Stomach Stapling Surgery

Celebrating My "Surgiversary," Part II

Friday, November 13, 2009 by Traci Baker

I am a firm believer of following the program guidelines but I am not perfect, I am human and I will make mistakes. I have made myself very aware of the consequences of what happens when I venture off the beaten path.

I have a “healthy” fear of dumping and hope that fear stays with me for a long time.

Reality has shown me that some people will never understand or support my decision to have Bariatric surgery and I have chosen to be at peace with that.

I want people to know that Bariatric surgery is no way the easy way out in fact it’s quite the opposite. This is a lifelong lifestyle change that takes hard work and dedication. This surgery not only affects me but also those closest to me.

No matter how much research I did before surgery, nothing could ever truly prepare me for the life changing events it would bring to me physically, mentally and spiritually.

It takes 20 minutes for my head to catch up with my stomach. Slowing down to eat in this fast past world is challenging but a necessary part of my weight loss journey.

Learning to put myself first and take care of ME is still something I struggle with but strive to accomplish daily.

No Bariatric patient is a perfect mirror image of me. We are all very individual people with different experiences but seem to have the unspoken understanding of what the other has gone through.

No matter what my physical size or shape is, people will always have an opinion and the only one that truly matters is MINE!! What’s most important is how I feel about myself!

If it wasn’t for the love and support of my family and friends I would not be the person I am today.

Celebrating My "Surgiversary," Part I

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Traci Baker

October 2009 marked my two year re-birth date! I’m still learning to be a Bariatric patient even after two years into my weight loss journey. Some thoughts I’d like to share:

Bari bellies are a sensitive piece of real estate! It is crucial that I respect my piece of real estate and give it the proper nourishment/vitamins it needs. Protein, protein and more protein along with hydration or I’m feeling down in the dumps!

A lifestyle/behavior change is a necessary daily practice. If I choose to continue my old behaviors I’m choosing to sabotage myself. Life happens and when it does I have the choice to repeat my old behavior or make the better/healthier choice in those moments. These are times when I find myself reaching out to a friend.

I still have good days, great days and bad days.

I truly believe in having “Safe People” in my life who understand what I’m going through as a Bariatric patient. I need people who can relate with me physically, emotionally and spiritually to help support me while being genuine.

I have to be mindful of head hunger because it is always lingering. Each day is different and sometimes it can be very challenging to overcome the head hunger. This is another time when I know I need to change the scenery or reach out for help.

Honesty and open communication is essential with my surgeon, dietitian, and my support people along with myself. Being sincere helps me stay on track and not self-sabotage. Denying the truth only hurts me.

Handful Harry is a demon on my shoulder who will probably always exist and is a constant reminder to me that the operation was performed on my stomach not my head.

Check out Part II on Friday!

Handful Harry

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Traci Baker

I have a demon that was a huge part of my life before surgery and I like to call him Handful Harry. Harry was the little gremlin always sitting on my shoulder just waiting for me to grab a handful of something. That something was anything from crackers to Reese’s pieces. Harry sat patiently waiting for me to grab a handful of food and once that happened I was doomed. He would constantly babble on and on over and over “One more handful won’t hurt.”

Over the course of my journey I have worked on taming that animal through therapy and self-help in hopes to never hear his voice again. There are times when I can feel Mr. Harry peaking over my shoulder in anticipation of me grabbing a handful. This is something I personally struggle with and is a constant reminder to me that the operation was performed on my stomach not my head.

This is a perfect example of a time when having a bariatric friend is a saving grace. When those head games start and you go into panic mode make a call, journal what's going on and how you feel, get on your local website forum and call out to your bariatric extended family. Get support in whatever form you need it! Find a local support group and attend as often as you can.

What personal struggles are you facing? What steps do you need to take today to conquer your demons? I am here to help whenever I can no matter how far you are in your journey, no matter what type of surgery, where you live or what program you are in.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery: Lap Band

Saturday, October 24, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

Restrictive operations serve only to restrict food intake and do not interfere with the normal digestive process. To perform the surgery, doctors create a small pouch at the top of the stomach where food enters from the esophagus. Initially, the pouch holds about one ounce of food and later expands to hold more. The lower outlet of the pouch has a small opening to delay the emptying of food from the pouch and cause a feeling of fullness.

