Hello! My name is Andy Pollen and I am the marketing and public relations specialist at 
loss surgery? A lot, actually! I serve as the primary marketing contact for Clarian Bariatrics and help spread the word about our program and the wonderful people I have the pleasure of working with. While I have no medical background (other than seven years as a lifeguard) I bring an outsiders perspective to weight loss surgery and many of my posts will be based on conversations I have had with people in the community. On a personal note, I am a graduate of
If you have been anxious to learn more about how bariatric weight loss surgery can change your life, then join Clarian Bariatrics' Indianapolis surgeons and staff on Saturday, November 7 for a FREE informational seminar.
You, and your family and friends, are invited to learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery procedures (Gastric Bypass and Lap Band), learn about the insurance process and ask questions about the health risks caused by obesity.
The seminar is from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and we cannot wait to meet you! Learn more and RSVP, by clicking here!
You, and your family and friends, are invited to learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery procedures (Gastric Bypass and Lap Band), learn about the insurance process and ask questions about the health risks caused by obesity.
The seminar is from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and we cannot wait to meet you! Learn more and RSVP, by clicking here!
I wanted to share a quick write-up and photo that was posted in the Clarian North associate newsletter last week. As a non-Clarian Bariatrics employee, I can attest that the individuals I work with regularly are all top-notch and a complete joy to work with. I am so happy for them and the new location!
On the evening of October 28, more than 60 individuals attended the grand opening of the Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic on the northwest side. In late September, Clarian Bariatrics staff moved from their office in building 10 of Intech Park to a 30,000 square foot space in building 11, basically just across the parking lot!
The new space was a necessity as the program has experienced tremendous growth over the past three years and had consistently been running out of room for all their program offerings including cooking classes, support groups and fitness classes.
As Jon Goble, President & CEO of Clarian North, pointed out at the event, the bariatric service line was Clarian North's first service line when the hospital opened on December 1, 2005, and has been a great model of teamwork and dedication to the patient.
On the evening of October 28, more than 60 individuals attended the grand opening of the Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic on the northwest side. In late September, Clarian Bariatrics staff moved from their office in building 10 of Intech Park to a 30,000 square foot space in building 11, basically just across the parking lot!
The new space was a necessity as the program has experienced tremendous growth over the past three years and had consistently been running out of room for all their program offerings including cooking classes, support groups and fitness classes.
As Jon Goble, President & CEO of Clarian North, pointed out at the event, the bariatric service line was Clarian North's first service line when the hospital opened on December 1, 2005, and has been a great model of teamwork and dedication to the patient.
When I was a little kid, Halloween was always my favorite holiday, and honestly, it st
ill is! There is something about pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating (even though I don't do it anymore), haunted houses and spooky tales that still appeals to the kid in me.
Now that I have a neice and three nephews I love hearing their excitment about what to dress up as and how much candy they hope to gather. One thing I also appreciate is that my sister and brother tell their children that while it is okay to get candy, the smartest thing to do is pick out the five pieces they want the most and then share the rest with friends and family.
This way they feel rewarded for their efforts but they are not gorging on candy for the next several weeks at every free minute. What are your Halloween survival tips?
ill is! There is something about pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating (even though I don't do it anymore), haunted houses and spooky tales that still appeals to the kid in me. Now that I have a neice and three nephews I love hearing their excitment about what to dress up as and how much candy they hope to gather. One thing I also appreciate is that my sister and brother tell their children that while it is okay to get candy, the smartest thing to do is pick out the five pieces they want the most and then share the rest with friends and family.
This way they feel rewarded for their efforts but they are not gorging on candy for the next several weeks at every free minute. What are your Halloween survival tips?
One of the reasons why Clarian Bariatrics patients have such successful outcomes is that we have built a unique and interactive support program that includes cooking classes, fitness classes and support group. There is something for everyone! Learn more about our support programs at www.clarian.org/bariatrics.
