William A. Hilgendorf, PhD, HSPP, is originally from Wisconsin and a graduate of Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. In 1990 he was a founder, and for several years the managing partner, of Medical Psychology Associates. Dr. Hilgendorf has been associated with Clarian Bariatric since early 2008. A licensed Clinical Psychologist, he has served as adjunct faculty for doctoral students from the University of Indianapolis, Ball State University and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. As Associate Professor for TCMI Institute, Dr. Hilgendorf continues to teach part-time on the main campus in Vienna, Austria. Interests include the impact of bariatric surgery on quality of life, promotion of exercise, the integration of theology and psychology and the treatment of anxiety disorders.William A. Hilgendorf, PhD, HSPP, is originally from Wisconsin and a graduate of Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. In 1990 he was a founder, and for several years the managing partner, of Medical Psychology Associates. Dr. Hilgendorf has been associated with Clarian Bariatric since early 2008. A licensed Clinical Psychologist, he has served as adjunct faculty for doctoral students from the University of Indianapolis, Ball State University and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. As Associate Professor for TCMI Institute, Dr. Hilgendorf continues to teach part-time on the main campus in Vienna, Austria. Interests include the impact of bariatric surgery on quality of life, promotion of exercise, the integration of theology and psychology and the treatment of anxiety disorders.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!
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 post was written by one of my students, Eric Lester, a doctoral student from Ball State University.
I was watching an annual cycling race in the past few weeks and noticed some similarities between the cycling teams in the Tour de France and the teams behind patients at Clarian Bariatrics. The similarity that is most apparent to me is that every member of the team plays a particular role. When the riders play their individual roles well the team benefits.
The cycling teams are composed of nine riders one of which is the team leader. Each rider has a role to play during the course of the race to ensure that their team leader will be as successful as possible, hopefully leading the race. As commentators have said many times it is the job of the team to take care of and protect the team leader.
As a bariatric surgery patient, it is helpful to surround yourself with family, friends, and your treatment team who are all committed to helping you achieve your goals. Once your team is established and everyone knows the role you need them to fill, be a team leader and ask for help when help is needed. That is what social support is all about, right? You do not have to make the entire journey by yourself.
I was watching an annual cycling race in the past few weeks and noticed some similarities between the cycling teams in the Tour de France and the teams behind patients at Clarian Bariatrics. The similarity that is most apparent to me is that every member of the team plays a particular role. When the riders play their individual roles well the team benefits.
The cycling teams are composed of nine riders one of which is the team leader. Each rider has a role to play during the course of the race to ensure that their team leader will be as successful as possible, hopefully leading the race. As commentators have said many times it is the job of the team to take care of and protect the team leader.
As a bariatric surgery patient, it is helpful to surround yourself with family, friends, and your treatment team who are all committed to helping you achieve your goals. Once your team is established and everyone knows the role you need them to fill, be a team leader and ask for help when help is needed. That is what social support is all about, right? You do not have to make the entire journey by yourself.
The following post was written by one of my students, Eric Lester, a doctoral student from Ball State University.
How do you feel about yourself after surgery?
Patients who come to Clarian Bariatrics often share with us a common complaint, that they do not feel good about themselves. They give a variety of reasons for this shared feeling. Some of these reasons have a strong link to the patient’s weight, difficulty participating in enjoyable activities, and health concerns.
If you have or have had similar feelings, you may wonder how bariatric surgery can help you feel better about yourself. While no one can guarantee that you will feel as though you have overcome every obstacle in your life following bariatric surgery, research indicates that individuals who have bariatric surgery are more likely to have more confidence, be more assertive, and have more energy. Individuals who have experienced improved confidence, assertiveness, and energy levels often report feeling better about themselves.
How do you feel about yourself after surgery?
Patients who come to Clarian Bariatrics often share with us a common complaint, that they do not feel good about themselves. They give a variety of reasons for this shared feeling. Some of these reasons have a strong link to the patient’s weight, difficulty participating in enjoyable activities, and health concerns.
If you have or have had similar feelings, you may wonder how bariatric surgery can help you feel better about yourself. While no one can guarantee that you will feel as though you have overcome every obstacle in your life following bariatric surgery, research indicates that individuals who have bariatric surgery are more likely to have more confidence, be more assertive, and have more energy. Individuals who have experienced improved confidence, assertiveness, and energy levels often report feeling better about themselves.
This is a quick reminder that we will be holding our pre-surgery coping skill group meeting tonight at our Indianapolis clinic.
Patients are welcome to attend any or all support groups free of charge. We ask that you please call 317-275-7010 and indicate which groups you would like to attend. Misty Hawkins and myself will be facilitating each group. Each group will run from 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. every Thursday at the Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic on Indianapolis' northwest side. See below for details about each group.
The Friends and Family Group
Thursday, July 30
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.
