace. Remember that good form and technique combined with controlled movements are the best way to build your strength and power.

You should always listen to what your body is telling you and move at a pace that is comfortable for your fitness level. Build your love for exercise by accomplishing your goals step-by-step, so you can look forward to what lies ahead.

News Article: Obesity Linked to More Liver Disease than Alcohol

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 by Andy Pollen

While trying to immerse myself in the world of weight loss procedures, I have signed up for A LOT of weight loss surgery news alerts. One of my favorite Web sites is the Obesity Action Coalition, which offers tips to caregivers and patients. I saw this article and thought it was interesting for both Indiana bariatrics patients and Indiana bariatric surgeons.

Check out the tease below and then follow the link to learn more about this, and other, obesity related problems.

If you think liver disease is a problem mainly related to alcohol abuse, think again. The metabolic changes linked to obesity are now causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in about 30 percent of the U.S. population. And since our obesity rates are climbing, we can expect further increases in liver disease in the years ahead.

For more information, please click here.

Happy Birthday to Us!

Monday, December 1, 2008 by Andy Pollen

Many of you may know that all weight loss surgeries for Clarian Bariatrics patients are performed at Clarian North Medical Center in Carmel. Well today, December 1,

Clarian North celebrates our third birthday today!

marks our three year birthday!

I was lucky enough to be one of the individuals that helped open the hospital, and every year on this date I cannot help but think about how far we have come in just three short years.

One of the things that makes this birthday so great is that we have helped almost 450 individuals overcome obesity problems with the help of our Indiana weight loss doctors and staff at Clarian North.

Thank you for your continued support of Clarian North and our Indiana bariatric center!

A Pinch of Planning

Friday, November 21, 2008 by Andy Pollen

In the coming weeks, I will be posting some 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!

You hold the ingredients that make a healthy lifestyle. Health isn’t found in a magazine or book…it comes from the choices you make and how you value them.

Someone once said the definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. This same concept is true when following a life-long exercise program---you will surely go mad if you do the same workout your entire life and never see results! In order to change your fitness level, you have to set goals and adapt your program.

Think about what you want to accomplish and then plan on how you are going to get there. Your goals are within reach, and when you step back and take a look at them, you can help yourself find ways to get there. Setting goals can also be a great motivational tool to keep you dedicated to staying healthy and fit.

There is a simple formula that can help you set them, and it is SMART to follow. Make sure they are Specific, Measurable, Accurate, Realistic, and Timely so they will inspire you into action. Our goals should get us excited and make us feel accomplished---not tired and defeated. Try this method to start: Set a weekly goal and strive to accomplish at least 60 percent of it. At the end of the week, evaluate any obstacles that came up, work to problem-solve them, and then set a new weekly goal based on what you learned. Continue to try your best and you will see continued success.