Ever wonder what you can expect after bariatric weight loss surgery with Clarian Bariatrics? This video helps answer some of those questions!
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!
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.
I'm sure we are only beginning to hear more about this special coalition of manufacturers. Some of the companies involved include General Mills, Kellogg, PepsiCo and United Supermarkets.
What do you think about this? Does it show social consciousness on the part of these businesses or are they just being reactive to negative press? It doesn't mention that they will stop selling unhealthy snacks, just that they are committed to reducing obesity...seems a bit like a Catch 22 to me.
A group of retailers, food and beverage manufacturers and nongovernmental organizations has formed a coalition to combat obesity.
The coalition announced the formation of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Monday, with the goal of reducing obesity, especially childhood obesity, nationwide by 2015 by promoting ways to improve health in the marketplace, the workplace and schools.
The member companies and organizations – which include the Kellogg Co., PepsiCo, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and United Supermarkets – have set aside $20 million to promote programs encouraging healthy diet and physical activity among children aged 6 to 11, as well as their parents and caregivers.
What do you think about this? Does it show social consciousness on the part of these businesses or are they just being reactive to negative press? It doesn't mention that they will stop selling unhealthy snacks, just that they are committed to reducing obesity...seems a bit like a Catch 22 to me.
A group of retailers, food and beverage manufacturers and nongovernmental organizations has formed a coalition to combat obesity.
The coalition announced the formation of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Monday, with the goal of reducing obesity, especially childhood obesity, nationwide by 2015 by promoting ways to improve health in the marketplace, the workplace and schools.
The member companies and organizations – which include the Kellogg Co., PepsiCo, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and United Supermarkets – have set aside $20 million to promote programs encouraging healthy diet and physical activity among children aged 6 to 11, as well as their parents and caregivers.
I just saw this on Google News Alerts and thought it was interesting given all the recent press related to junk food and childhood obesity. Do you have school aged children? Do you think the school is now providing them with healthier options by taking away the "threat" or are they just going to get these snacks somewhere else?
A new government report finds that fewer U.S. high schools and middle schools are selling candy and salty snacks to students. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said its report was based on a survey of public schools in 34 states, comparing results from 2006 to 2008.
The study did not report the total number of schools that have changed. Instead, it looked at the proportion of schools in each state. The CDC found that the median proportion of high schools and middle schools that sell the sugary or salty snacks dropped from 54 percent to 36 percent.
The share of schools that sell soda and artificial fruit drinks dropped from 62 percent to 37 percent. The report marked a continued effort by health officials to combat childhood obesity.
A new government report finds that fewer U.S. high schools and middle schools are selling candy and salty snacks to students. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said its report was based on a survey of public schools in 34 states, comparing results from 2006 to 2008.
The study did not report the total number of schools that have changed. Instead, it looked at the proportion of schools in each state. The CDC found that the median proportion of high schools and middle schools that sell the sugary or salty snacks dropped from 54 percent to 36 percent.
The share of schools that sell soda and artificial fruit drinks dropped from 62 percent to 37 percent. The report marked a continued effort by health officials to combat childhood obesity.
Just a reminder that Clarian North will be hosting the Pumpkin Patch Festival on Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., in the north parking lot and Atrium of Clarian North Medical Center. This fun-filled, FREE family event is perfect for people of all ages! Click here for a flyer promoting the event.
Highlights include:
* Bounce house
* Police and fire emergency vehicles
* Petting zoo
* Family photos
* Face painting
* Caricatures
* Crafts
* LifeLine helicopter and ambulance
* Train rides
* Clowns
* Educational and interactive booths
* Live music and more!
New this year is a 5K run/walk through a partnership with the Carmel Lions Club. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. on the south side of the hospital. Please note that there will be a fee for the 5K. Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit the organization's Web site to learn more. Registration information and event details are also available on http://www.clariannorth.com/.
See you tomorrow!
