The Importance Of Portion Control After Your Bariatric Surgery

dreamstime_xxl_60221814

Dr. Rosen has helped countless patients reach their weight loss goals while also improving their overall health and wellness through bariatric surgery in New York at Weight Zen. This is all possible due to his focus on state-of-the-art bariatric surgical treatment coupled with exceptional guidance and advice after the weight loss surgery is performed. With this in mind, we’re going to take a look at the importance of portion control after bariatric surgery.

Portion Control Is Key To Wellness And Weight Loss

After undergoing any kind of weight loss surgery, it’s imperative that you eat your meals in small portions.  Our Nutritionist Megan Wolf suggests “small, frequent meals.” This will help ensure that you’re eating until you’re full but not eating more than what your stomach can handle. It’s important to find a balance, and small portions are a great way to find and maintain this balance.

Don’t Overeat

Overeating is a serious and legitimate concern after bariatric surgery. If you overeat after your weight loss surgery, you may be slowly stretching your stomach back out over time, which means you’re undoing the work of your surgeon. This is just one of the ways in which patients can actually regain unwanted weight after their bariatric surgeries.

In addition to stretching out your stomach and undoing your bariatric surgeon’s work, an immediate concern is suffering from stomach pain and indigestion. If you overeat after your weight loss surgery, you might end up feeling nauseous and could possible vomit. Avoid the pain by eating small portions of food throughout the day.

Savor Your Food

A great way to avoid overeating is to really savor your small portions. Eat them slowly, and chew everything thoroughly. There’s no rush in eating, right? Savoring your food will help prevent indigestion issues, and by taking your time, you’ll be able to know precisely when you’re full and it’s time to stop eating.

Consider The Size Of Your Plate

While it may seem farfetched, you can actually mentally trick your brain and appetite by utilizing smaller plates and bowls. Eating your small portions slowly helps you feel full, and it’s obviously a great way to help with any problems associated with controlling your portions.

Don’t Drink When Eating

Another important thing to remember after you’ve undergone bariatric surgery is that you should not drink liquids at the same time you’re eating. Drinking while eating will only make you feel full without actually ingesting a meal, which means you won’t be getting the nutrients your body needs. Weight loss is great, but you want to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need each and every day, which means you must eat full meals.

Pay Attention To Your Body

Obviously, every body is different. The most important thing is that you must pay attention to your body and its needs. If you notice hunger, pain, or any other issues as you adjust after your bariatric surgery, be mindful and try to pinpoint what is causing these things to occur. Paying attention and making needed adjustments will help you lose weight while feeling great the entire time.

Contact Weight Zen

If you’re struggling with portion control or any other factors after your bariatric surgery in New York, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Rosen and nutritionist Megan Wolf at Weight Zen for assistance.

/by

Can You Eat Spicy Food After Your Bariatric Surgery?

dreamstime_xxl_19814773

Dr. Daniel J. Rosen is a leading laparascopic bariatric surgeon in New York City. His high-quality care at our state-of-the-art facility has drawn many patients from near and far.  We are here to help and support you. Part of why Dr. Rosen is so trusted for bariatric surgery is his focus on the patient’s life after the weight loss surgery, such as lifestyle, diet and exercise needs. With that in mind, we want to take a look spicy foods  – a question we receive often – and how they may affect your body after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric Surgery Requires Some Dietary Changes

While we’ve stressed this before, it’s still important to emphasize that when you undergo bariatric surgery, you must change your diet and lifestyle.  At Weight Zen we advocate a six week modified diet – protein shakes, purees and soft food – following surgery.  It’s important to follow a modified diet to ensure you receive optimal nutrition while allowing your stomach to heal. Once you’re able to eat solids again, we will discuss certain dietary restrictions to prevent uncomfortable conditions such as dumping syndrome, indigestion, and heartburn.

Will I Be Able To Eat Spicy Foods After My Bariatric Surgery?

