Indiana Weight Loss Doctors

Join us at seminar next week!

Saturday, October 3, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

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

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

Did you know?

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Andy Pollen

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

The benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous:

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

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

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

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

Grab N Go snack ideas from Obesity Help, Part II

Friday, September 25, 2009 by Traci Baker

Just continuing my list from Tuesday with more grab n' go snack items. Thanks to Obesity Help for these great ideas!

Jerky
Jerky is available in many proteins: beef, turkey, ham and salmon to name a few. Jerky is a snack that you can put in your purse, briefcase or desk and can be readily available without any preparation. Jerky can be home-made to cut down on the sodium. Jerky is made in various flavors such as bar-b-que, jalapeno, teriyaki and peppered.
Nutrition Bite: 1 ounce of beef jerky is 116 calories

Yogurt
There are many flavor and brand choices of low-calorie and fat-free yogurts. Yogurt is a nutritional food with unique health benefits. It is nutritionally rich in protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and contains healthy bacteria to aid in digestion.
Nutrition Bite: 1 container of Greek yogurt is 120 calories

Packaged & Deli Sliced Meats
Portable snacks now include protein options. Manufacturers have responded to the public’s appreciation of protein as a snack by packaging flavored tuna and chicken in pouches and serving size cans. You can also get packages of luncheon meat that are thinly deli sliced that are equal in nutrition to other snacks.
Nutrition Bite: Smoked and deli-sliced turkey is 114 calories

Dried Snacks
Individual sized bags filled with your favorite cereals, granolas, protein chips, cracker sandwiches (with cheese or peanut butter) are a quick grab. You can also purchase high-protein snacks from many vendors that sell healthy snacks friendly to weight loss surgery pre and post-ops.
Nutrition Bite: 1 rye cracker sandwich with cheese filling is 34 calories

Nuts
Nuts, specifically almonds and walnuts, are a nutritious and energy packed snack. Nuts add protein to your dietary intake and are a low glycemic index food. Nuts are frequently recommended as a snack for insulin resistance problems associated with type 2 diabetes.
Nutrition Bite: 1 ounce of whole almonds is 163 calories

Sugar Free, Fat Free Gelatin and Pudding
A favorite snack of long-term post-ops and early post-ops alike are sugar- free, fat-free gelatins and puddings. Smooth and creamy can be soothing and filling to a irritable pouch. For a boost of protein, sprinkle unflavored protein powder over the top. Sugar free, fat free gelatin and puddings can also satisfy the most persistent sweet tooth.
Nutrition Bite: ½ cup portion of sugar free gelatin is 8.6 calories, 3.5 ounces of vanilla fat-free pudding is 88 calories

Grab ‘n go snacks are fast and easy. Just as you have a bag ready when you go to the hospital, pack your grab ‘n go items the night before or even as little as a couple of hours before you leave so they are ready to go when you are.

If you plan ahead, you’ll be ready to grab ‘n go regardless of your schedule. When you are prepared with healthy food choices, it results in staying on track with your weight loss surgery success.

See you at seminar?

Thursday, September 24, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

If you have been considering learning more about bariatric surgery centers in Indiana or the various forms of weight loss surgery - including gastric bypass and Lap Band - please consider joining us at a FREE information seminar tonight at Clarian Bariatrics.

You, and your support person, are invited to listen to Indiana Weight Loss Doctors talk about the many benefits of bariatric surgery and how you can break the cycle of obesity and reclaim your life!

Seminar begins at 6:30 p.m. at our Indianapolis clinic located at 6625 Network Way, Suite 100. Please call us toll free at 877-275-2555 for more information. You can also register by clicking on the image to the right of this post.

See you tonight!

Weight Loss is Not Always about What the Scale Says

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Jack Ditslear

I recently saw a post-surgical patient who was frustrated that the scale had not showed any weight loss even though she was eating correctly and had increased her exercise. So I asked Erin Light, Fitness Coordinator, to do a body analysis on her.

Once completed it turned out that she was losing a good amount of body fat, however she was also increasing her lean muscle mass. Because muscle weigh more than fat, the scale showed no weight change.

The truth is great changes were taking place as the muscle mass will also help her to burn fat at a much faster rate in the future. We need to keep in mind good changes can take place even if we cannot see them on the outside as quickly as we would like.

Stick to the plan and keep up the good work!

