Grab N Go snack ideas from Obesity Help, Part I

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by Traci Baker
Our schedules are changing from summer’s sun and fun, to fall’s cool and going back to school.  Most of us are a little busier and on the go in the fall, so it is important that we are prepared to grab a quick and healthy snack.  Here are some ideas for healthy, grab ‘n go weight loss surgery friendly snacks:

Fruits
Dried, fresh or even travel sized containers of fruit in their own juices are a quick and healthy approach to getting in your daily fruit requirement.  Berries, chunks of melon and other fruits in a baggy are easy to enjoy as you are on the go.  Bananas provide their own container making them an easy take-along snack.
Nutrition Bite: 1 medium banana is 85.1 calories

Raw Vegetables
Vegetables are easy to take along and jam-packed with nutrients, providing a great source of fiber.  For some variety, add a little dipping to the mix; try hummus, yogurt, light or fat-free salad dressing.  Do your prep work ahead of time and have your veggies sitting in the refrigerator ready to go.
Nutrition Bite: 1 cup of green pepper slices is 18 calories

Protein Bars & Drinks
This is a great grab ’n go to help you get in your protein requirements.  When selecting your protein bar - be mindful of the use of high-quality proteins, the sugar and fat grams in bars, and calorically if it is a snack or a meal replacement. For a protein drink, pack your protein powder and bring a bottle of water to mix for a refreshing, healthy snack.
Nutrition Bite:  One serving of CLICK Espresso Protein Drink is 120 calories

Cheeses
Lowfat cheeses that are packaged for travel are a time saver!  String cheese and soft cheese packaged in circular or triangle shaped single servings pack a punch of protein.  Another option is to cube cheese the night before in preparation to take  the next day.  Enjoy these alone or combine with fresh veggies or fruit for a filling on the go snack.
Nutrition Bite: 1 Sargento Light String Cheese is 50 calories

Look for more ideas on Friday!

1 Comments »

What To Expect at Seminar

Saturday, September 19, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Are you considering bariatric weight loss surgery, but are not sure what to expect at one of our FREE seminars? Below is just a brief overview of how the process works.

From their very first visit at Clarian Bariatrics, all patients receive extensive education about the health problems with obesity, the presumed causes of the epidemic rise in obesity in Indiana and the U.S., the medical, psychological, social and economic consequences of obesity, and the keys to maintained successful weight loss.

These educational sessions are conducted by Indianapolis weight loss surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists and other experts. The sessions are also attended by former patients who provide a personal perspective of their experience and describe the challenges they faced after weight loss. Attendees are also provided with a tour of the facility and are given numerous references for further research.

From there, individuals can decide whether or not the time is right for Indianapolis area bariatric surgery and will schedule a consultation. In future posts, I will discuss what happens after the initial consultation. In the meantime, if you have questions, please call us toll free at 877-275-2555.


0 Comments »

Clarian Bariatrics in the news!

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Andy Pollen
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.

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
0 Comments »

News article: Bariatric surgery may be only option in weight loss

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 by Andy Pollen
I saw this posting in the Detroit Free Press and thought it was full of wonderful information for those individuals considering weight loss surgery in Indiana or elsewhere in the state. I will post the first few paragraphs below and you can find full text on questions related to bariatric weight loss surgery by clicking the link.

Question: I am 5 feet 6 and weigh 240 pounds. I also have Type 2 diabetes. I know I need to lose weight, but knee problems have kept me from exercising, and weight-loss medications haven't helped. I'm now thinking about weight-loss surgery.

Answer: When diet, exercise and medication have little effect, the best option may be weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery.

An estimated 220,000 people had bariatric surgery in 2008, and nearly 30% of them had diabetes. For most, the surgery cures their diabetes, meaning their blood sugar returns to normal levels and they no longer need diabetes medications.

The two most widely used procedures, gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding, lead to substantial weight loss. Although slightly more risky, the bypass procedure leads to greater and faster weight loss. It's also more effective in resolving diabetes and other health complications than the banding procedure. In fact, diabetes resolves in more than 84% of people who undergo gastric bypass.