The answer is not so simple: it is yes. And it is no.  However, a more precise answer would be to limit your intake of spicy foods, especially during your first few months of healing and recovery.  See how you feel after eating spicy foods and then decide if you can tolerate it or not.  We have found that tastes, tolerance or cravings may change post surgery.

While Everyone Is Different, It’s Smart To Be Conservative

After your body has healed following surgery, your chances of experiencing irritation from spicy food may decrease. However, it’s still important that you don’t rush your body when it comes to your diet and digestive health.  Take things slowly, and pay attention to your body and its needs.

Consider Starting Out Mild Before Moving To Spicy

While taking it slowly, we suggest testing your body’s threshold for spicy foods by starting with something that’s only mildly spicy. This will give you a better idea of how your body is going to tolerate spicy foods before you dive into spicier choices. As always, chew well, savor and enjoy your foods.

If you’re struggling with spicy foods and cravings, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Rosen at Weight Zen today using the below form. We’re here to help!

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

/by

Five Huge Benefits Of A Liquid Diet Before Bariatric Surgery

By nature, we are eaters first, then drinking comes second. Even if it were completely possible for humans to get all of our nutritional needs through a straw, the idea of doing so for the rest of our lives is totally unthinkable for most of us. We crave food. Many of our bariatric surgery patients in New York have shared with us that they’re “stress eaters,” or that they eat when they’re stressed. When you take into consideration the fact that most patients are stressed before they undergo a major surgery such as weight loss surgery, the idea of not eating when you’re already anxious can make the idea of a liquid diet unbearable.

dreamstime_xxl_19555637

Five Advantages Of The Pre-Op Liquid Diet

With all of that said, we still emphatically recommend a liquid diet prior to your bariatric surgery if it’s possible for you. Here’s why:

Liver Shrinkage

Ultrasound-based research and studies have concluded that liver shrinkage occurs during liquid diets. Oftentimes we find patients who have livers so large, around one in 20, that they aren’t able to have surgery until they lose weight. When we have patients who are able to go on pre-op liquid diets, their livers tend to shrink and their procedures do not need to be postponed (which can cause even more stress).

Blood Sugar Control

A large number of our bariatric patients are also diabetic, and controlling their caloric intake through a liquid diet helps to improve their blood sugar control. When you’re able to get a handle on blood sugar before bariatric surgery, it helps reduce your chances of infection.

Hiatal Hernias

Patients who suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are often found to have hiatal hernias. If your liver is enlarged, it can get in the way of your surgeon when he’s trying to repair your hiatal hernia. Since we now know that liquid diets help shrink your liver, you’re killing two birds with one stone if you suffer from GERD or heartburn and have a hiatal hernia by going on the pre-op liquid diet.

Liver Retractor

When your liver is smaller, your bariatric surgeon will not need to put in a liver retractor to perform your bariatric surgery. This eliminates the hole that is made under your breastbone to put the liver retractor in place, meaning less pain for you in the long run.

Reduce Visceral Fat

When you go on any type of liquid diet, you’re going to lose some weight. Losing weight prior to your bariatric surgery will help decrease your chances of complications and give you a better post-operative experience and recovery. Losing weight is helpful because it reduces visceral fat (abdominal cavity fat), meaning that your surgeon will have a better view when performing your weight loss surgery. Less visceral fat also means that you’ll have a decreased risk for bleeding, you’ll be able to breathe easier, and you’ll be able to get out of bed easier after your surgery, reducing your risk of blood clots.

Want to discuss your options for improving your diet and making a change? Fill out the below form to get in touch:

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

/by

Seven Tips For Healthy Summer Eating

Most of our summers are filled with BBQs and trips to the beach or lake. For some, summer eating and drinking can throw bariatric surgery patients in New York off track. You may be thinking, “After I’ve undergone weight loss surgery, how will I still be able to enjoy all of my favorite summer activities without undoing all of my hard work?” There’s no need to fret. Today, we’re going to cover some great tips to get through the summer months like a true post-bariatric surgery pro.