Grab N Go snack ideas from Obesity Help, Part I

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by Traci Baker

Our schedules are changing from summer’s sun and fun, to fall’s cool and going back to school. Most of us are a little busier and on the go in the fall, so it is important that we are prepared to grab a quick and healthy snack. Here are some ideas for healthy, grab ‘n go weight loss surgery friendly snacks:

Fruits
Dried, fresh or even travel sized containers of fruit in their own juices are a quick and healthy approach to getting in your daily fruit requirement. Berries, chunks of melon and other fruits in a baggy are easy to enjoy as you are on the go. Bananas provide their own container making them an easy take-along snack.
Nutrition Bite: 1 medium banana is 85.1 calories

Raw Vegetables
Vegetables are easy to take along and jam-packed with nutrients, providing a great source of fiber. For some variety, add a little dipping to the mix; try hummus, yogurt, light or fat-free salad dressing. Do your prep work ahead of time and have your veggies sitting in the refrigerator ready to go.
Nutrition Bite: 1 cup of green pepper slices is 18 calories

Protein Bars & Drinks
This is a great grab ’n go to help you get in your protein requirements. When selecting your protein bar - be mindful of the use of high-quality proteins, the sugar and fat grams in bars, and calorically if it is a snack or a meal replacement. For a protein drink, pack your protein powder and bring a bottle of water to mix for a refreshing, healthy snack.
Nutrition Bite: One serving of CLICK Espresso Protein Drink is 120 calories

Cheeses
Lowfat cheeses that are packaged for travel are a time saver! String cheese and soft cheese packaged in circular or triangle shaped single servings pack a punch of protein. Another option is to cube cheese the night before in preparation to take the next day. Enjoy these alone or combine with fresh veggies or fruit for a filling on the go snack.
Nutrition Bite: 1 Sargento Light String Cheese is 50 calories

Look for more ideas on Friday!

What To Expect at Seminar

Saturday, September 19, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

Are you considering bariatric weight loss surgery, but are not sure what to expect at one of our FREE seminars? Below is just a brief overview of how the process works.

From their very first visit at Clarian Bariatrics, all patients receive extensive education about the health problems with obesity, the presumed causes of the epidemic rise in obesity in Indiana and the U.S., the medical, psychological, social and economic consequences of obesity, and the keys to maintained successful weight loss.

These educational sessions are conducted by Indianapolis weight loss surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists and other experts. The sessions are also attended by former patients who provide a personal perspective of their experience and describe the challenges they faced after weight loss. Attendees are also provided with a tour of the facility and are given numerous references for further research.

From there, individuals can decide whether or not the time is right for Indianapolis area bariatric surgery and will schedule a consultation. In future posts, I will discuss what happens after the initial consultation. In the meantime, if you have questions, please call us toll free at 877-275-2555.

Clarian Bariatrics in the news!

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Andy Pollen

This week we have had two great news stories, which feature Clarian Bariatrics staff members! Below you will find an interview with Dr. Samer Mattar, Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeon and Medical Director of our weight loss surgery program, and Erin Light, Fitness and Health Specialist.

Researchers using pig tissue to help heal human wounds
WNDU-TV - South Bend,IN,USA
"Pigs have been a very popular or common animal to use," says Dr. Samer Mattar, bariatric surgeon at Clarian Bariatrics in Indianapolis. "Believe it or not, ...

Chair squat
Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis,IN,USA
Erin Light, fitness coach for Clarian Bariatrics and a certified personal trainer, ... Light trains people taking part in Clarian Bariatrics' supervised ...

Are you a fan of Clarian Bariatrics on Facebook? If not, what are you waiting for? We post a variety of photos, news articles and event reminders on there weekly. It's your "instant" news spot!

Clarian Bariatrics on Facebook

News article: Bariatric surgery may be only option in weight loss

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 by Andy Pollen

I saw this posting in the Detroit Free Press and thought it was full of wonderful information for those individuals considering weight loss surgery in Indiana or elsewhere in the state. I will post the first few paragraphs below and you can find full text on questions related to bariatric weight loss surgery by clicking the link.

Question: I am 5 feet 6 and weigh 240 pounds. I also have Type 2 diabetes. I know I need to lose weight, but knee problems have kept me from exercising, and weight-loss medications haven't helped. I'm now thinking about weight-loss surgery.

Answer: When diet, exercise and medication have little effect, the best option may be weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery.

An estimated 220,000 people had bariatric surgery in 2008, and nearly 30% of them had diabetes. For most, the surgery cures their diabetes, meaning their blood sugar returns to normal levels and they no longer need diabetes medications.

The two most widely used procedures, gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding, lead to substantial weight loss. Although slightly more risky, the bypass procedure leads to greater and faster weight loss. It's also more effective in resolving diabetes and other health complications than the banding procedure. In fact, diabetes resolves in more than 84% of people who undergo gastric bypass.

