If the entire morbidly obese population of the United States lived in one state, it would be the 12th hightest-populated state, with more people than the state of Virginia.
Just in case you're wondering, the state of Virginia has 7,769,089 folks living there.
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.
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.
Throughout the past few days, media reports have been buzzing with United Airlines’ new policy that targets passengers who are affected by obesity. This policy has already been enacted and requires obese passengers who do not fit in United Airlines’ seats according to their restrictions to purchase a second additional seat if the carrier is not able to make accommodations otherwise. Full text of the policy, which clearly affects
obese individuals can be found by clicking the link.
The Obesity Action Coalition wants to hear from you! Here are a few questions that will help us know where you stand:
- What are your thoughts on this new rule? Is it fair, unfair, discrimination?
- Do you feel it affects your ability to travel?
- Have you ever had an instance where you were asked to move from your seat due to your weight? If so, how did that make you feel?
- If you are an obese/morbidly obese individual, do you already purchase a second seat? If so, why and have you faced any challenges?
Take a few moments and share your thoughts with us on United’s new policy. You are also welcome to email the OAC at info@obesityaction.org.
In my last blog post, I talked about how happy our Indiana post-bariatric surgery patients are about the excess energy they have. This time I want to talk about some of the more entertaining comments I have heard.
For most of us to tie our shoes is not an exciting thing, it is commonplace and does not give us any cause for celebration. However, I have learned that for a morbidly obese person this is not generally the case.
More than once in my year at
Clarian Bariatrics I have heard from a patient how very exciting it is that they are now able to tie their own shoes! Now every time I tie my shoes I get an excitement and joyful feeling that I have helped someone have a reason to celebrate.
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.
Learn more by attending a FREE informational session. Sessions are held at Clarian Bariatrics' Indianapolis location and include discussions with surgeons and weight loss specialists about the types of bariatric surgery - including Lap Band and Gastric Bypass - and the costs associated with surgery. Visit our
Web site for more information and for dates and times.
Bariatric surgery is now accepted as the best and most effective treatment for morbid obesity. About 65 percent of all bariatric surgery patients are able to lose their excess weight and keep it off for more than five years.
When you consider that only approximately two percent of nonsurgical treatment patients are able to lose and keep off their weight for more than a year, you can appreciate these surgical results.
Health problems resolved or improved after surgery:
- 86 percent diabetes
- 70 percent high cholesterol
- 78 percent high blood pressure
- 84 percent sleep apnea
Expected weight loss (weight loss occurs for 18-24 months after surgery — mostly in first year):
- Lap-band surgery — 40-48 percent excess weight loss (national avg. = 47 percent)
- Gastric bypass surgery — 65-80 percent excess weight loss (national avg. = 62 percent)
- Duodenal switch — excess weight loss (national avg. = 70 percent)
Learn more about how weight loss surgery can change your life, by attending a FREE Indianapolis surgical weight loss seminar. Dates and times can be found by clicking on the image at the right of this page.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It doesn’t matter what time of the day, the rules don’t apply anymore. Just because it is breakfast time are we are supposed to consume “breakfast” type foods? What exactly does that mean?
Since my Indianapolis weight loss surgery, I find that it doesn’t matter what time of day it is but what I am consuming! My breakfast of champions may be my leftovers from dinner the night before.
The main focus is of nutrients for patients who have undergone morbid obesity surgery is protein! If your meal is full of protein the rules of eating it at a specific time of day no longer apply. There is nothing wrong with eating breakfast type food at dinner time or dinner type food at breakfast time. Be creative with your foods and try new things!
What types of foods are you consuming? Have any protein packed recipes you’d like to share?
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me confidentially and directly at bariatric@clarian.org or 317-275-7010/877-275-2555.
“The support of family, friends and medical professionals is crucial to the success of patients,” Samer Mattar, MD, FACS, Medical Director for Clarian Bariatrics, said. “It is important that these individuals understand that morbid obesity is a disease and they can be part of the treatment through positive thinking before and after the procedure.”
The comparisons between car racing and bariatric surgery are plenty. Think of the patient as a car in disrepair. A surgeon – or mechanic – can come in and fix the inside to improve function, but without dieticians – or fuel specialists - to provide proper education the work would be for naught. Additionally, exercise consultants and psychologists need to be available to help the patient adjust to a new life and habits, just as the tire changer rotates wheels for optimal performance.
Similar to race car drivers, patients are members of a team, which includes other post-surgical patients. It is essential that individuals regularly participate in team building exercises, like support groups and cooking classes, as a way to share struggles and success stories. They can also rely on their friends and family as their cheering section.
