Indianapolis Gastric Band

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.

Gastric Band Support Group Recap - August

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 by Alvin Furiya

The Clarian Bariatrics' support group meeting for gastric band patients was held on Tuesday, August 18. Did you know that Clarian Bariatrics offers monthly support group for gastric lap band weight loss surgery patients on the third Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7p.m.? Please consider joining us at the next session.

The topic this month was "Why We Overeat?"

A few of the reasons we overeat are steeped misinformation and myth, but there are many with theories with scientific data to back it up. Some of the myths and truths include:

Emotional eating, which could include feeling like there is no hope or giving up.
Foods affecting neurotransmitters in the brain including sensory cues like vision, smell and taste.
Personal and family history and traditions.
The ability to get food 24/7.
Making our life "chaotic" through various commitments.
Even the theory that the food and restaurant industry are manipulating fat, sugar, and salt content.

However, this is a very small list of reasons. Solutions to combat why we over eat include:

Learning fact from myth.
Creating structure in your life.
Practice eating right by picking foods that satisfy not stimulate.
Anticipate events in your life and seize control.
Stop destructive thoughts as they happen not afterwards.
Listen to yourself!

The group concluded that there is not one problem or solution to overeating. Ultimately, it is about making choices and understanding the benefits and consequence of those choices.

News article: Study finds low risk with bariatric surgery

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

Another great article from the Advisory board regarding common questions/concerns individuals have prior to undergoing weight loss surgery. I have put the highlights below, but would welcome anyone interested in bariatric surgery to visit us at an upcoming FREE seminar to ask even more questions. Dates can be found at ACallToChange.org.

Addressing earlier concerns about the safety of bariatric surgery, a study published yesterday in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) finds that the overall risk of death and other adverse outcomes among patients who have the procedures is low, although the risks vary considerably depending on patient characteristics.

For the study, a researcher from the University of Washington in Seattle and colleagues conducted a prospective multicenter observational study involving 4,776 first-time bariatric surgery patients who had procedures at 10 U.S. hospitals.

...The researchers found that among the patients who had gastric-bypass or gastric-banding procedures, the 30-day mortality rate was 0.3% and a composite outcome consisting of mortality, deep vein thrombosis, venous thromboembolism, reintervention, or failure to be discharged within 30 days after surgery occurred in 4.1% of patients. None of the patients who underwent gastric banding procedures died, while 0.2% of patients who had laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass died and 2.1% of the patients who had open Roux-en-Y died.

...Commenting on the findings, the researchers suggest that providers discussing bariatric surgery with patients should examine the short-term risks of the procedure “in the context of the long-term health effects of surgically induced weight loss on coexisting health conditions, the long-term risks of the bariatric surgery itself, the competing risk of death from extreme obesity, and the relative benefits of the rate and durability of weight loss.” Meanwhile, in an accompanying editorial, a surgeon from Harvard Medical School notes that the rates of mortality and adverse outcomes seen in the study are “similar to those seen in other major operations,” adding that while the nation should strive to better treat obesity without the use of surgical interventions, “until we get to that point, the weight of the evidence indicates that bariatric surgery is safe, effective, and affordable”

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.

Clarian Bariatrics Performs First Single Incision Lap-Band Procedure in Indiana

Thursday, July 9, 2009 by Andy Pollen

Don Selzer, MD, a physician with Clarian Bariatrics, is the first in Indiana to perform a single incision LAP-BAND® System surgery, which results in reduced scarring, less post-operative pain and a recovery time three to four days less than standard adjustable gastric banding procedures.

This procedure utilizes single incision laparoscopy, a minimally invasive approach in which the surgeon operates through a single entry point, typically the patient's belly button. All of the instruments needed for the procedure are used through this single incision and, after surgery, the scar is almost completely hidden inside the belly button making the procedure virtually scarless.

Since the first procedure on March 3 at Clarian North Medical Center, Selzer has completed two additional procedures and joins an elite group of physicians from Missouri, New York, Texas, Michigan and Florida where similar surgeries have been performed. Selzer will now begin performing this type of surgery on a weekly basis.

“Since the first gastric banding procedure in 1992, weight loss surgery has come incredibly far,” Selzer, an Assistant Professor of Surgery with the Indiana University School of Medicine, said. “The single port procedure is just another example of how surgeons are constantly looking at innovative ways to improve patient outcomes and recovery times.”