Great Tips For Eating Healthy This Summer After Your Bariatric Surgery

Follow these tips, and you’ll continue feeling great while still being able to participate in your favorite summer activities.

Going to a BBQ? Offer to bring a healthy dish.

If you’ve been invited to a BBQ, step up and offer to bring a healthy dish that’s both good for you and tasty. We suggest a mouth-watering marinated and grilled chicken breast, vegetables, and some tasty fruit salad. This will ensure that you have something to eat without feeling like you have to request special food from the host.

Choose the smaller paper plate option, or bring your own.

If you’re going to a summer party or BBQ, use the smallest plate available or even opt to bring your own little paper plates to use. Remember, if you’re using a large paper plate, you’re likely going to fill it up with food without even realizing it. Big plates lead to larger portions!

Eat the healthy protein first.

Fill your stomach with the healthy protein from your meal first. Whether you’re eating a hamburger patty or some tasty grilled chicken, eat that first. This will help you attain your daily protein goal while managing your appetite, ensuring that you don’t overeat.

Reach for and drink plenty of calorie-free drinks.

As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, it’s very easy for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery to become dehydrated, and even easier when it’s hot and humid outside! Make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water or non-carbonated, calorie-free beverages when available. Not only will drinking a lot of water keep you hydrated, but it will also curb feelings of hunger and help you stay full longer so that you aren’t tempted to snack.

Watch out for those sliders!

Sliders, or slider foods, are usually snacks that have a ton of carbs in them, such as candy, chocolate, chips, cookies, crackers, etc. that don’t offer much in the way of nutrition, don’t keep you full for very long, and go down way too easily (hence the name). You’ll often find slider foods in abundance at BBQs and picnics. If you must eat these foods, take one handful or one cookie, and walk away without looking back. If you stand near these foods, you’ll end up giving in and grazing.

Take an overall look at what’s being served at the event.

When you arrive to the family BBQ or picnic, take note of what’s being served with your bariatric diet in mind. Remember, protein first, then vegetables, then carbs.

If you’re getting off track with your bariatric diet and need guidance, we invite you to contact our registered dietitian for help. We’re here for you and want to help you on your weight loss journey.

/by

Tips For Meal Planning After Your Bariatric Surgery

Did you recently undergo bariatric surgery? Maybe you’re considering bariatric surgery from Weight Zen in New York? Regardless, life after weight loss surgery is going to be a little different, especially in terms of how you prepare your meals. Before we start giving you tips for planning your meals once you’ve transitioned to solid foods, let’s take a look at two essential tools you’ll need for post-bariatric surgery meal planning success.

Two Essential Tools For Successful Meal Planning

It may seem like a daunting task to make the transition to eating the right foods for your new life while also possibly preparing meals for others in your home. Make sure you’ve got these two tools in your meal planning toolbox:

  • Organization
  • Pre-planning

Remember, if there are any family staple meals that already exist within your household that you’ll need to continue preparing, you should enjoy your meal first before preparing any heavier dishes. You can also consider “lightening up” some of those family meals your household has grown so accustomed to. We suggest speaking directly to our Registered Dietitian, Megan Wolf for tips on modifying these meals.

Tips For Meal Planning Following Bariatric Surgery

Congratulations! You’ve reached the milestone of being able to start post-weight loss surgery meal planning. Here are some great tips:

Pre-portion smaller meals.

Your portions should be small on your bariatric surgery diet. When you’re planning meals, make sure when you’re preparing regular-sized recipes, you’re dividing them into weight loss surgery-sized portions. It’s a great idea to store these individual portions into their own little packets or containers and freeze them to eat later.

Use your weekends for healthy shopping, meal planning, and cooking.

Use your weekends or any regularly scheduled days off to prepare your meals in advance.

  • Firstly, figure out what you want to eat and serve to your family if applicable, buy those ingredients, and prepare some recipes.
  • If possible, coordinate your meals with what’s on sale for the week at your local grocery store or what’s in season at your local farmer’s market. This will help make your meal planning cost effective.
  • Don’t hesitate to use online resources such as our blog or blogs like ObesityHelp.com to find and try out new recipes. If you’re unsure if a meal will work for your plan, consult your bariatric surgeon or dietitian.