Highlights include:
* Bounce house
* Police and fire emergency vehicles
* Petting zoo
* Family photos
* Face painting
* Caricatures
* Crafts
* LifeLine helicopter and ambulance
* Train rides
* Clowns
* Educational and interactive booths
* Live music and more!
New this year is a 5K run/walk through a partnership with the Carmel Lions Club. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. on the south side of the hospital. Please note that there will be a fee for the 5K. Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit the organization's Web site to learn more. Registration information and event details are also available on http://www.clariannorth.com/.
See you tomorrow!
Another article from the OAC's e-newsletter. It is rather shocking that obesity has so quickly become such a serious health issue. You can read full text of the article by clicking here.
Already up to one in twelve new cases of the disease are attributed to being overweight or obese and this proportion is set to increase as more quit smoking and stop hormone replacement therapy.
Dr Andrew Renehan, a cancer expert at the University of Manchester, told a medical conference: "Obesity is catching up at a rate that makes it possible it could become the biggest attributable cause of cancer in women within the next decade."
Last year, the number of cancer cases in Europe linked to weight jumped to at least 124,050, almost double the number in 2002.
Already up to one in twelve new cases of the disease are attributed to being overweight or obese and this proportion is set to increase as more quit smoking and stop hormone replacement therapy.
Dr Andrew Renehan, a cancer expert at the University of Manchester, told a medical conference: "Obesity is catching up at a rate that makes it possible it could become the biggest attributable cause of cancer in women within the next decade."
Last year, the number of cancer cases in Europe linked to weight jumped to at least 124,050, almost double the number in 2002.
I read this article in the recent edition of the Obesity Action Coalition's e-newsletter. The first few paragraphs are below and you can view full text by clicking here.
Alcohol abuse, obesity and depression seem to go hand in hand for many women, according to the first study to look at how the three relate to one another over time in young adults.
Dr. Carolyn A. McCarty of Seattle Children's Research Institute and her colleagues also found that almost half of the men and women in their study suffered from at least one of these problems between the ages of 21 and 30.
"That's big," McCarty told Reuters Health, and is likely only "the tip of the iceberg," because she and her colleagues used fairly stringent definitions of alcohol abuse, depression and obesity in their study.
Alcohol abuse, obesity and depression seem to go hand in hand for many women, according to the first study to look at how the three relate to one another over time in young adults.
Dr. Carolyn A. McCarty of Seattle Children's Research Institute and her colleagues also found that almost half of the men and women in their study suffered from at least one of these problems between the ages of 21 and 30.
"That's big," McCarty told Reuters Health, and is likely only "the tip of the iceberg," because she and her colleagues used fairly stringent definitions of alcohol abuse, depression and obesity in their study.
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.
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.
Carve out some time for fun at the Pumpkin Patch Festival on Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., in the north parking lot and Atrium of Clarian North Medical Center. This fun-filled, FREE family event is perfect for people of all ages! Click here for a flyer promoting the event.
Highlights include:
New this year is a 5K run/walk through a partnership with the Carmel Lions Club. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. on the south side of the hospital. Please note that there will be a fee for the 5K. Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit the organization's Web site to learn more. Registration information and event details are also available on http://www.clariannorth.com/.
Please consider getting some friends together and joining us for this fun-filled day!
Highlights include:
- Bounce house
- Police and fire emergency vehicles
- Petting zoo
- Family photos
- Face painting
- Caricatures
- Crafts
- LifeLine helicopter and ambulance
- Train rides
- Clowns
- Educational and interactive booths
- Live music and more!
New this year is a 5K run/walk through a partnership with the Carmel Lions Club. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. on the south side of the hospital. Please note that there will be a fee for the 5K. Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit the organization's Web site to learn more. Registration information and event details are also available on http://www.clariannorth.com/.
Please consider getting some friends together and joining us for this fun-filled day!