News article: Obese People Are At Greater Risk For Developing Alzheimer's

Friday, September 11, 2009 by Andy Pollen

This story is very personal as my grandmother has been battling this disease for the past two years. Although she was never obese during her lifetime, it shows that Alzheimer's is indiscriminate in whom it can affect. I simply want to share this article in the hopes that it can raise awareness of this horrible disease. The first few paragraphs are below, and the full text can be found here.

Obesity is on a rampage, with the World Health Organization pegging the numbers at more than 300 million worldwide, with a billion more overweight. With obesity comes the increased risk for cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, and hypertension.

Now comes more discouraging news. In the current online edition of the journal Human Brain Mapping, Paul Thompson, senior author and a UCLA professor of neurology, and lead author Cyrus A. Raji, a medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and colleagues compared the brains of people who were obese, overweight, and of normal weight, to see if they had differences in brain structure; that is, did their brains look equally healthy.

If you would like to learn more about Indiana weight loss surgery, causes of obesity and how bariatric surgery can change your life, please join us at a FREE informational seminar. Click on the image at the right of this post to learn more.

Tips for Weight Loss Success...Stop Cravings/Snacking

Monday, September 7, 2009 by Sarah Muntel

My final batch of tips for weight loss success:
Brush your teeth after meals. It will make it harder for you to want to eat between meals.

Try sugar free popsicles or sugar free jello for substitute.

If you are craving a food, wait at least 15 minutes before you eat something. The craving should go away.

Any other pointers to share? Then leave me a comment below!

Have you been to support group lately?

Saturday, September 5, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

Clarian Bariatrics is pleased to offer free support groups at various locations throughout central Indiana. Attend support group meetings to learn about ways you can build lasting motivation and overcome the biggest challenges to your exercise and nutrition success. Learn strategies, ask questions and the receive support you need during your journey. Participate in activities that help you discover new ways to stay motivated, cope with physical changes and incorporate lifestyle changes into your everyday life. Pick up a calendar or check the events section to see the different topics covered at each class.

Support groups are held at the following locations:

The Clarian Bariatrics clinic located at 6625 Network Way, Suite 100, in the INTECH Park office complex, Indianapolis. Support groups are held on the first Tuesday (large group) and third Tuesday (small groups) from 6 - 7 p.m. and each Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ("Walk the Talk" lunch group)
Clarian Health Cicero located at 1160 South Peru St., SR 19 in Cicero. Support group is held on the second Thursday of the month from 6 - 7 p.m.
Ball Memorial Hospital located at 2901 W. Jackson Street in Muncie. Support group is held on the first Wednesday of the month from 6 - 7 p.m.
Pre-Surgery Coping Skills Group held each Thursday at the Clarian Bariatrics clinic from 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. This group is designed to explore changing family and friend relationships and social situations, including how to survive eating in social situations, how to respond to people who "push" food on you, and how to cope with people's reactions to your new weight loss and lifestyle. This group is free, but we ask that you please call 317-275-7010 or 877-275-2555 prior to attending.

Please visit A Call to Change Web site for the most updated support group schedule and topics. Teleconferencing is also available to Clarian affiliate hospitals throughout the state.

Tips for Weight Loss Success...Eating Socially

Friday, September 4, 2009 by Sarah Muntel

A few quick tips for eating socially:

At a work pitch in, bring something that you know you can eat.
Eat before you go and just go to socialize.
When eating socially, focus on vegetables, cheese, shrimp and other low calorie meal choices.

Do you have any other great tips to share? If so, please leave a comment below!

News article: Workplace Obesity Interventions Can Save Employee

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 by Andy Pollen

I thought this was an interesting study from the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Do you agree with the report findings?

Businesses can save money by creating obesity intervention programs in the workplace. That's the finding of a new study from North Carolina-based RTI International as well as the Centers for Disease Control.

The savings are modest, about $90-a year per employee across all overweight or obese workers, or up to $160-a year for workers in the highest obesity range. The study suggests the return on investment is higher if workplace environmental changes are considered.

Researchers say behavioral interventions are usually considered successful if they lead to a five percent weight loss over a sustained period of time. Individuals who aren't overweight tend to take fewer sick days and medical costs to the employer are reduced.

Patient Advice for When You Hit an Exercise Plateu, Part I

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 by Erin Light

I will be posting two parts of a great motivational blog from one of our success stories, Bob. He is so great about providing ideas and suggestions to all of us at Clarian Bariatrics, and I think he has some awesome advice to contribute to our blog readers as well. Look for part two on Friday!

Recently, I had a nice chat with a woman during the Heartland Walk for Health at the Indiana State Fair. Although she’s not a bariatric patient, she’s lost over 50 pounds since December through dieting. However, she’s been feeling a little “down” lately since her weight loss has slowed down. She’s hit the dreaded “WALL.”