I hope you can join us! The next group will be held on August 6.
Patients are welcome to attend any or all support groups free of charge. We ask that you please call 317-275-7010 and indicate which groups you would like to attend. Misty Hawkins and myself will be facilitating each group. Each group will run from 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. every Thursday at the Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic on Indianapolis' northwest side. See below for details about each group.
The Friends and Family Group
Thursday, July 30
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.
I hope you can join us! The next group will be held on August 6.
Patients are welcome to attend any or all support groups free of charge. We ask that you please call 317-275-7010 and indicate which groups you would like to attend. Misty Hawkins and myself will be facilitating each group.
The first meeting was held on July 16 and each group will run from 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. every Thursday at the Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic on Indianapolis' northwest side. See below for details about each group.
The Friends and Family Group
Thursday, July 30
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
The Body Image Group
Thursday, August 6
This group is designed to explore your body image concerns and negative attitudes towards yourself, including how to combat self-sabotaging thoughts, how to think healthier, and how to prepare for body and lifestyle changes.
Please call us if you have any questions about these groups, or if there is anything else we can do to help you as you begin the weight loss surgery journey.
The first meeting was held on July 16 and each group will run from 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. every Thursday at the Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic on Indianapolis' northwest side. See below for details about each group.
The Friends and Family Group
Thursday, July 30
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
The Body Image Group
Thursday, August 6
This group is designed to explore your body image concerns and negative attitudes towards yourself, including how to combat self-sabotaging thoughts, how to think healthier, and how to prepare for body and lifestyle changes.
Please call us if you have any questions about these groups, or if there is anything else we can do to help you as you begin the weight loss surgery journey.
The following post was written by one of my students, Misty A. Hawkins. If you have a question for Misty, please e-mail her at miahawki@iupui.edu.
The summer season is now officially underway…and that means it’s time for summer clothes! While less fabric means we’ll be cooler, for many of us, tank tops, shorts and swimsuits can become a source of anxiety! Tanks tops and bathing suits are notorious for showing the parts that most of us try to hide. Putting on these clothes often makes us focus on the things we dislike about our bodies. Does your excess weight make you uncomfortable with the idea of exposing more skin?
Many of the patients I talk to have really negative feelings about their body, and these feelings are not uncommon! We certainly live in a society that can be cruel to people who are overweight. Because of this, positive body image can suffer…but what is body image?
When most people think about body image, they would define it as the perceptions and attitudes about the way their body looks: Essentially, your appearance. I would encourage you to expand this definition! Body image can be about more than who you are on the outside. It can be how your body interacts with the people and environment around you. Is your body that of a loving mother or grandmother that kids love to get hugs from? Is your body that of a successful multi-tasker who always gets the job done? How about the body of a father who faithfully cares and provides for his family?
Body image…a topic that I think is especially important in the summer season as we expose more and more of ourselves! How do you feel about your body and the way you use it everyday? Do you have negative thoughts about it? What about positive ones? If you’re thinking about having bariatric surgery, how do you think having the surgery will change your body image? If you’ve already had weight loss surgery, has your experience changed the way you view your body and the way it interacts with the world around you?
The summer season is now officially underway…and that means it’s time for summer clothes! While less fabric means we’ll be cooler, for many of us, tank tops, shorts and swimsuits can become a source of anxiety! Tanks tops and bathing suits are notorious for showing the parts that most of us try to hide. Putting on these clothes often makes us focus on the things we dislike about our bodies. Does your excess weight make you uncomfortable with the idea of exposing more skin?
Many of the patients I talk to have really negative feelings about their body, and these feelings are not uncommon! We certainly live in a society that can be cruel to people who are overweight. Because of this, positive body image can suffer…but what is body image?
When most people think about body image, they would define it as the perceptions and attitudes about the way their body looks: Essentially, your appearance. I would encourage you to expand this definition! Body image can be about more than who you are on the outside. It can be how your body interacts with the people and environment around you. Is your body that of a loving mother or grandmother that kids love to get hugs from? Is your body that of a successful multi-tasker who always gets the job done? How about the body of a father who faithfully cares and provides for his family?
Body image…a topic that I think is especially important in the summer season as we expose more and more of ourselves! How do you feel about your body and the way you use it everyday? Do you have negative thoughts about it? What about positive ones? If you’re thinking about having bariatric surgery, how do you think having the surgery will change your body image? If you’ve already had weight loss surgery, has your experience changed the way you view your body and the way it interacts with the world around you?
I have recently spoken with several Clarian Bariatrics patients who are working to manage cravings. Are you familiar with that struggle? Does the thought of having to say “no” to one of your favorite foods preoccupy you? Do you give in to a craving for unhealthy foods?