0 Comments »

News article: Obese People Are At Greater Risk For Developing Alzheimer's

Friday, September 11, 2009 by Andy Pollen
This story is very personal as my grandmother has been battling this disease for the past two years. Although she was never obese during her lifetime, it shows that Alzheimer's is indiscriminate in whom it can affect. I simply want to share this article in the hopes that it can raise awareness of this horrible disease. The first few paragraphs are below, and the full text can be found here.

Obesity is on a rampage, with the World Health Organization pegging the numbers at more than 300 million worldwide, with a billion more overweight. With obesity comes the increased risk for cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, and hypertension.

Now comes more discouraging news. In the current online edition of the journal Human Brain Mapping, Paul Thompson, senior author and a UCLA professor of neurology, and lead author Cyrus A. Raji, a medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and colleagues compared the brains of people who were obese, overweight, and of normal weight, to see if they had differences in brain structure; that is, did their brains look equally healthy.

If you would like to learn more about Indiana weight loss surgery, causes of obesity and how bariatric surgery can change your life, please join us at a FREE informational seminar. Click on the image at the right of this post to learn more.

0 Comments »

Join us at a FREE informational seminar this week!

Monday, August 31, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Join us for an educational seminar to speak with our surgeons, nutritionists and past patients to learn how weight loss surgery can help you gain control of your weight, regain health and start a new life.

At the seminar you can learn about bariatric surgery costs, Indianapolis weight loss surgery options and hear from Indiana Bariatric Surgeons about the ins and outs of surgery. Please feel free to bring as many support people with you as you like.

WHEN:  Thursday, September 3 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE:  Clarian Bariatrics (6625 Network Way, Suite 100 - Indianapolis)

Please click here to RSVP or call 317-275-7010 with questions.
0 Comments »

Support Group Tomorrow!

Monday, August 31, 2009 by Sarah Muntel
This is a quick reminder that we will be having support group at Clarian Bariatrics' Indianapolis weight loss surgery clinic tomorrow night.

Topic:               “The Motivational Mindset to Exercise”
Speaker:           Erin Light
Date:                September 1
Time:                6 p.m.
Location:          Clarian Bariatrics (6625 Network Way, Suite 100 - Indianapolis)

Also, don't forget about these other support opportunities in September:
  • Total Body Fitness classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m -6:00 p.m. in Indianapolis.
  • “On Track” Support Groups for patients greater than one year post-op are held the second, third, fourth and fifth Tuesday from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
  • “Walk the Talk” group meets Fridays from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Meet with staff member and walk for thirty minutes and then bring your lunch and eat for the last half of the meeting.

See you all soon!
0 Comments »

Kidney Stones and Gastric Bypass Surgery

Saturday, August 29, 2009 by Jack Ditslear
Benefits of weight loss surgery are lower blood pressure, remission of diabetes, decreased risk of heart disease, lower blood cholesterol level, etc. as we all know, every benefit has a potential risk. A recent article in the Journal of Urology looked at the risk of kidney stones and gastric bypass surgery.

4,639 patients who underwent bypass surgery and 4,369 obese patients in a control group who didn’t have bariatric surgery were followed for four years. Of those, 4.6 percent of the control group developed kidney stones versus 7.7 percent of the bypass surgery group developed stones. This is a slight increase risk of developing kidney stones after bariatric weight loss surgery.

Prevention of kidney stones requires staying hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of fluid each day. This will prevent concentrating your urine which will decrease risk of kidney stones. If possible learn what type of kidney stones that you may be at risk of developing –calcium based kidney stone may require you to watch your intake of dairy products or if it is oxalate based may require you to limit your intake of dark green vegetables (spinach, kale,) and herbal teas. Consult with your primary care doctor if you suspect you are at risk of kidney stones.
0 Comments »

Gastric Band Support Group Recap - August

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 by Alvin Furiya
The Clarian Bariatrics' support group meeting for gastric band patients was held on Tuesday, August 18. Did you know that Clarian Bariatrics offers monthly support group for gastric lap band weight loss surgery patients on the third Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7p.m.? Please consider joining us at the next session.

The topic this month was "Why We Overeat?"