The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System, manufactured by Allergan Inc., is a silicone band that is surgically placed to reduce the amount of food a patient can hold in his or her stomach. The band helps patients control food intake and supports long term, sustainable weight loss. Although this procedure is performed laparoscopically, it typically requires at least five abdominal incisions.

The single port option helps meet the growing demand of individuals wishing to experience sustainable weight loss through the use of bariatric surgery but who desire a quick recovery. The number of weight-loss surgery procedures performed annually has surged over the last several years. According to a report released in 2007 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of bariatric surgeries has grown from 16,000 procedures performed in 1992 to 220,000 now performed annually.

Clarian Bariatrics, a designated Center of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, offers patients three types of weight loss surgery through its innovative program. Last year, Clarian Bariatrics surgeons completed nearly 400 procedures and the comprehensive program boasts some of the best clinical outcomes of any other bariatric surgery program in the United States.

The recommended surgical technique differs by patient and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a team of medical professionals. Clarian Bariatrics is experienced in all major forms of weight loss surgery, which are performed at Clarian North Medical Center, and selects the ideal procedure based on patient needs, goals and the results of a thorough health assessment.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at a FREE informational seminar. Click on the image at the right of this post to find out more.

March Support Group Recap, Part II

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 by Alvin Furiya

Your goal is to have all aspects of life IN your life in the long run. You will be required to determine when a situation must be OUT of your life completely or must be AVOIDED. There is no right or wrong choice. Depending on the scenario, your goals, and state of mind, will determine the proper action. Most will be placed in the AVOID box moving back and forth to the IN or OUT box.

A few Examples of IN, OUT and AVOID are:

IN – Daily physical activity, food journaling, 60-80 grams of protein, at least 64 ounces of water, vitamin therapy, follow-up appointments at Clarian Bariatrics.
OUT – Carbonated beverages, dining out everyday
AVOID – Work related eating functions, birthday events, meeting friends at the favorite gathering spot.

To help you with the process of deciding what is IN, OUT, or AVOID you must define your boundaries by communicating your expectations to your spouse, significant other, family members and coworkers. In addition, define your boundaries by:

Not letting others put you down; tell others you don't agree and that they are wrong about you!
Being easier on yourself, and learning to forgive and being kinder to yourself.
Doing something to help others. You will feel happier and more satisfied. You will respect yourself more.
Talk to yourself in a positive way - if you hear that negative inner voice cut it off and disagree with it!

Clarian Bariatrics offers supports group meetings the first and third Wednesday of each month and the fourth Friday of each month. In addition, we offer a gastric band patient only support group the third Wednesday of every month.

Bariatric Surgery and Diabetes, Part II

Friday, April 3, 2009 by Sara Donlan

In a recent post, I described diabetes as a glucose metabolism disorder. The winter 2008-2009 version of Weight Loss Success Lifestyles magazine describes how weight loss can improve this condition in individuals afflicted:

“Type 2 diabetes currently affects 24 million Americans and up to 25% or 6 million don’t even know it yet. What’s worse is that 57 million more have prediabetes which studies show will develop into Type 2 diabetes within 10 years unless the patient is diagnosed and makes necessary lifestyle changes.

“The epidemic growth of Type 2 diabetes has created a race against time to find new approaches to understand and treat the disease” says Dr. Francesco Rubino of the 1st World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes."

The World Congress, a gathering of nearly 1,000 medical professionals from 46 countries, determined that bariatric surgery dramatically improves diabetes. This conclusion was based upon a study of 22,000 bariatric surgery patients whereby 84 percent of gastric bypass and 48 percent of gastric banding patient had resolution of their type 2 diabetes after surgery. Although the exact mechanism of how this occurs in not entirely known, the data is indeed compelling.

Please come and visit us at Clarian Bariatrics to learn more!

A Song that Touched Me

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Traci Baker

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Art (Not Science) of the Gastric Band Adjustment

Thursday, March 5, 2009 by Lori Vasquez

I think the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is a fantastic tool to combat morbid obesity. I have the pleasure of working with our post-operative gastric band patients and, along with our dieticians, helping to determine when a patient needs an adjustment to provide more, or less, restriction from their band.

To me, the science is in the surgery, the art is in the adjustment. Each patient is an individual and has unique expectations when it comes to their band. I have a few patients who have good restriction and weight loss without ever having had an adjustment. I have other patients who tell me they have restriction after one or two fills. Finally, I have an occasional patient who needs six or seven fills before they find the right spot to help control their hunger and portions sizes.