If you do it correctly, it’s completely ok to eat out.

You don’t have to turn down lunch dates with friends, and there’s no need to panic when you don’t have time to cook or you’re low on food. While this may seem counterproductive, it’s ok to eat out as long as you do it correctly. Remember your bariatric eating rules, and follow them. Choose healthy, protein-based meals. If possible, look at the restaurant’s menu online before you go, or call ahead to ensure they have options for you.

Don’t Hesitate To Ask Our Bariatric Dietitian For Help

It’s what we’re here for! Our dietitian will be able to help you plan your meals depending on your specific circumstances and needs. The more people who are involved in your life and support your healthy decisions, the better!

Bon appétit!

/by

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Gastric Sleeve Surgery

dreamstime_xxl_25259666

Countless patients come to see Dr. Rosen at Weight Zen for his Gastric Sleeve surgery in New York. Here at Weight Zen, we take great care to ensure that all of our patients know the facts and are provided with ample information before they choose a bariatric surgery. With this in mind, we’d like to answer some of our most frequently asked questions concerning Gastric Sleeve surgery.

Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What is it?

Simply put, Gastric Sleeve surgery is a laparoscopic bariatric procedure where small incisions are made to make the patient’s stomach smaller. This not only helps reduce hunger sensations, but it limits the amount of calories consumed by the patient, too, resulting in safe and healthy weight loss.

Who is a good candidate?

The ideal candidate for Gastric Sleeve surgery is someone who is obese, generally with a BMI greater than 40. Typically, they’ve already tried other methods for losing weight without success and aren’t able to achieve a healthier BMI on their own. Those who suffer from diabetes or are at risk for heart disease are also great candidates for bariatric surgery.

What are the benefits of Gastric Sleeve surgery?

Relatively quick surgery.
It’s minimally invasive as we used laparoscopic techniques.
Low maintenance.
High rates of patient satisfaction and success.
The possibility to treat diabetes and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

How Can You Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgeries?

Contact Weight Zen today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Rosen and nutritionist Megan Wolf, who will assess your situation and go over all of your options with you.

/by

Know The Risks Of Dehydration After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

dreamstime_1762029

Dr. Rosen is a leading minimally invasive bariatric surgeon who has performed countless Gastric Sleeve surgeries in New York. He has helped many people achieve a healthier overall lifestyle while losing the weight they need to lose. It’s important to know the potential risks involved with bariatric surgery. With that in mind, we’re going to take a closer look at the issue of dehydration and how it can play a part in the Gastric Sleeve surgery.

Is Dehydration Really A Potential Risk After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Yes! Dehydration is a serious risk that needs to be considered by patients who are adjusting to their new diets and lifestyles after their Gastric Sleeve surgeries. We see countless patients who have each undergone bariatric surgery only to notice that they’re not staying well-hydrated. This is one of the potential risks of bariatric surgery and is something we’ll cover in depth during our consultations.

Why Does Dehydration Occur After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

After bariatric surgery of any kind, patients find that they often experience fewer sensations of hunger and thirst as a direct result of a smaller stomach. In turn, patients tend to end up eating and drinking less, which is great for their weight loss, but not so good for their hydration efforts. As patients recover from their Gastric Sleeve surgery, they must be careful to stay hydrated and pay attention to their bodies so that dehydration and nutritional deficiencies don’t occur.  Additionally, since it is not recommended to eat and drink at the same time, it’s vital that drinking occurs outside of meal times.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

Fainting
Reduced urine output
Dry mouth
Increased thirstiness
Swollen tongue
Dizziness
Weakness
Fatigue
Sluggishness

If you’re severely dehydrated, simply drinking large amounts of water will not help. You will need IV hydration at a medical facility. If you notice several of the symptoms above, it’s imperative that you seek immediate medical attention as quickly as you can.