A few of the reasons we overeat are steeped misinformation and myth, but there are many with theories with scientific data to back it up. Some of the myths and truths include: 
  • Emotional eating, which could include feeling like there is no hope or giving up.
  • Foods affecting neurotransmitters in the brain including sensory cues like vision, smell and taste.
  • Personal and family history and traditions.
  • The ability to get food 24/7.
  • Making our life "chaotic" through various commitments.
  • Even the theory that the food and restaurant industry are manipulating fat, sugar, and salt content.

However, this is a very small list of reasons. Solutions to combat why we over eat include:
  • Learning fact from myth.
  • Creating structure in your life.
  • Practice eating right by picking foods that satisfy not stimulate.
  • Anticipate events in your life and seize control.
  • Stop destructive thoughts as they happen not afterwards.
  • Listen to yourself!
The group concluded that there is not one problem or solution to overeating. Ultimately, it is about making choices and understanding the benefits and consequence of those choices.
2 Comments »

See you at the Indiana State Fair!

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Andy Pollen
The entire staff at staff would like to take a moment to thank you for choosing Clarian Bariatrics to provide your care.  As a weight loss surgery patient do you know someone who has an interest in learning more about bariatric surgery and the lifestyle changes it brings? 

We would like to invite you and your interested guest to visit our booth at the Indiana State Fair on August 14 and 15 located in the Clarian Healthy Lifestyles pavilion.  If you bring a copy of this blog post, along with an interested guest to our booth between the hours of 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., you will both receive a free gift!

Our staff will be there to answer any questions and provide assistance to anyone interested in our program.  When you stop by don’t forget to try a bariatric friendly food sample made with Red Gold products! 

We would also like to share that Clarian Bariatrics is forming a walking team for First Lady Cherie Daniels' Heartland Walk for Health on August 15. If you are interested in joining our team leave your name, phone number and your t-Shirt size with Paula at 317-275-7014 before July 27, 2009.  Your information will be related to our team captain who will contact you regarding registration.

See you at the Great Indiana State Fair!
0 Comments »

Kids Dart. Drive Smart.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Although this does not relate directly to weight loss surgery, as a Clarian Health entity, we wanted to take a minute to let everyone know about our annual Kids Dart. Drive Smart campaign led by Riley Hospital for Children.

Pedestrian injury remains the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages five to 14. According to the National Centers for Injury Prevention and Control, approximately 42,000 children were injured as pedestrians in 2007, and from 1999-2006, there were 4,789 pedestrian fatalities among children 17 and younger in the United States. Indiana children accounted for 87 of these deaths. Additionally, more than 36 percent of these injuries occurred during the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Because any child hurt is one too many Riley Hospital for Children and Riley Hospital for Children at Clarian North initiated Kids Dart. Drive Smart., a grassroots, child safety campaign designed to reduce driving speeds during the summer and back-to-school months - a time of year when traffic patterns change and more children are injured while playing and bicycling.

During the inaugural campaign in 2007, more than 5,000 yard signs were distributed throughout the Indianapolis area, with demand exceeding supply. Due to the success of the 2007 campaign, Riley engaged hospital partners in eight Indiana cities, neighborhood coalitions and physician offices to expand the 2008 Kids Dart. Drive Smart. campaign across the state. In 2008, almost 19,000 yard signs were distributed statewide. The dedication of the local community to support pedestrian safety was unparalleled.

According to AAA, every two seconds a driver’s eyes are off the road, a motorist is twice as likely to be involved in a crash. To date, more than 20 states have banned, or partially banned texting while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that 78 percent of crashes involved a driver distracted within three seconds before an accident.

This year’s campaign will officially launch at Family Day at the Indiana State Fair on Monday, August 10.  After that date, more than 5,000 signs will be distributed by Riley Hospital for Children at Clarian North, and thousands more will be made available to Hoosiers throughout the state at various Clarian hospitals and affiliates and area AAA locations. Information on the Kids Dart campaign will be available at www.kidsdart.org. This Web site will indicate locations to obtain a yard sign and numerous safety tips for kids and adults.

0 Comments »

A Big Benefit of Bariatric Surgery

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 by Paula Haffley
Previously, I wrote about how patients feel that they have an abundance of energy post operatively and part of that is of course due to their weight loss; however, another reason for such a dramatic change in energy may be in part that they are sleeping better. 