Restrictive operations for obesity include the Adjustable Gastric Ban (LAP-BAND), which restricts the size of the stomach using a band.

Although restrictive operations lead to weight loss in almost all patients, they are less successful than malabsorptive operations in achieving substantial, long-term weight loss. Some patients regain weight. Others are unable to adjust their eating habits and fail to lose the desired weight. Successful results depend on the patient's willingness to adopt a long-term plan of healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

This operation is the most common and successful malabsorptive surgery. First, a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This bypass reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. It is the primary surgery performed by The Clarian Bariatric Center.

This operation can be performed either by a traditional open surgery or laparoscopically, a relatively new technology using a small video camera and a few customized instruments to perform surgery with minimal tissue damage. The Roux-en-Y technique is generally more effective in reversing health problems associated with severe obesity. Patients who have malabsorptive operations generally lose two-thirds of their excess weight within two years.

News article: Weight-loss surgery brings risk of iron deficiency

Saturday, October 17, 2009 by Trish Seidel

This article is just another reminder of how important it is to talk with your dietician to ensure that you are getting all the proper nutrients you need post-operatively. If you ever have a question about supplements, please call us at 317-275-7010.

Full text of this Reuters article can be found by clicking here.

Weight loss surgery can help you lose weight, but it's also likely to leave you unable to absorb iron, a new study suggests: Iron deficiency is a common problem after stomach bypass surgery to treat severe obesity -- and standard iron supplements may not be enough to prevent it in some patients.

Researchers found that among 67 Chilean women who had undergone the most common form of weight-loss surgery, 39 percent developed low blood counts, also known as anemia, within 18 months of surgery. That anemia was most often due to a deficiency in iron, which the body needs to produce healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen.

In contrast, less than two percent of the women had been anemic before surgery, the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

News article: Fighting obesity can't be done sitting down

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Terri Hohlt

I saw this editorial in the Pensacola News Journal and thought it was full of excellent information. The first few paragraphs are below and full text can be found by clicking on the link.

Obesity causes all sorts of health-related problems ranging from high-blood pressure to diabetes to heart disease. New research now shows that being fat is quickly becoming the second-leading cause of cancer behind smoking.
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The news is especially bad for women in Western countries in coming years as the obesity epidemic continues to put them at higher risk. Colorectal cancer, breast cancer in menopausal women and endometrial cancer accounted for 65 percent of all cancers linked to being fat.

Scientists still aren't sure why being fat boosts cancer risks, but suspect it is connected to hormones. As people become fatter, they produce more hormones like estrogen that help tumors grow. People with big bellies also have more acid in their stomachs, which can lead to stomach, intestinal or esophageal cancer.

News article: Low Short-term Risks after Bariatric Surgery for Extreme Obesity, Study Suggests

Friday, August 7, 2009 by Andy Pollen

The following article brief came across on the Obesity Action Coalition's August e-newsletter. Highlights are below with a link to full text of the article:

Short-term complications and death rates were low following bariatric surgery to limit the amount of food that can enter the stomach, decrease absorption of food or both, according to the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS-1).

Results are reported in the July 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Less than 1 percent (0.3 percent) of patients died within 30 days of surgery, further supporting the short-term safety of bariatric surgery as a treatment for patients with extreme obesity.

Bariatric surgery can have dramatic health benefits--such as improved blood sugar control or even reversal of type 2 diabetes. But it also carries serious risks, including death. The LABS-1 study aimed to evaluate the short-term safety of bariatric surgery to help doctors and patients understand the risks.

To view this article, please click here.

Step away from the cheeseburger!

Saturday, July 18, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

I hope everyone is having a great summer! As always, the Buckalew household is running on high. Those are the moments I wanted to address. I have spent the last six odd weeks running my daughter back and forth on a three hour round trip to a conservatory for play writing. Add that to a regular work day, softball games and vacation bible school and before you know it, you are off of schedule and the golden arches look really good as a supper solution, even to the post Bariatric patient. Remember we have had surgery on our stomach, not our mind so we still fight those same old hateful urges.