Mattar suggests that patients should attend at least four support group sessions each year post surgery, meet with a family physician regularly and visit with his or her weight loss surgeon at least once a year depending on how long the person has been post-operative.
“Just as if a patient owned a race car, they should regularly visit with ‘mechanics,’ undergo maintenance checks and get tune-ups if needed,” he said. “This way, potential problems are diagnosed early and any difficulties that a patient may have, whether medical, mental, social, financial, domestic or spiritual, can be addressed.”
Click on the "Victories at the Track" image at the top right to learn more about the pit crew concept.
One of
Clarian Bariatrics' success stories is about a lovely lady who entered her first 5K run recently. She was in the office the other day and we could feel her exuberance. She sent this detail in an email:
“I ran about ½ mile total of the 3.1 miles and I ran on every street we were on. I am very proud of myself to have even entered, let alone finish. To think that just one year ago I weighed almost 400 lbs and smoked 1-2 packs of cigarettes a day! We are all truly blessed.”This is a TYPICAL scenario for many people who have undergone weight loss surgery. They regain their lives…and then some! This woman would never have dreamed of accomplishing what she did the other day. I invite you to share your stories or dreams of a healthier, better life.
Are you ready to do something you never thought possible? Then join us at a FREE informational session to learn about bariatric surgery costs, problems caused by obesity and how weight loss surgery can save your life. Click on the image at the top right of this page to see upcoming dates!
Morbid obesity is an issue that often affects families as a whole. If you look at most families they tend to resemble each other in appearance. Not all, but most. I had my surgery almost 2 ½ years ago and now I am blessed to watch as my youngest sister begin her journey. Actually, she is about halfway through with the six month requirements that her insurance requires, and she is doing amazing! The Liver Reduction Diet was something difficult for her to grasp but she has lost over half of her required goal! Go sis!
She is so determined to make this successful she is truly an inspiration to me and any one who cares to watch. She walks every evening after working a minimum of ten hours and caring for her three young children (9, 6 and 3). She has come to the conclusion she has to do this for herself, to be a better mom to those babies. We walk together and it is hilarious. We include our mother, who is a character in her own right, in these evening walks.
These evening walks are filled with great stories of the day. Great memories of the past and those embarrassing moments only a sister would remember. We tag team on our mom and do not give her a moment’s break. (What are daughters to do, but utilize a perfect opportunity to drive our mother silly)?
Three months ago she could not make it around the block before she had to take a break, now she does nearly a mile before she takes a minute to catch her breath. What an accomplishment to go from a block to a mile in less than three months. I often talk about setting small goals, and this is the perfect example of what can be accomplished in a very short time. In the big scope of life what is three months?
As we enter the Easter season, I have reflected on the relationships we have both good and bad. Those relationships have a huge impact on our success, on our view of the world and our self. We need to be grateful for the strong, positive relationships we all have and work to improve the ones that can cause negative influences on our journey. Always encourage others and be the one who offers a smile even when one is not returned. I am as guilty as the next or letting the world bring me down, but we should fight that urge. We all get tired, but remember you are doing this for a better tomorrow for you and your family.
An interesting article that came across my Google news alert today. Below are the first few paragraphs:
Paige Gilmore used to be so large she couldn't buckle up a seat belt in a car, or go on a roller-coaster ride with her son. No chair was big enough to hold her 420-pound, 5-foot-7-inch frame.
Dieting had never helped Ms. Gilmore, who has been overweight since the age of 9. "Once you get past 350 pounds, you can't even be weighed on a regular scale," she said. "I was desperate. I was hiding food and eating it for comfort. It was like a tic."
Then her doctor made an astonishing discovery - one that is revolutionizing the way morbidly obese people are treated, and viewed by society.He diagnosed her with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a neuro-developmental irregularity that causes people to behave impulsively and seek constant stimulation. They nibble to counter feelings of restlessness, explains her physician, Lance Levy, a Toronto specialist in nutritional medicine.
What do you think? Have you ever felt like Paige? If you would like to learn more about weight loss surgery, then consider joining us at FREE informational seminar. There, you can learn about our Indiana Weight Loss Doctors, and Indianapolis Surgical Weight Loss options including gastric bypass and the Lap-Band. Click on the image at the top right of this page for more information.
When I was considered morbidly obese I remember thinking if I didn’t have all of this extra weight bogging me down there was so much more I could do. I made a list of what I thought I would do if I ever lost weight. Now 16 months later I’m revisiting that list to see what I have accomplished and have decided to also make a new list with some new goals. Spring is here and it’s time to think of some new goals no matter where you are in your journey.