I shared my post-surgery experience with her. I’m almost 18 months post-surgery and have lost about 155 pounds. And, I’ve seen at least a couple of plateaus in my 18 months. I told her this is common among those of us who have lost a lot of weight. Then I shared my approach for beating the “blues." I hope it’ll help her and maybe it might help someone else, too.

I call it…CELBRATE YOURSELF!

When you feel a little down because the weight loss has slowed, realize that your REAL goal is not to lose weight…it is to GET FIT. Your weight was just one of the things standing in your way of getting fit.

Then, think of some of the things you can do now, that you couldn’t do before your weight loss… and CONGRATULATE YOURSELF FOR IT! You’ve done a pretty good thing here. You should feel good about it. For example:

I congratulate myself every time I mow the lawn now. A year ago I couldn’t mow the lawn!
I built my wife a raised garden bed this spring. 1,800 pounds of stones and mortar, then shoveled in 2000 pounds of dirt. But, I built it as much FOR MYSELF as I did for my wife! Every time I look at it now I marvel at what I did. A year ago that wouldn’t have been even a dream!
I can work around the garden for an entire day now. GOOD JOB! PAT MYSELF ON THE BACK! A year ago… no way I could have done that! (Unfortunately, I’ve discovered the poison ivy in my garden. But, a year ago I didn’t know I had it! WOW!)

Tips for Weight Loss Success...Meal Choices

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 by Sarah Muntel

Even though you’re one year out, always focus on protein first. Make that the center of your meal. It will also fill you up more!

If a food is difficult for you to control… Don’t buy it. Don’t have it in the house. Stay away!

If you eat fast food, go to McDonalds and order a side of chicken. It’s only $1 and is grilled and lean.

If you’re eating out, plan what you are going to get ahead of time. Don’t even look at the menu!

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.

Support Group Tomorrow!

Monday, August 31, 2009 by Sarah Muntel

This is a quick reminder that we will be having support group at Clarian Bariatrics' Indianapolis weight loss surgery clinic tomorrow night.

Topic:               “The Motivational Mindset to Exercise”
Speaker:           Erin Light
Date:                September 1
Time:                6 p.m.
Location:          Clarian Bariatrics (6625 Network Way, Suite 100 - Indianapolis)

Also, don't forget about these other support opportunities in September:

Total Body Fitness classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m -6:00 p.m. in Indianapolis.
“On Track” Support Groups for patients greater than one year post-op are held the second, third, fourth and fifth Tuesday from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
“Walk the Talk” group meets Fridays from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Meet with staff member and walk for thirty minutes and then bring your lunch and eat for the last half of the meeting.

See you all soon!

Kidney Stones and Gastric Bypass Surgery

Saturday, August 29, 2009 by Jack Ditslear

Benefits of weight loss surgery are lower blood pressure, remission of diabetes, decreased risk of heart disease, lower blood cholesterol level, etc. as we all know, every benefit has a potential risk. A recent article in the Journal of Urology looked at the risk of kidney stones and gastric bypass surgery.

4,639 patients who underwent bypass surgery and 4,369 obese patients in a control group who didn’t have bariatric surgery were followed for four years. Of those, 4.6 percent of the control group developed kidney stones versus 7.7 percent of the bypass surgery group developed stones. This is a slight increase risk of developing kidney stones after bariatric weight loss surgery.

Prevention of kidney stones requires staying hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of fluid each day. This will prevent concentrating your urine which will decrease risk of kidney stones. If possible learn what type of kidney stones that you may be at risk of developing –calcium based kidney stone may require you to watch your intake of dairy products or if it is oxalate based may require you to limit your intake of dark green vegetables (spinach, kale,) and herbal teas. Consult with your primary care doctor if you suspect you are at risk of kidney stones.

Tips for Weight Loss Success...Plan Ahead

Friday, August 28, 2009 by Sarah Muntel

Plan meals ahead. Write meals ahead of time on a dry erase board on your refrigerator. Go by the schedule each day.

Make “mini meals” and freeze. Try mini meat loaves, mini egg casseroles, etc. Freeze them. When you’re busy, have them available for a quick meal.

Prepare your breakfasts and lunches for the week ahead of time. Prepare them in advance and then grab them on your way out the door to work.

Clean out your junk food drawer at work. If you have snack food at work, you’ll want to snack. Also, don’t have money for the vending machine.

Use a small plate or saucer. Don’t go back to the large ones. You’ll will eat more if you do.
Find a time to exercise every day! Fit it in just like you would brushing your teeth!