STOP! Put that cheeseburger down and step away from the counter. I know there are healthier options at local fast food chains, but as a Indiana weight loss surgery patient I have paid the price for a trip to the Arches, a ride with the King or a swim with Long John. We need to stay away from those places. If you are tempted to try just one fry, who is to say you will not slip down that slope to a value meal (the fries are cheaper in that)?

If you must stop somewhere, go for a salad (no dressing), hold the cheese and croutons. Add lemon juice and salt and pepper and tons of veggies. The cheese is never 1% or 2% and you add tons of unnecessary calories to our day. I will run over to Subway and get a salad with grilled chicken and loads of veggies on these harried days. The kids love it and it is a better option than the burger joint.

Sometimes these places are a huge trigger for us and I admit I have tried. That doesn’t make me a failure. It does make me very cranky; the stomach cramps are not pleasant. Take it from one who has sailed with the arches, the king and Long John. Do not go there. Think ahead, keep your plans on a calendar so that you know the commitments for the day and can prepare ahead of time. Preparation is the key. If you have specific dietary questions feel free to call one of Clarian Bariatrics Registered Dieticians at 317-275-6067.

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.

Did you know?

Friday, May 8, 2009 by Andy Pollen

Weight-loss surgery falls into two basic categories: restrictive surgery and malabsorptive surgery.

Operations that reduce the stomach size are known as restrictive surgery because they restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold. An example of this type of procedure is the adjustable banding.

Some operations combine stomach restriction with a partial bypass of the small intestine. These procedures create a direct connection from the stomach to the lower segment of the small intestine, literally bypassing portions of the digestive tract that absorb calories and nutrients. These are known as malabsorptive surgery.

A combination of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures tend to produce more weight loss than either procedure does on its own. An example of a combination is called Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery. Today, this procedure is considered the "Gold Standard" for bariatric surgery.

Want to learn more? Then click here!

Fueling for Bariatric Fitness

Monday, May 4, 2009 by Erin Light

Since our bodies burn our nutrition choices as fuel, it is important to fill ourselves with the best fuel available. And since food is our fuel, it has a strong affect on our energy levels during exercise as well! I have received a few questions about what choices would be best to help boost energy levels during exercise sessions—so here are a few examples for post-surgery exercisers looking to keep their tanks healthy!

Low-calorie, electrolyte-enhanced beverages like Powerade Zero and SmartWater
Skim Milk or Fat Free Lactaid that you can sweeten with sugar free Nesquick
Fat Free Yogurt

These options are mainly in liquid form, because they protect the “90-minute rule” that you are required to follow. And since the goal of exercise right now is to help facilitate weight loss, we want to keep your extra fuel intake to a minimum, so your body uses stored fat as energy.

It isn’t necessary to take in extra fuel before a workout, but if you feel zapped of energy or your stomach feels completely empty—these are good options for you. Try to take in your extra fuel about one to two hours before you plan to exercise, and you should be good to go!

Measure Your Muscle Building Success, Part II

Monday, April 27, 2009 by Erin Light

So if you want to see your progress in a new light until then, try these two techniques:

Circumferences---Find a soft tape measure and measure the circumferences of all your major body parts. Focus on the waist (smallest part of the stomach right around the navel), hips (widest part of the area), arms, and thighs. Write down all these numbers. Since muscles are dense, your body will naturally start to firm up and slim down with weight training. You may see these results faster than what you see on the scale—so use this measurement too!
Clothes-o-meter---Find your tightest fitting pair of pants that you own (non-elastic!) and put them on. Wear them for a bit and absorb how they feel. Even jot down a few notes about it (maybe where you jotted down your circumferences) or take a picture of yourself in them. After a few weeks of following your strength training plan, put the pants back on and notice how different they feel. This is one of my favorite indicators of good progress, because no matter what, those pants haven’t lost their shape---only you have!

The Importance of Communication

Friday, April 24, 2009 by Traci Baker

As a post bariatric surgery patient I sometimes think people don't get it? I assume those around me have been educated enough to understand why I eat the way I do why certain things bother my new stomach and how my new plumbing works!

I have to step back and realize am I truly communicating this information to those around me? I am one of the biggest advocates for bariatric surgery around, but I tend to forget that I need to make sure I am always educating! Knowledge is POWER!