A more restful, sound sleep will definitely allow you to awaken feeling more refreshed, and energized.  Many patients tell me they are sleeping better once they have lost weight and are surprised that their obesity affected their sleep. 

Then there are patients who are on C-PAP at night to sleep and as they loose weight, they are able to come off the C-PAP.  This group is aware that their sleeping issues are a result of obesity related problems and are so relieved to watch their health improve as a benefit of their weight loss surgery.

Want to learn more about how weight loss surgery can change your life? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar. Click here for more information.

0 Comments »

What's Coming Up This Week at Clarian Bariatrics?

Monday, August 10, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Whether you are a current/former patient or someone who is interested in learning more about Indiana weight loss surgery, there are tons of events happening at Clarian Bariatrics this week!

Support Groups
We will be having the following support groups this week!

  •  Clarian Health Cicero located at 1160 South Peru St., SR 19 in Cicero. Support group is held on the second Thursday of the month from 6 - 7 p.m.
  •   Pre-Surgery Coping Skills Group held each Thursday at the Clarian Bariatrics clinic from 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. 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. This group is free, but we ask that you please call 317-275-7010 or 877-275-2555 prior to attending.
Exercise Classes
We will be holding the following exercise classes this week!

"Walk the Talk" Walking Group - Join us weekly for a walking program and support group that will help you burn calories, make friends and keep you on track with your goals.  We meet every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic.  At these group we will walk, talk and get fit together!  Feel free to bring a sack lunch and chat with us during a support group meeting after the walk.  Make sure you bring a water bottle and wear your good tennis shoes!  In addition to our weekly walks, we participate as a team in charity walks related to disease prevention and research.  There is a small cost for to sign-up for the walks, but the experience is priceless. If you cannot make it to Clarian Bariatrics every week to walk with us, feel free to keep up with a walking program and join us for the charity walks as often as you can!

FREE Informational Seminars
Individuals will have two opportunities to learn about bariatric surgery this week. On Wednesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 13 you are invited to hear Indianapolis bariatric surgeons discuss the benefits of weight loss surgery procedures including gastric bypass and the Lap Band. Learn more by clicking here!
0 Comments »

Hair Loss in the Bariatric Patient, Part II

Saturday, August 8, 2009 by Jennifer Gregoline
A patient should be concerned of a nutritional problem after bariatric surgery if any of the following occurred:
  • Hair loss continued more than one year after surgery
  • Hair loss started more than six months after surgery
  • Patient has had difficulty eating and/or has not complied with supplementation
  • Patient has shown low values of ferritin, zinc or protein on lab results
  • Patient has had more rapid then expected weight loss
Iron:  Iron is the sing nutrient most highly correlated with hair loss.  While new research is conflicted as to the significance of ferritin as a diagnostic tool in hair loss, it has still been found that a significant number of people with hair loss respond to iron therapy.  Optimal iron levels for hair health have not been established. 

Zinc:  Zinc deficiency has been tied to hair loss in both animal studies and human cases.  Based on studies done and their results, it can not be definitely said that zinc would prevent hair loss after weight loss surgery and further studies would be needed to make this connection.  A note on zinc:  The tolerable upper intake level for zinc is 40 mg in adults.  These levels can cause gastrointestinal distress.  Chronic toxicity can start at intakes of 60 mg/day.  Some patients have heard on chat rooms and list serv forums that “high dose zinc will prevent hair loss after weight loss surgery.” Patients should be advised that high dose zinc therapy is unproven and should only be done under supervision due to the risks associated with toxicity.  A lab test to check for zinc deficiency would be best before giving a high dose such as this.

Protein:  Low protein intake is associated with hair loss.  Limited studies suggest that patients with the most rapid or greatest amounts of weight loss are at greatest risk.  Pancreatic enzymes that would help aid in protein digestion are redirected to a lower part of the small intestine.  Based on this, it is likely that maldigestion, rather than malabsorption, is responsible for many hair loss cases. 