Pre-Op patients – Maybe your goal is to take off those five more pounds before weight loss surgery with the help of the liver reduction diet. Walk to your mailbox every day. Each time you visit the grocery store park two more rows further away to help train your legs to walk a few extra steps. Make your breakfast, lunch and snacks the night before so when you get ready to leave for work you are prepared for your day. Give yourself a HUGE pat on the back for not stopping at a fast food restaurant for a drive thru breakfast or lunch. Tell yourself each and every day you are worth it!
Post-Op patients – Congratulate yourself for your weight loss success to date. Each day is an accomplishment. Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day is a good way to measure success! Set some personal obtainable goals for you this year. Wear a pedometer to work and make a commitment to walk so far each day. On good days take a 15-minute break and walk around your office park. Commit to walking the dog each morning or evening for a certain amount of time or so many steps/miles. Take a class you felt you could never do before surgery. Kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, step aerobics etc. Read some of the pre-op ideas and apply to your life now!
It’s about baby steps for all of us!
What could you do with an extra 10 years? Watch your grandkids graduate from college? Take that dream vacation? Walk a child down the aisle? It is amazing to think of the major life moments that could be missed just from being obese.
This artice, from USA Today, illustrates just the impact morbid obesity has on individuals. Below are the first couple paragraphs:
Weighing too much may take as much as a decade off your life, according a new analysis of studies that involved 900,000 people. Adults who are obese — about 40 or more pounds over a healthy weight — may be cutting about three years off their lives, mostly from heart disease and stroke.
Those who are extremely obese, about 100 or more pounds over a healthy weight, could be shortening their lives by as many as 10 years, the study found. Being extremely obese is similar to the effect of lifelong smoking, says Richard Peto, one of the lead researchers and a professor of medical statistics at Oxford University in England.If you would like to read more,
please click here. If you are ready to reclaim your life, then click the image at the top right of this page to sign up for a FREE informational session. At the session, we will answer all your questions related to weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery costs, Indianapolis area surgical weight loss options.
I was reading the March newsletter from the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and found this great - FREE - resource for patients. It is described below:
Seeking approval for weight-loss surgery can be a difficult process. Often times, patients are denied by their insurance company on the first try and subsequent appeals and efforts can be frustrating and time consuming.To help patients through this process, the OAC developed the Working with Your Insurance Provider: A Guide to Seeking Weight-Loss Surgery guide.
The guide is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge needed to successfully work with their insurance provider and become an advocate for change. It offers readers information discussing the effects of obesity and morbid obesity, tips for working with your insurance provider, detailed information concerning the treatment options available for morbid obesity and much more.To view and order this guide free-of-charge,
please click here. If you have additional questions, feel free to call us at Clarian Bariatrics at 317-275-7010 or to join us at a FREE informational seminar where you can ask any question you have about bariatric surgery costs, the insurance approval process, Indianapolis bariatric weight loss and what leads to effective weight loss surgery outcomes.
More information on dates and times for these events can be found by clicking on the image at the top right of this Web page.
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.
Today, it is nearly impossible to pick up a magazine, newspaper or watch TV and not see the letters "BMI."
BMI is used in determining obesity, morbid obesity and childhood obesity. BMI is a great tool for simply gauging where you fall on the weight category table, and is one of the tools used to determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.
To calculate your BMI,
follow this link to the Obesity Action Coalition Web site. Do you have an additional question about causes of obesity, bariatric surgery costs or Indiana Weight Loss Doctors? Then join us at a FREE informational session. Click on the image at the top right of this page for more information.
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!
I get asked many times about post-surgical pain. Some weight loss surgery patients are amazed at how great they feel, while others ask me why nobody warned them they would be in so much pain.
Unfortunately, we have no way of predicting YOUR post-surgical pain. We give pain medication in the hospital including the On-Q pain relief ball attached to your upper most incision site through two catheters. Bariatric weight loss patients are also given a liquid pain medication for home use following discharge from the hospital.
Abdominal pain or tenderness, especially at the larger incisions, is common since these incisions have stitches through the muscle. Most morbid obesity surgery patients feel it especially while moving, bending or while turning in bed.
This is common and can last for about one to two weeks. It will, however, improve gradually on a daily basis. Most patients feel tired for up to four to six weeks due to residual anesthetic and the healing process. This is why we ask you not to exercise until after this period following surgery.
Many patients ask me what is a Physician Assistant?
Physician assistants, or PAs, are health care professionals licensed by the federal government. We are credentialed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of our comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery and write prescriptions.
Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research and administrative services.
Do you have a question about bariatric weight loss, weight loss surgery, causes of obesity, morbid obesity surgery or obesity medical problems? Then leave me a comment below and I will be more than happy to answer them for you!
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