If you have been a loyal visitor to this blog, then you are aware that our excellent dietiticans are often advocating ditching soda pop. Here is just one of the many reasons why:
While health officials have long suspected the link between obesity and soda
consumption, research released today provides the first scientific evidence of
the potent role soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages play in fueling
California`s expanding girth.
In their landmark study: Bubbling Over: Soda Consumption and Its Link to Obesity
in California, researchers from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research
(CHPR) and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA) discovered a
strong correlation between soda consumption and weight. Based upon data from
more than 40,000 interviews conducted by the California Health Interview Surveys
(CHIS), researchers found that adults who drink a soda or more per day are 27
percent more likely to be overweight than those who do not drink sodas,
regardless of income or ethnicity.
If you want to learn more about the study, please click here for a Reuters article.
While health officials have long suspected the link between obesity and soda
consumption, research released today provides the first scientific evidence of
the potent role soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages play in fueling
California`s expanding girth.
In their landmark study: Bubbling Over: Soda Consumption and Its Link to Obesity
in California, researchers from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research
(CHPR) and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA) discovered a
strong correlation between soda consumption and weight. Based upon data from
more than 40,000 interviews conducted by the California Health Interview Surveys
(CHIS), researchers found that adults who drink a soda or more per day are 27
percent more likely to be overweight than those who do not drink sodas,
regardless of income or ethnicity.
If you want to learn more about the study, please click here for a Reuters article.
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so I thought it was a great time to share this news article discussing the links between obesity and prostate cancer. When detected early, prostate cancer is very curable. If you are a man over 40 have you had your yearly PSA? If not, visit ACallToChange.org to learn about FREE upcoming screenings in your area.
Below are a few paragraphs from the article. Please click the link to view full text.
A new look at a large database of prostate cancer patients shows that obesity plays no favorites when it comes to increasing the risk of recurrence after surgery: Being way overweight is equally bad for blacks and whites, say researchers at Duke University Medical Center.
Studies have shown that obesity is linked to generally worse outcomes in many cancers, including prostate cancer. Because blacks are more likely than whites to develop and die from prostate cancer - and because there is a higher prevalence of obesity among black men with prostate cancer, compared to whites - some studies have suggested that obesity might be a more ominous risk factor for blacks than whites.
Below are a few paragraphs from the article. Please click the link to view full text.
A new look at a large database of prostate cancer patients shows that obesity plays no favorites when it comes to increasing the risk of recurrence after surgery: Being way overweight is equally bad for blacks and whites, say researchers at Duke University Medical Center.
Studies have shown that obesity is linked to generally worse outcomes in many cancers, including prostate cancer. Because blacks are more likely than whites to develop and die from prostate cancer - and because there is a higher prevalence of obesity among black men with prostate cancer, compared to whites - some studies have suggested that obesity might be a more ominous risk factor for blacks than whites.
This week we have had two great news stories, which feature Clarian Bariatrics staff members! Below you will find an interview with Dr. Samer Mattar, Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeon and Medical Director of our weight loss surgery program, and Erin Light, Fitness and Health Specialist.
Are you a fan of Clarian Bariatrics on Facebook? If not, what are you waiting for? We post a variety of photos, news articles and event reminders on there weekly. It's your "instant" news spot!
| Researchers using pig tissue to help heal human wounds WNDU-TV - South Bend,IN,USA "Pigs have been a very popular or common animal to use," says Dr. Samer Mattar, bariatric surgeon at Clarian Bariatrics in Indianapolis. "Believe it or not, ... |
| Chair squat Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis,IN,USA Erin Light, fitness coach for Clarian Bariatrics and a certified personal trainer, ... Light trains people taking part in Clarian Bariatrics' supervised ... |
Are you a fan of Clarian Bariatrics on Facebook? If not, what are you waiting for? We post a variety of photos, news articles and event reminders on there weekly. It's your "instant" news spot!
Clarian Bariatrics on Facebook
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.
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.
Powered by Compendium Blogware