Having bariatric surgery changes all aspects of your life including your support system! Our surgery and inconsistent eating habits can cause those around us to feel like they are walking on egg shells. We tend to think the people in our lives have adapted to our new lifestyle but truly they may just be acting that way to please us.

Make sure to keep the lines of communication open with family, spouses, children friends, co-workers etc. Remember to be clear about our boundaries as weight loss patients and make sure they know their boundaries with you! Think about what has been communicated, what needs to be said and how to say it. Join me in being one of the biggest advocates in educating those around us and the public about obesity as a disease and how weight loss surgery can be a huge benefit.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me confidentially and directly at bariatric@clarian.org or 317-275-7010/877-275-2555.

Don't Beat Ourselves Up

Thursday, April 2, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

I was flipping through the television channels late on Monday evening and a program on the Discovery channel caught my attention. The show was talking about the ways we “beat” ourselves up.

It made me stop and evaluate our daily processes. Clarian Bariatrics has a multidisciplinary team that can help with many issues that are not visible to the average person. I have spoken several times about the way a weight loss surgery patient is viewed before and after the surgery. Dr William Hilgendorf is leading several pre and post-operative classes with varied topics from body image to addictions and several in between.

It is hard sometimes to deal with reality and what we view as reality. The people to handle the situation are here, and all you have to do is ask. We pride ourselves in leading the way in the the Bariatric field. The difference between our program and others is we are dealing with more than a person’s stomach.

For you to be successful you must look at all layers of who you are and why we are the way we are. Programs such as the one on the Discovery Channel give out misinformation that I (not psychologically trained) find frustrating. These people need help on several levels and do not know where to turn.

Do not be one of the many individuals that does not seek out the appropriate professional to help you with a very difficult decision, problem or treatment plan for these issues. Clarian Bariatrics staff are professionally trained and leaders in their given field of study. Do not let anything sabotage you on your road to success. Seek out the help, and view Clarian Bariatrics' mental health team is one more leg to help support you.

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.

Where do I begin? Part II

Monday, January 26, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew

Hi Everyone! I am posting more of my story...feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

This attention will help map the rest of your life. Dr. Mattar often tells his patients that he can do the stomach stapling surgery but the brain surgery is our part. You have to learn to re-think and cause your brain to evaluate the decisions you are making. You have to develop the proper habits: eating, sleeping and education. These are the foundation to wonderful beginnings.

When you are sitting on the starting line for your bariatric weight loss marathon you have trouble envisioning your self as anything but what you are in that moment. Hold on to your tennis shoes, the marathon has begun. You notice I said marathon not race. You will have to endure and overcome many obstacles.

Some you will tackle with little effort, but more will take some dedication and concentration. Be patient with your self, you did not get to your pre-surgery weight overnight, you will not lose it all overnight either. I always say think of this time next year, what will you be doing then that you cannot do now? The list is unlimited.

Let us help you reach your goals

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 by Andy Pollen

Have you been sitting in this cold weather and eargerly anticipating the arrival of spring, or better yet, summer? Have you been daydreaming about a day at the beach? A hike with your family? A leisurely bike ride on the Monon? I know I have!

For many Americans these will remain only daydreams as they feel trapped in a body that cannot support their active imaginations. At Clarian Bariatrics we want to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Our skilled Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeons want to help you overcome Obesity Medical Problems and reclaim your life.

Consider joining us at a FREE information session where you can ask questions of Indianapolis Weight Loss professionals and learn more about the Lap Band, Stomach Stapling Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery.

We went to help you reach your goals!

News article: Dueling Docs

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 by Andy Pollen

The following piece hit my Google alert today and I found it a pretty interesting read from The Huffington Post. In this popular series from the Web site, they take two physicians and have them debate a hot-button issue. In this case, stomach stapling surgery and weight loss surgery in general.

After working with Clarian Bariatrics for the past two years, I side with the camp that bariatric weight loss is the only way morbidly obese individuals can overcome a circle of health problems and reclaim their lives.

However, like anything in life, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery should not be made alone and without careful consideration. Talk to your physician, family and friends and read as much as you can about the pros and cons of this life-saving surgery before making a decision.

Click here to read the full article from The Huffington Post, and consider joining us at a free informational session if you have additional questions about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity or Indiana Hospitals.