Here are a few of my tips to help you work with your provider to reach a good level of restriction for you:

1. Do not get hung up on another persons fill amount. We treat each and every patient as an individual. Currently, there are at least six available gastric band types/brands. Some bands hold as little as four ml of saline while others hold more than 10 ml of saline. The fill level determined by your provider is based on your band, your level of hunger, your current level of restriction, and your compliance with the postoperative diet. Comparing your band’s volume to that of another patient’s is essentially useless. There is not a magic number that will fit each person.

2. Be completely honest with the dietician and with your provider. If you really do notice restriction with certain foods (even if you are not supposed to be eating them), please tell us. Keep a food log that includes what you are eating, how much you are eating, and how long you are satisfied between meals. This is one of the best tools to help us determine an appropriate fill level for you.

Look for more tips next week!

February Gastric Band Support Group Recap, Part II

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 by Alvin Furiya

Here are few more recipe modification tips that were discussed at last month's gastric band support group. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions about nutrition after weight loss surgery or bariatric weight loss surgery.

EGGS: The purpose of eggs in a recipe is to provide leavening, color, texture, flavor and richness, bind ingredients together and act as a thickener. Substitute two egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute for each whole egg.

SALT: The purpose of salt in recipes is preservation, texture aid, binder, color, fermentation control and flavor enhancer. Great substitutes for salt are seasonings which are ingredients added to food to intensify or improve its flavor. Most commonly used seasonings herbs, such as oregano, rosemary and basil; the fragrant leaves of any of various annual or perennial plants and do not have woody stems and spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice; the is pungent or aromatic seasonings obtained from the bark, buds, fruit, roots, seeds or stems of various plants and trees. You should also consider using various vinegars and peppers.

Splenda can be a good substitute for sugar in some recipes.

SUGAR: The purpose of sugar in recipes is complex and is difficult to replace. Sugar adds volume, tenderness, texture, acts as a preservative, golden or caramel color and flavor. So a substitution for sugar is difficult but most recipes sugar can be reduced by at least one-third without changing the taste and texture. A great alternative is a use sugar substitute. If possible add sugar substitutes after cooking process – heat may cause a bitter after taste. Your ultimate goal is to avoid the foods that require sugar, such as cakes, pies, cookies, etc.

Clarian Bariatrics will provide monthly support group for gastric band weight loss surgery patients on the third Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Patients may bring family and/or support members to the meetings. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 18 at our Indianapolis location.

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!

February Gastric Band Support Group Recap, Part I

Friday, February 27, 2009 by Alvin Furiya

Clarian Bariatrics held a support group meeting for gastric band patients was on Wednesday, February 18. This month's topic was recipe modification.

The goal of recipe modifications are to reduce calories, fat content, added sugar content and sodium content while maintaining flavor, texture, and appearance.

Making small changes such as reducing, removing or using a substitute ingredient or changing the cooking methods will result big changes. Most changes focus on reduction fat or oil, sugar, and salt but may not reduced calories. Here are a few examples:

A. Fat and oils in recipes provide leavening ability, texture, structure, color, and flavor. A few fat substitutions are:

One Whole Egg = Two egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute (such as Egg Beaters)
Light Cream = Combine equal parts 1% milk and evaporated skim milk
Whipped Cream = evaporated skim milk (note: the milk and the beaters must be very cold, but not frozen, before whipping).
1 cup Oil = 1 cup Pureed Prunes or Applesauce

Look for a few more tips early next week!

Off the wall things that occur after bariatric surgery

Monday, February 16, 2009 by Traci Baker

The staff at Clarian Bariatrics has a few members who are also Gastric Bypass or Gastric Banding patients. We love to share stories with each other about how our physical being has changed in odd ways. I would like to share some of these with you!

When you start losing weight on your backside your tailbone will become sore! Be prepared to take a cushion/pillow with you when you are sitting for a long period of time. This includes your car rides to and from work!
You may experience some sensations as your food moves through your new stomach and intestines. Many of our female patients describe this as the butterfly feeling and some patients describe it as a baby kicking! Don’t worry this is just a sign that your food is traveling down it’s newly given path!

Look for other thoughts in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have a question about causes of obesity, bariatric weight loss, weight loss doctors or Indianapolis Bariatric Centers, do not hesitate to ask!

