I just wanted to post a video from one of our many success stories, Brook. She was kind enough to share her story with the Indianapolis area by being featured in Clarian Bariatrics commericals. Brook is a great example of how weight loss surgery can change your life.
If you would like to learn more about the bariatric surgery process, please come listen to one of our Indianapolis-based surgeons discuss treatment options and much more at a FREE informational seminar. Dates, times and the ability to RSVP can be found by
clicking here.
I am a firm believer of following the program guidelines but I am not perfect,
I am human and I will make mistakes. I have made myself very aware of the consequences of what happens when I venture off the beaten path.
I have a “healthy” fear of dumping and hope that fear stays with me for a long time.
Reality has shown me that some people will never understand or support my decision to have Bariatric surgery and I have chosen to be at peace with that.
I want people to know that Bariatric surgery is no way the easy way out in fact it’s quite the opposite. This is a lifelong lifestyle change that takes hard work and dedication. This surgery not only affects me but also those closest to me.
No matter how much research I did before surgery, nothing could ever truly prepare me for the life changing events it would bring to me physically, mentally and spiritually.It takes 20 minutes for my head to catch up with my stomach. Slowing down to eat in this fast past world is challenging but a necessary part of my weight loss journey.
Learning to put myself first and take care of ME is still something I struggle with but strive to accomplish daily.
No Bariatric patient is a perfect mirror image of me. We are all very individual people with different experiences but seem to have the unspoken understanding of what the other has gone through.
No matter what my physical size or shape is, people will always have an opinion and the only one that truly matters is MINE!! What’s most important is how I feel about myself!
If it wasn’t for the love and support of my family and friends I would not be the person I am today.
How are you doing with your program? Look at the tips below and see how you’re doing.
- Eat three good quality meals per day. Fill your plate with lots of protein and veggies. Meals should be centered around a protein source. Protein is important to maintain your body’s muscle mass, for healing and also makes you feel full for a longer period of time. Vegetables also fill you up with very few calories and provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs!
- Drink lots of calorie free fluids! Water, water and more water is always best. Try crystal light, decaf tea, and other sugar free beverages. Avoid caffeine and carbonation.
- Don’t snack! Mindless snacking leads to too many calories and can lead you back to bad habits. If you are going long time periods between meals (> 5 hours), try a protein based snack like a string cheese to keep you full!
- Plan ahead always! Life gets crazy sometimes. It’s important to know what you’re eating ahead of time. If you don’t, you’ll end up grabbing something you shouldn’t.
The holidays are right around the corner! Holidays are different if you’ve had bariatric surgery or if you’re getting ready for it. Do you have a plan in place to make sure you have a Healthy and Happy Holiday? Then come to support group tonight!
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Clarian Bariatrics
This group is perfect for all pre and post surgical patients and their support people. See you later!
Are you worried about Halloween tonight? It may be different while following the Liver Reduction Diet or having Bariatric Surgery. How do you celebrate Halloween while not giving into the candy temptation?
First, don’t buy it! Instead of having bags of candy to hand out to trick or treaters, try something else. Pencils, erasers, bubbles, play doh and card games are all sold in the Halloween section. This way, you can participate with out being tempted by candy and sweets.
If you insist on candy, buy something you don’t like to hand out and throw it away immediately when the last trick or treater leaves!
Focus on enjoying the holiday, not the candy and treats!
Are you looking to gather more information on weight loss surgery? Have you wanted to ask questoins about bariatric surgery costs, types of weight loss surgery (including Lap Band and Gastric Bypass) and the Indiana insurance approval process?
Then consider joining us for a FREE informational weight loss seminar on Thursday October 29 at 6:30 pm in Cicero, Indiana at 1160 South Peru Street, State Road 19. You can register online at
ACallToChange.org.
Also, feel free to bring as many of your friends and loved ones along to hear our Indianapolis-based bariatric surgeons discuss the process. See you there!
Below is another popular educational video that we produced to help potential patients understand the risks and rewards of Indiana weight loss surgery. Remember, if you have additional questions, please call us at 317-275-7010 to sign up for a FREE weight loss surgery seminar.
It has been several months since I posted this video, but I have had some requests to re-run some of our "What to Expect" series. Look for a few this week and next, and remember to leave a comment if you have any questions about weight loss surgery procedures, bariatric surgery costs or Indianapolis surgeons.
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.
This Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. you are invited to visit our outpatient clinic on the northwest side of Indianapolis and have your questions answered about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity and sustainable weight loss options at the hands of our skilled Indianapolis staff.
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.
The following blog was written by Misty Hawkins. I'm writing today to give you an idea of which topics are covered in the Behavior Change Group offered by
Clarian Bariatrics.