Tips For Fighting And Preventing Dehydration

The best way to prevent yourself from becoming dehydrated after your Gastric Sleeve surgery is to drink water regularly with meals and in between meals. We recommend drinking 64 ounces of water a day, but this can vary depending on your physical exertion and how dry it is where you live.  We recommend small, frequent sips.  Guzzling will not work.

Take sips of water throughout the day to ensure hydration. Do not substitute liquid calories in sugary beverages for water. Remember, you must be mindful of what you’re putting in your body and what it needs throughout the day, especially after bariatric surgery.

Always Be Mindful Of What You’re Eating

Any kind of bariatric surgery is going to bring about major changes to your lifestyle. This means that you’ll need to take the necessary steps to make adjustments to meet your new dietary needs. If you need help when it comes to hydration and other issues, do not hesitate to call our team at Weight Zen. We will be more than happy to walk you through what you need to do and provide sound advice as you recover from your weight loss surgery. Call us today for a consultation, or fill out the below form:

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

/1 Comment/by

Do You Get Hiccups After Eating As A Gastric Sleeve Patient?

Dr. Rosen has performed countless successful Gastric Sleeve surgeries in New York. People from all over the area come to Weight Zen for his quality work, great bedside manner and success rates with patients.

Have you experienced hiccups after undergoing Gastric Sleeve surgery? Even things that are good for us can leave behind some unexpected side effects.

Hiccups Are A Bit Of A Mystery

It’s highly likely you’ve experienced a case of the hiccups after a couple drinks, or they may spontaneously come at random points during the day and only last a few minutes. These diaphragm spasms can occur for a variety of reasons, and while they’re certainly not serious, they’re absolutely annoying. This can be especially true when they happen frequently, which is oddly something that many bariatric surgery patients experience.

Possible Causes For Hiccups After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Hiccups can be mysterious even for those who have undergone weight loss surgery. There have been some suggestions in the surgical weight loss field that eating too quickly or too much can be the culprit. However, this isn’t always the case for all bariatric surgery patients, but it is a common thread among complaints.

Consider These Tips For Preventing And Stopping Hiccups In Their Tracts

With that in mind, there are several useful ways to prevent those pesky hiccups or at least get rid of them once they’ve started.

Slow down when eating and avoid overeating

Once you’ve undergone Gastric Sleeve surgery, it’s imperative that you eat your food slowly. Savor your food, chew thoroughly, and really enjoy each and every meal that you eat. This will allow you to see that you’re full sooner, and you’ll avoid overeating. When you simply slow down and enjoy your meal, you’re avoiding a number of issues associated with bariatric surgery.  Eating too much and eating too fast does not yield positive results.

Pay attention to your hiccup triggers

Notice frequent bouts of hiccups? Retrace your steps and try pinpointing the common denominator with each case. Did you overeat? Did you eat too quickly? Maybe it was something specific that you ate? Since you’ll want to pay attention to your body and it’s needs, this is helpful to consider. You can even keep a food journal to help determine what’s causing your hiccups.

Other Tips To Consider After Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery

We’ve stressed countless times on our blog that bariatric surgery requires a change in your lifestyle and that it can be a difficult transition for a while, but it’s ultimately worth it. That’s why we’re more than happy to include tips for what to expect after your weight loss surgery, including advice on exercise and dieting as well as other matters. This is how we ensure all of our weight loss patients are happy and healthy.

Schedule A Consultation With Us Today

Are you overwhelmed by the amount of weight you need to lose? Stop putting it off. Contact Weight Zen today using the form below, to speak about your bariatric surgery options. We’re here to help!

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

/by

Eating Your Fruits And Veggies After Bariatric Surgery

Here at Weight Zen in New York, we know just how hard it can be to learn how to eat again after your bariatric surgery. How are you supposed to know what foods to reintroduce into your meal plans and which ones to leave out? Today, we’re going to explore bringing fruits and vegetables back into your daily routine after your weight loss surgery.