Biotin:  To date, there is no science that would support supplementing with, or topically applying biotin will prevent hair loss or improve hair regrowth.  While biotin deficiency can cause dermatitis, hair loss is only known to occur in experimentally induced states in animal models or in extreme cases of prolonged diets composed exclusively of egg whites. 

Hair loss can be distressing to bariatric surgery patients and many will try to nutrition themselves to see if they can prevent it.  Unfortunately, there is little evidence that early hair loss is preventable because it is most likely caused by surgery and rapid weight loss.  However, later hair loss can be indicative of a nutritional problem. 

Reference:  Bariatric Times.  “The Latest on Nutrition and Hair Loss in the Bariatric Patient” by Jacqueline Jacques, ND.  9/08
0 Comments »

Hair Loss in the Bariatric Patient, Part I

Thursday, August 6, 2009 by Jennifer Gregoline
A common fear for patient’s who have undergone bariatric surgery is hair loss. For most of us, our hair is important as part of our self-image but is not very important to our bodies.  After surgery, the body is forced to make a choice on where to send the nutrition that is going into the body.  After surgery, the body will shift nutritional stores to vital organs like the brain and heart and away from hair thus resulting in hair loss. 

Hair loss has many causes.  The most common type of hair loss after weight loss surgery is a loss known medically as telogen effluvium, which can have both nutritional and non-nutritional causes. 

For most of our life, we are always in the process of growing and losing hair.  Human hair follicles have two states:  a growth state and a dormant state.  All hairs begin in the growth state and then shift to the dormant state, which lasts 100-120 days.  After this many days, the hair will fall out.  At any given time, about 90 percent of hairs are in growth state and 10 percent are in a dormant state. 

Specific types of stress can result in a shift of a higher percentage to the dormant state.  These stresses include:  high fever, severe infection, major surgery, acute physical trauma, chronic debilitating illness (such as cancer or end stage liver disease), acute weight loss, crash dieting, hormonal disruption, anorexia, low protein intake, iron or zinc deficiency, heavy metal toxicity and some medications. 

Bariatric surgery patients have two major risks for hair loss:  major surgery and rapid weight loss.  These two are likely to account for much of the hair loss after surgery.  In the absence of a nutritional issue, hair loss will continue until all hairs that shifted into the dormant phase have fallen out.  Hair loss will rarely last for more than 6 months in the absence of a dietary cause.  Patients can be reassured that with time, patience and keeping up good nutritional intake, hair will grow back. 

0 Comments »

News article: Study finds low risk with bariatric surgery

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Another great article from the Advisory board regarding common questions/concerns individuals have prior to undergoing weight loss surgery. I have put the highlights below, but would welcome anyone interested in bariatric surgery to visit us at an upcoming FREE seminar to ask even more questions. Dates can be found at ACallToChange.org.

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

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

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

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


0 Comments »

Clarian Bariatrics in the news!

Monday, August 3, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Clarian Bariatrics was in the news several times last week! Click on the links below to view our recent news articles.

Single-incision procedure is easier on the patient
Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis,IN,USA
Dr. Don Selzer is a physician at Clarian Bariatrics and associate professor of surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine. ...

Business Line
Muncie Star Press - Muncie,IN,USA
The Bariatric Center, 2901 W. Jackson St., is now named Clarian Bariatrics at Ball Memorial Hospital. Officials said the goal of the partnership is to ...

Cook Medical product used in bariatric surgery - WTHR | Indianapolis
Source: www.wthr.com
In bariatric surgery, excess skin can be a problem. A skin substitute is being added to the procedure to improve outcomes.

Have a question about any of the information listed above? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar. At the seminar you can listen to Indianapolis bariatric surgeons and staff discuss the many aspects of weight loss surgery. Click the image at the top right of this page to get started!


0 Comments »

Patient Feedback

Thursday, July 30, 2009 by Paula Haffley
I see post bariatric surgery patients several times a week at Clarian Bariatrics as a physician assistant to Dr. Samer Mattar, and Dr. Don Selzer.  During my visits, I have the privilege of hearing how we have changed our patients’ lives.  I wanted to share with you a few of the things I hear from our weight loss patients all the time!