Last Tuesday we focused on why people want to get Bariatric surgery and our unhealthy relationships with food. Now, I know that everyone's ultimate goal is to "lose weight" but what are the "real reasons" - how will losing the weight change your life for the better? Will losing weight help you live without as much pain? Will you be able to keep up with your family and children? Your reason could even be as simple as finally being able to shop in whichever clothing store you want…instead of being forced to go to the "plus size" stores!
I think at the heart of everyone's yearning to lose weight is the desire to get back in control of your life - and that means no longer letting food control you. Everyone in the group could give me an example of eating for the "wrong" reasons: Eating when they were angry or sad, eating when they were watching T.V. or studying, and even eating to make themselves happy. The problem is these are unhealthy ways to use food and often lead to weight gain and more unhappiness. You can often use your "real reasons" for losing weight to change your relationship to food and get back on track!
Come to our group to talk about these issues and learn to overcome unhealthy relationships! Next week, we will be talking about cravings and how to fight them! The Behavior Change Group is offered 7 PM to 8 PM every Tuesday night except for the fifth Tuesday of the month. I hope you'll stop by and see us and, if you like, you can share your story!
The following factors will be considered in determining if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery:
- You have tried to lose weight by changing your eating habits and exercise and are still severely obese.
- You are unable to perform routine daily activities without being seriously affected.
- You understand the procedure and the lifestyle changes you will need to make after bariatric surgery.
- You are motivated to make a lifelong behavioral commitment that includes well-balanced meals and physical exercise.
- You understand that this surgery won't solve all your problems, but can make you healthier -- and probably much happier.
Before patients undergo surgery for morbid obesity, they must qualify for our bariatrics program. Our basic program guidelines are:
- Being 100 pounds or more over your "ideal body weight," according to the established weight charts.
- Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 with no co-morbidities or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities.
- Being able and willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes.
BMI Categories:
Underweight: less than18.5
Normal: 18.5-24.9
Overweight: 25.0-29.9
Obesity (Class 1): 30-34.9
Severe obesity (Class 2): 35-39.9
Severe obesity (Class 3): 40-49.9
Super-obesity: over 50
Learn more by joining us at a FREE informational seminar this week! Learn more at
ACallToChange.org.
The success of your bariatric surgery depends greatly on your understanding that you MUST change your lifestyle. Having the surgery is only the beginning.
DIETARY CHANGES – You should be prepared to make substantial and permanent changes to your eating habits to ensure that you reach an ideal, healthy weight and maintain that weight. Dietary guidelines vary from surgeon to surgeon – the key is to adhere to the plan given to you by your surgeon. Here are some common dietary guidelines to follow after your surgery (confer with your surgeon for more detailed eating guidelines and lists of acceptable foods during various stages of recovery):
- Chew your food thoroughly and eat very slowly.
- Wait 2-3 minutes after swallowing before putting the next bite of food in your mouth. You will not be able to digest steaks or other chunks of meat if they are not ground or chewed thoroughly.
- Learn to stop eating when you feel full. DON’T EAT UNTIL YOUR ARE STUFFED.
- Don't drink fluids 30 minutes prior to eating, during your meal, or 30 minutes after your meal.
- Don’t eat desserts and other items with sugar if they have more than 3 to 5 grams per serving size.
- Avoid carbonated drinks, high-calorie nutritional supplements, milk shakes, foods high in fat, and foods that have no nutritional value.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Limit snacking between meals.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES – Your life will change dramatically… FOR THE BETTER. But you must always remember to
- Follow your dietary guidelines (eating larger portions or foods not recommended can result in gaining weight back)
- Establish and maintain a regular exercise plan (to build and keep muscle mass)
- Take your vitamin supplements regularly
We recently received a blog comment asking about the cost of a typical procedure. While there are many variables as each patient is different, I thought I would re-run the posting as a way to answer some additional questions.
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 or attend a
FREE seminar.
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.
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!
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.
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.
A short read from the New York Times that I wanted to share with you all.
Children born to women who had bariatric surgery for obesity may face a lower risk of severe obesity themselves, a study suggests.
The study, of 111 children born to 49 mothers who had a type of weight-loss surgery called biliopancreatic diversion, found that babies born after the operation had lower birth weights than those born before, and their risk of becoming severely obese as children was one-third the risk of those born before. Only 11 percent of the children born after surgery were severely obese, compared with 35 percent of the others.
Children born after the operation also had better cholesterol levels and improved insulin sensitivity, indicating they might be less likely to develop heart disease and diabetes later in life, the researchers found.
Two notes of caution about the paper, to be published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism: The findings are based on observation of the children (the study was not randomized and controlled), and bariatric surgery can lead to complications like anemia, malnutrition, loss of bone density and, rarely, death.
An author of the paper, Dr. John Kral, a professor of surgery and medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, said the benefits to the children might be due to metabolic and hormonal changes in the wombs of women who have had the operation.
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.
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.
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