January Gastric Bypass Support Group Recap, Part II

Thursday, January 29, 2009 by Alvin Furiya

There are several types of protein used in supplements. The most common types of protein used are milk based, soy based and collagen based.

Milk Based Protein
There are two types: whey and casein type.

Whey proteins are soluble which allows faster stomach emptying. There are three types of whey protein: isolates-90-98% protein by weight, concentrates-29-89% protein by weight, less expensive and better tasting and hydrolysates-predigested, easily absorbed, expensive.
Casein Protein, which clots in acidic environment, delays stomach emptying but results in slower release of protein. This is the best source for patients with lactose intolerance due to low lactose content.

Soy Based Proteins
There are two types of soy based protein: isolate and concentrate.

Protein Isolate is a refined, or purified, form of soy protein with a minimum protein content of 90%. It contains very little non-protein components, fats and carbohydrates.
Soy Protein Concentrate is about 70% soy protein. Soybeans are considered a complete protein source because all the essential amino acids are provided.

Collagen Based Protein
Collagen Based Protein is incomplete protein missing the essential amino acid, tryptophan. Commonly used protein supplements called “protein shots,” brand names New Whey Protein, Profect, etc. This type of supplement should be avoided by weight loss surgery patients. It is only useful if essential amino acids are obtained from diet, but patients require higher levels of protein for positive nitrogen balance.

Clarian Bariatrics will provide a monthly support group for Gastric Band weight loss surgery patients on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Patients may bring family and/or support members to the meetings.

Bariatric Surgery: Like a three-legged stool

Thursday, January 15, 2009 by Traci Baker

Bariatric surgery has been a life altering event for me this past year. The words obesity, weight loss surgery, gastric bypass, gastric banding, support group, weight loss seminars, exercise, life style changes, obesity related problems, obesity as a disease, ownership and Clarian Bariatrics have become a part of my everyday vocabulary.

I would like to share my personal analogy of bariatric surgery with you: Weight loss surgery is like a three-legged stool! The top of the stool is Bariatric surgery. The three legs consist of the following: Changing my eating habits, exercise and support.

If I take any of these three legs away my stool falls over and I’m setting myself up for sabotage. All three legs work hand in hand with this surgery to be successful. Bariatric Surgery is a tool I was given by my amazing surgeon Dr. Samer Mattar.

You can give a carpenter a hammer and he can choose to build a school, church or a library. He can also choose to throw the hammer through the wall or place it on his workbench and do nothing. It is up to me to take ownership and use this tool to it’s fullest potential.

If I choose to neglect my eating habits, not incorporate exercise in my daily routine and do not have a strong support system (ex. attend support group, have a safe support person, follow up visits with surgeon.) I am sabotaging myself and my success.

If you are looking for support, healthy eating/exercise tips etc. 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.

How much weight will I lose after gastric band placement?

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 by Alvin Furiya

Many patients will ask, “How much will I lose with the gastric band?” The amount of weight that you will lose is dependent on multiple factors. You will need to be committed to your new lifestyle. Making good food choices with emphasis on protein foods (lean meats, dairy products, eggs, etc) and vegetables over starchy foods (breads, pasta, rice, etc), snack foods and any foods that are liquid or liquid when swallowed.

Daily activity is critical for both short and long term weight management. Following all of the rules related to gastric band placement, e.g. no liquids with meals, eating slowly, chewing at least 20-25 times before swallowing, etc.

Lap Band System reports 61 percent of patients lost at least 25 percent of excess body weight, 52 percent of patients lost at least 33 percent of excess body weight, and 32 percent lost greater than 50 percent of excess body weight.

In addition, two percent of patients gained some weight and five percent maintained their weight. The average weight loss will be about one to two pounds per week depending your food choices, activity level and ability to follow the 10 rules for gastric band patients.

Do you have an additional question about Lap Band surgery, other types of weight loss surgery or bariatric weight loss in general? Then feel free to ask me a question by clicking on comment below.

Solutions for Maladaptive Eating, Part I

Monday, December 29, 2008 by Alvin Furiya

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas, and enjoyed some time with friends and loved ones. Last week, I posted some tips on managing maladaptive eating that was discussed at the December gastric band support group. I wanted to expand on that posting with some solutions for maladaptive eating, which are beneficial to weight loss surgery patients.