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal stated, “Certain foods seem to fuel the appetite like pouring gasoline on a fire.” I like that quote. What the author of the Wall Street Journal article was talking about, after her review of recent research, was that foods high in unhealthy fat and high in refined carbohydrates sets up a kind of “fullness resistance.”
A dietician can explain why these foods tend to satisfy us for only a short time and promote further eating. A dietician can also recommend alternatives to these types of foods. Take a moment to list several ways you can fight your cravings. Each time you withstand a craving, the easier it will be for you to withstand the next craving.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal stated, “Certain foods seem to fuel the appetite like pouring gasoline on a fire.” I like that quote. What the author of the Wall Street Journal article was talking about, after her review of recent research, was that foods high in unhealthy fat and high in refined carbohydrates sets up a kind of “fullness resistance.”
A dietician can explain why these foods tend to satisfy us for only a short time and promote further eating. A dietician can also recommend alternatives to these types of foods. Take a moment to list several ways you can fight your cravings. Each time you withstand a craving, the easier it will be for you to withstand the next craving.
When you decide to change a habit, the best of intentions may not be enough to stay on track. Have you considered what it is that has prevented you from sticking with the changes you have decided to make regarding bariatric surgery? Events in your life can derail your efforts at establishing new habits. The environment around you might tempt you into giving up your diet or exercise routine. Maybe some friends unwittingly sabotage your efforts.
What do all of these have in common?
Each is a barrier we may face when trying to establish new habits. Research has shown that people who anticipate barriers and develop plans to manage these barriers are more likely to overcome the barriers. Those who plan for barriers tend to be more successful at sticking with their new behaviors. Imagine what might derail your efforts and decide what you will do, when you will do it, and how you will know if you are succeeding. Following these three steps will help you plan for barriers.
What do all of these have in common?
Each is a barrier we may face when trying to establish new habits. Research has shown that people who anticipate barriers and develop plans to manage these barriers are more likely to overcome the barriers. Those who plan for barriers tend to be more successful at sticking with their new behaviors. Imagine what might derail your efforts and decide what you will do, when you will do it, and how you will know if you are succeeding. Following these three steps will help you plan for barriers.
Whether you have decided to seek bariatric surgery or have already had bariatric surgery you are likely experience a period of adjustment to new responsibilities. How do you cope with these responsibilities and make yourself more successful? How can goal setting increase your success before and after bariatric surgery?
It is not always easy sticking to the recommended diet or getting the suggested amount of physical activity. Goal setting is a time-tested and research-proven way to succeed. Setting goals for what you want to accomplish and writing the goals down are critical ingredients.
Keep it visible, place reminders about the goal in your car, on the refrigerator, on the bathroom mirror, anywhere you may need a reminder. Plan how you want to follow-through with the goal. Think about the steps that you need to follow in order to see progress toward your goal. Write down the plan and reference back to it regularly.
It is not always easy sticking to the recommended diet or getting the suggested amount of physical activity. Goal setting is a time-tested and research-proven way to succeed. Setting goals for what you want to accomplish and writing the goals down are critical ingredients.
Keep it visible, place reminders about the goal in your car, on the refrigerator, on the bathroom mirror, anywhere you may need a reminder. Plan how you want to follow-through with the goal. Think about the steps that you need to follow in order to see progress toward your goal. Write down the plan and reference back to it regularly.
"Hey Dad, where are you going?”
My youngest child’s voice brought me back to the present after I had driven past the road to his guitar lesson. My mind was clearly not on the present. Instead of safely focusing on the road and taking full advantage of the time with my son, I was preoccupied.
As you prepare for bariatric surgery, you may hear our psychologists, dieticians and other staff talk about the importance of “mindful eating.” If you focus solely on your meal, you are likely to be more satisfied. Eating is not the time to be multitasking. For example, if you watch television or read during your meal, you are likely to eat more than you had planned. This idea of the practice of mindfulness has been around for centuries, because in general, the healthiest place to be is the present.
Being fully absorbed in the here and now can make life richer, and we are more available to those around us. Jean Pierre de Caussade, a deeply spiritual writer, was fond of emphasizing “The Sacrament of the Present Moment.”
Don’t waste food by eating more than is healthy, and don’t waste bits of your life by being elsewhere in your mind. It takes a lifetime of patient practice to do this consistently, so don’t give up! Give yourself a present by being fully present.
My youngest child’s voice brought me back to the present after I had driven past the road to his guitar lesson. My mind was clearly not on the present. Instead of safely focusing on the road and taking full advantage of the time with my son, I was preoccupied.
As you prepare for bariatric surgery, you may hear our psychologists, dieticians and other staff talk about the importance of “mindful eating.” If you focus solely on your meal, you are likely to be more satisfied. Eating is not the time to be multitasking. For example, if you watch television or read during your meal, you are likely to eat more than you had planned. This idea of the practice of mindfulness has been around for centuries, because in general, the healthiest place to be is the present.