The most frequently made comment is about the increase in energy that almost all of our patients have.  Prior to obesity surgery the majority of our patients’, complain about how fatigued they are.  They have no energy to get through day-to-day life.  Cooking, cleaning, chasing children all of it is more exhausting than their energy allows.

Post surgical patients are amazed, thrilled, and grateful for the change in their energy levels.  Not only are they now able to do all the day-to-day chores of life but since they have had their bariatric surgery they have an abundance of energy for all of the fun and entertaining things they missed out on before. 

Are you ready to reclaim your life with weight loss surgery? Then join us at a FREE informational session where you can learn about Indianapolis bariatric treatment options and meet with Indiana surgeons. Click on the image at the right of this post for more information.

0 Comments »

Questions You Should Ask When Considering Bariatric Surgery, Part II

Thursday, July 30, 2009 by Tina Carmichael
Clarian Bariatrics offers extensive counseling, through our psychology department, our dietitians and our exercise physiologist. This provides individuals with a wide range of group and one-to-one sessions not just for counseling, but to assist you in becoming more physically active, help in making positive choices, and healthy behavior changes. 

Our exercise physiologist (Erin Light, also a blogger) is available to instruct you on how to increase your activities as you move up to a regular fitness program.  She will help you develop a plan and give you specifics on how to achieve your goals.  The Dietitians (Annessa, Alvin, Sarah, Jennifer - all bloggers) will help you make nutritional and healthy choices.  The psychology department (Bill, also a blogger) will help with coping skills that cover eating habits, body image, family dynamics, and various other topics of interest.

Our weight loss program will ask you to keep a food diary, and pre-surgery you will be required to follow a liver reduction diet of specific, widely available, foods, used to reduce the size of your liver, in turn reducing surgical risks.  The wide variety of foods available on this list should have something for everyone regardless of dislikes or allergies and should fit into any lifestyle or cultural needs.

Once you have had bariatric surgery you will be required to take vitamin supplements for the remainder of your life.  Your surgeon, based on blood tests, determines what you need to take.

After your weight loss surgery, Clarian Bariatrics has a full range of support groups to
keep you making positive and healthy behavior changes, to learn ways of dealing with such issues as what to eat at social or holiday gatherings, changes to work schedules, lack of motivation, and injury or illness?  Additionally dietitians are available by phone regularly and we have a great blog that helps keep our patients in touch as well.

As you can see from the above Clarian Bariatrics has a program full of ways to help you succeed in your weight loss goals.  Please give us a call for more information. If you are not in the Indianapolis area, look at similar programs in your area and see if they offer similar program elements as we do. The key is that you want to find a well-rounded program that supports not only your weight loss, but your emotional and exercise needs as well.

Learn more about us at ACallToChange.org.


0 Comments »

Are you supported?

Friday, July 24, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew
So you think you want to have Bariatric surgery?  So, you think you can do this alone?  I beg to differ.  You can read all the information posted on any Web site, soak up all the info from Oprah and TLC, but you have no idea what your contemplating until you speak to a patient first hand.  Every story is different every patient is different every situation is different.  The common denominator in all successful Bariatric patients, and in every Bariatric story and situation, is the support system. 

If you have surgery in a weight loss surgery center that does not have an adequate support system in place, and you do not have an abundance of supporting people around you, do not stop looking.  The Indianapolis Clarian Bariatric Center is supportive on more than the level.  The search for a proper fit is so important; do not settle for just any old place to change the rest of your life.

Yes, we stand behind our beliefs, we believe what we say and we walk what we talk.  Those are very important items when considering weight loss surgery. No person can do this alone, the education aspect alone could be overpowering.  Whether your support system is family, friends or loved ones we are always here to lend a hand, loan an ear or offer a word of encouragement. 

The people who work at Clarian Bariatrics believe in our passion.  We want all of you to succeed and the only way to do that is support!  Support does not mean, contribute to lifestyles that will harm a Bariatric patient, and often it is given to our patients in an honest straight forward manner, but it is given in love.  Support groups. walking groups, copings skills classes, cooking classes are all ways to build a stronger foundation for a successful outcome.  Come and visit us at our education seminars (we have one this week) and take the steps to changing the rest of your life.
0 Comments »