Incorporating Fruits And Vegetables Into Your Diet After Bariatric Surgery

Fruits and vegetables can be a great component of a healthy diet after your weight loss surgery. Focus on low carb vegetables versus higher carbohydrate vegetables to set yourself up for success while improving your health and losing weight.

85c862727ef981ba8f4ac34611d28746

Low-carb Vegetables

Depending on what your bariatric surgeon says, you’ve likely been told how many carbs are appropriate for maximum weight loss. Make it easier on yourself by choosing from these low-carb vegetables:

  • Broccoli and cauliflower
  • Green beans and asparagus
  • Zucchini and squash
  • Tomatoes and onions
  • Spinach and kale
  • Bell peppers and mushrooms

Make these vegetables your new best friend. When compared to corn, peas and potatoes, the above vegetables have fewer carbohydrates.

Follow The Guidelines From Your Bariatric Surgeon

While fruit and vegetables are important parts of any diet, fruit intake should be controlled. The average serving of fruit can have 15 grams of carbs in it, which can add up quickly if you’re eating large amounts. Berries have the lowest sugar content, and are high in fiber which is a great combination.  You can also get a fruit flavor fix by adding sugar-free preserves or jelly to high-protein plain Greek yogurt.

Need help with your diet after bariatric surgery? Contact us at Weight Zen in New York City today to schedule a consultation.

/by

High Blood Pressure? Gastric Sleeve Surgery Can Help

dreamstime_xxl_22554332

Dr. Rosen is a leader in Gastric Sleeve surgery in New York, attracting patients from all across the state who need surgical weight loss help. Here at Weight Zen, we use state-of-the-art bariatric surgery procedures to help patients lead better and healthier lives and achieve a more ideal body mass.

Did you know that one of the most common health problems related to obesity is high blood pressure? Today, we’ll cover this issue in more detail.

High Blood Pressure & Obesity: What’s The Link?

Many people who are either overweight or obese tend to suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension. While the exact source of hypertension can vary from person to person, secondary hypertension is the type of high blood pressure related to lifestyle, health, and general wellness.

When people are extremely overweight or obese, they tend to have many more hormones circulating in the body, which are manufactured by the kidneys and fatty tissue. In addition to the increase of these hormones in the body, there is an increased volume of blood needed to circulate throughout the body, meaning that there must be increased pressure to keep the extra blood moving.

Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Effective At Treating Hypertension?

Yes! Quite effective.

When an obese or morbidly obese person achieves a more ideal body mass, it can go a long way in lowering his or her blood pressure and help towards alleviating hypertension. This is one of the many reasons why the Gastric Sleeve has become so popular in New York and around the country: because it is so good at improving total wellness.

While the benefits of Gastric Sleeve and other bariatric surgeries are many, remember that the weight loss surgery alone will not completely alleviate your hypertension. Patients will need to lead healthier lifestyles to experience the full benefits of the procedure.

Good Diets Help Lower Blood Pressure After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After your Gastric Sleeve procedure, it’s imperative to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet in order to receive the nutrition you need to recover and feel your very best. This means eating right and eating smart. Look for foods that will contribute to your heart health and total body wellness, and obviously avoid any junk food and fatty foods that have the potential to clog your arteries, ultimately leading to heart disease.

Exercise Is Also Important For Reducing High Blood Pressure

While you won’t be able to do much physical activity immediately following your Gastric Sleeve surgery, once you’re well on your way to recovery, your bariatric surgeon will be able to recommend some great low impact exercises. Physical activity and exercise is very important as it not only improves the amount of weight you can lose, but it also keeps your weight from coming back while improving your cardiovascular health at the same time.

Weight Zen: Helping Patients Discover New & Healthier Lifestyles

If you suffer from high blood pressure, obesity, or both, Dr. Rosen at Weight Zen is here to help you. As part of your initial consultation, we’ll discuss the best surgical weight loss options for you, what to expect on your new path, your post-bariatric surgery diet, and any exercises that will help you enjoy a full and much healthier life. Contact us today to get started using the below form:

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

/by