Being fully absorbed in the here and now can make life richer, and we are more available to those around us. Jean Pierre de Caussade, a deeply spiritual writer, was fond of emphasizing “The Sacrament of the Present Moment.”
Don’t waste food by eating more than is healthy, and don’t waste bits of your life by being elsewhere in your mind. It takes a lifetime of patient practice to do this consistently, so don’t give up! Give yourself a present by being fully present.
Do you remember your first car? Mine was a 1966 Chevy Impala. Instead of the detailed gauges more contemporary vehicles have, my first car had what some referred to as "idiot lights" on the dashboard.
The problem was, by the time the red light flashed on, the steam was already coming out from under the hood! Whether you are preparing for weight loss surgery or maintaining your weight after bariatric weight loss surgery, make sure you frequently check your “gauges.”
Use whatever tools you need to keep yourself honest: nutrition journal, asking for feedback from trusted and frank individuals, carefully charting your exercise. I like Dr. Henry Cloud’s definition of integrity: The courage to meet the demands of reality.
Being accountable and able to objectively track your progress (dashboard gauges) will help you see reality and give you time to make adjustments before a serious problem pops up.
The problem was, by the time the red light flashed on, the steam was already coming out from under the hood! Whether you are preparing for weight loss surgery or maintaining your weight after bariatric weight loss surgery, make sure you frequently check your “gauges.”
Use whatever tools you need to keep yourself honest: nutrition journal, asking for feedback from trusted and frank individuals, carefully charting your exercise. I like Dr. Henry Cloud’s definition of integrity: The courage to meet the demands of reality.
Being accountable and able to objectively track your progress (dashboard gauges) will help you see reality and give you time to make adjustments before a serious problem pops up.
When I was just starting my career as a psychologist in a medical setting, it suddenly hit me that the appearance of each client was noticeable at first, but quickly faded. This was true of individuals with visible deformities or scars, unattractive or attractive faces and various body shapes. I would even forget that the individual was in a wheelchair as we spoke about their hopes, fears, beliefs, struggles and strengths.
We often assume that our physical appearance explains how others respond to us. Instead, it is our perception of ourselves (body image) that has more influence in our relationships than, for example, our body mass index. If I do not accept my appearance, then I am at risk for constricting my life unnecessarily by avoiding certain people and activities.
Worse, I may be initiating a negative self-fulfilling prophecy within my relationships. Some may express the concern that if they accept themselves at their present weight, then they would not be motivated to lose weight. However, there need not be a contradiction between the acceptance of one’s body/appearance at the present time, and desires and plans to change in a healthy direction.
You can have an appreciation for who you are now, including physical attributes, and be successfully engaged in the process of improving your health through weight loss.
We often assume that our physical appearance explains how others respond to us. Instead, it is our perception of ourselves (body image) that has more influence in our relationships than, for example, our body mass index. If I do not accept my appearance, then I am at risk for constricting my life unnecessarily by avoiding certain people and activities.
Worse, I may be initiating a negative self-fulfilling prophecy within my relationships. Some may express the concern that if they accept themselves at their present weight, then they would not be motivated to lose weight. However, there need not be a contradiction between the acceptance of one’s body/appearance at the present time, and desires and plans to change in a healthy direction.
You can have an appreciation for who you are now, including physical attributes, and be successfully engaged in the process of improving your health through weight loss.
Perhaps you committed some “slips” during the Thanksgiving to New Year holiday season and struggled to get back on track with healthy habits. Now we are heading toward Valentine’s Day, a day that promotes candy and dining out.
If you have a history of delaying your return to the best eating and
exercising routine after a lapse, take some time to prepare yourself before it happens. Write down how you will respond to a future slip on a 3x5 card and keep it handy. Do you get angry with yourself, or feel ashamed?
If so, these emotions can actually make it less likely that you can recover quickly from a mistake. Remind yourself that mistakes are part of the process of learning. In fact, vow never to waste a slip! That is, what can you learn from it?
Write down as many insights as you can about what you learned, since writing can be more helpful than trying to “just think” your way through a difficult time. Next time, you will be better prepared to “quickly” back on track.
If you have a history of delaying your return to the best eating and
exercising routine after a lapse, take some time to prepare yourself before it happens. Write down how you will respond to a future slip on a 3x5 card and keep it handy. Do you get angry with yourself, or feel ashamed? If so, these emotions can actually make it less likely that you can recover quickly from a mistake. Remind yourself that mistakes are part of the process of learning. In fact, vow never to waste a slip! That is, what can you learn from it?
Write down as many insights as you can about what you learned, since writing can be more helpful than trying to “just think” your way through a difficult time. Next time, you will be better prepared to “quickly” back on track.
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