Changing maladaptive eating behavior requires a commitment. Some solutions to the most common types of maladaptive eating are:

1. Relying only on gastric band adjustments for fullness.

Solutions:

Goal: Limit to three meals per day – avoid snacking
Limit to 1 to 1 ½ cups of food at meals – 4 ounces of protein and ½ cup fruit at breakfast, and 4 ounces of protein and 1 cup of vegetables at lunch and dinner.
No liquids 30 minutes before, eat for 30 minutes, and no liquids for 60 minutes afterward.

2. Eating too much!

Solutions:

Limit to 1 to 1 ½ cups of food at meals – 4 ounces of protein and ½ cup fruit a breakfast, and 4 ounces of protein and 1 cup of vegetables at lunch and dinner.
Understanding and accepting a little hunger is okay.
Understanding and accepting that stomach growling is okay.

3. Making inappropriate food choices or eating the wrong type of food, examples are:

Choosing foods that are liquid or liquid when swallowed, e.g. ice cream, shakes, sweets.
Using the choking as an "EXCUSE" to eat sweets and ice cream.
Using children and family members as reasons for having ice cream, shakes, and sweets.
Choosing a specific food due to the texture of food to accommodate eating.

It is sometimes difficult for bariatric weight loss surgery patients to adjust to this new lifestyle and way of eating, but it is absolutely essential to control maladaptive eating to have long term success. Look for part two tomorrow!

December Gastric Band Support Group Recap, Part II

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 by Alvin Furiya

Yesterday, I posted some information from our gastric bypass surgery support group from December. We had an important discussion on maladaptive eating, which should be controlled in order for weight loss surgery success. Below are a few tips to overcome one of the many causes of obesity:

Band adjustments are key for fullness but just as important is making good food choices and understanding a little hunger is okay and part of weight management. Three potential zones for fullness:

1.    Yellow Zone – Gastric band is too loose. You are hungry, both portion and total meal size are getting larger, small meals do not satisfy you, and weight loss is below expected level.
2.    Green Zone – Ideal area in which small meals are satisfying and provide fullness. Vomiting and heartburn are rare. Staying in this zone requires you to follow dietary guidelines and rules.
3.    Red Zone – Gastric band is too tight and may cause difficulty with eating, swallowing, vomiting, heartburn, and food choices are more liquid e.g. ice cream, shakes, candy, chocolate bars, rather than solid.

Key reasons that lead to maladaptive eating:
1.    Relying only on adjustments for fullness
2.    Eating too much resulting in discomfort
3.    Making inappropriate food choices or eating the wrong type of food,
4.    Improperly chewing foods resulting in choking or vomiting
5.    Want versus Need

Remember, Clarian Bariatrics will provide monthly support group for gastric bypass weight loss surgery patients on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Patients may bring family and/or support members to the meetings.

December Gastric Bypass Support Group Recap, Part I

Monday, December 22, 2008 by Alvin Furiya

The Clarian Bariatrics support group meeting for gastric bypass surgery patients was held on Wednesday, December 17. The discussion was about maladaptive eating, which is one of the long term issues that may confront patients undergoing a gastric banding procedure.

A maladaptive behavior is a behavior or trait that is not adaptive — it is counterproductive to the individual. Reasons why changing eating habits is difficult:

Old habits are hard to break.
Changing lifestyle long term process and takes time.
No change in habits or lifestyle leads to rationalizing a behavior and returning to or continuing old habits and making poor food choices.

I will provide some tips on understanding an individuals "zone of fullness" tomorrow!

What is Lap Band surgery?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 by LaVerne Patterson

A lot of people in our seminars ask Indiana weight loss doctors about Lap Band surgery as an option at Clarian Bariatrics.

Lap Band is a restrictive surgery that works by physically restricting the stomach size which then slows down digestion. Normally, a stomach can hold about three pints, after obesity surgery the stomach can hold as little as one ounce and eventually grow to two or three ounces. Indiana weight loss doctors can council you during one of our weekly Indianapolis Weight Loss Surgery seminars and help you determine which option is right for you.

Like anything there are pros and cons with Lap Band surgery versus other forms of morbid obesity surgery like stomach stapling. The pros of lab band (gastric banding) can be that it's a simpler procedure, recovery is often faster and it can be reversed unlike other weight loss surgery. The con's of Lap Band surgery can include lower weight loss and the potential to gain your weight back over the years.

The best bet for anyone considering weight loss surgery is to talk to our Indianapolis bariatric surgeons and other patients past and present at one of our FREE seminars. Look on the upper right of this weight loss blog for more information on Clarian Bariatrics FREE informational seminars.