Tag Archive for: obesity 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.

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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.

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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.

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!

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.

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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.

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Here at Weight Zen in New York, our team gives patients the ability to lead more fulfilling, healthier lives through bariatric surgery. We help patients fight obesity and many of the various health issues related to obesity. With more and more Americans undergoing weight loss surgery, some procedures may not be as effective as patients originally planned. This can occur for many reasons.  When this happens, a revision to your bariatric surgery may be required.

What Is A Bariatric Surgery Revision?

A bariatric surgery revision refers to any kind of secondary surgery performed after a previous bariatric surgery did not yield optimal results. Your bariatric surgery revision will vary depending on what type of initial weight loss surgery was performed. In general, bariatric surgeons will assess the first surgery and then tailor the second to address your specific needs.

The Benefits Of A Bariatric Surgery Revision

The most important and key benefit of a bariatric surgery revision is that it will help you lose the weight you need to lose safely, allowing you to achieve your wellness goals. When appropriate, your bariatric surgeon may try to reuse the initial incision sites to minimize scarring.  At Weight Zen, we specialize in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, meaning we use very small incisions.

Minor Revision Procedures

For some patients, only a minor revision may be needed. This could be as simple as adding a Lap-Band to help with weight loss. If you’ve undergone a Gastric Sleeve surgery, you may just need to undergo a resleeving procedure where the surgeon will reduce the overall size of your stomach pouch.  With all procedures, you will see our nutritionist who will guide you on proper portion control, healthy eating and general wellness.

More Advanced Revision Procedures

Different measures may need to be taken if your revision involves a more extensive procedure, such as correcting a gastric bypass.

Are you seeing the results you expected from your bariatric surgery? If not, contact Weight Zen today and let us help you.

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Undergoing weight loss surgery means that your body and lifestyle are going to experience a number of changes. Some of the more expected changes can include weight loss, getting slimmer, and generally experiencing better health. There are others that are unexpected, but thankfully they’re manageable. Dr. Rosen and his entire bariatric surgery team in New York understand these issues, which is why we’re taking the time to cover one unexpected change: body temperature fluctuations.

Cold Intolerance

In general, some people just feel colder than others, and this doesn’t always directly relate to body weight. If you often feel colder than others and need a jacket or sweater, it’s possible that you have a condition known as cold intolerance. Cold intolerance has been linked to changes in body fat, resulting in issues regulating body heat.

Feeling Cold After Rapid Weight Loss

When your body loses weight rapidly as a result of bariatric surgery or some other reason, the result is a loss of body fat. This obviously impacts the way a person is insulated from cooler temperatures. When a person is losing weight rapidly, their metabolism also slows down, which can cause issues with overall body temperature regulation, too.

Anemia Can Also Contribute To Feeling Colder Than Usual

After undergoing any kind of bariatric surgery, it is common for patients to become anemic. Anemia, the deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin in your blood, can cause feelings of fatigue and can also contribute to feeling colder than usual.

Why does this happen after weight loss surgery? It mostly occurs due to an iron deficiency. Like we’ve discussed in previous blogs, it’s easy to get an iron deficiency after bariatric surgery, especially if you’ve undergone a malabsorptive surgery, as it can be difficult to get all the iron you need.

Feeling Hotter Than Usual?

While the majority of bariatric surgery patients feel colder than usual, it is common for patients to feel warmer than usual, too. This is typically just your body’s response to a major change in fat storage and weight.

Are These Hot And Cold Sensations Permanent?

No, not necessarily. As your body weight stabilizes, which is normally after 18 to 24 months, you will likely notice the fluctuations in your body temperature subside. We know that it can be a frustrating time, but your body is really good at adapting to change.

What Are Your Options For Addressing These Issues?

Addressing cold intolerance involves addressing the root cause in a realistic and sensible way. If you’re anemic or have issues with iron deficiency, consuming a healthier diet or taking iron supplements will be your best option. During the surgical consultation, we’ll discuss how you can get the most ideal diet for several different nutritional deficiencies. Sometimes you may need to carry a light jacket or sweater with you until your body temperature evens out.

Contact Dr. Rosen At Weight Zen

To learn more about bariatric surgery in New York and all of the potential side effects and challenges you may face, be sure to contact Weight Zen weight loss center today, using the below form. Our team will work with you to meet your needs and enhance your overall health and appearance.

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At Weight Zen, we understand that bariatric surgery is a huge step toward a healthier future. While the journey you embark on is lifelong, we help you by ensuring that you’re moving in the right direction toward a better path. To ensure success, we always go over the side effects and challenges New York patients will experience after their bariatric surgery. After your surgery, as you adjust to your new diet, there may be specific dietary needs that you aren’t meeting for one reason or another. With that in mind, we’re going to discuss nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgery and how you can avoid them.

Why Do Nutritional Deficiencies Occur After Bariatric Surgery?

In some weight loss surgeries, such as the Duodenal Switch or Gastric Bypass, patients lose weight through a combination of malabsorptive weight loss (limiting your caloric absorption during the digestive process) and restrictive weight loss (limiting your caloric consumption). In the case of malabsorptive weight loss, the food you eat may not be fully digested, leaving you unable to receive of the vitamins and minerals from your meal. This, coupled with changes in your diet, can result in some severe nutritional deficiencies that can lead to diminished or poor health.

Be Mindful Of These Deficiencies

There are a few nutritional deficiencies of which you should be mindful after your bariatric surgery. The most serious ones include:

  • Calcium: Comprising 2 percent of the entire human body, calcium is essential for healthy bones, teeth, proper muscle contractions, nerve function, and blood clotting.
  • Vitamin D: Not only does Vitamin D help with the absorption of important minerals such as zinc, calcium, and magnesium, it also helps with the regulation of insulin and proper immune function.
  • Iron: Your body needs iron to produce myloglobin (in muscle tissue) and hemoglobin (in red blood cells), which helps carry oxygen in your blood.
  • Copper: Not only is copper essential for proper growth and development, it’s also vital for the maintenance of several organs, including your heart, brain, connective tissue, and bones.
  • Zinc: Essential for ensuring that your immune system works properly, zinc is also imperative for cellular growth and cellular division.
  • Vitamin B12: This vitamin is essential for the production of both DNA and RNA, red blood cells, and improving how iron functions in the body.
  • Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid/Folate): This vitamin helps vitamin b12 produce red blood cells, is important to brain health, and can contribute to an overall improved emotional wellness and mental health.

Working Around Deficiencies

We recommend taking dietary supplements on a regular basis to avoid serious nutritional deficiencies. You’ll be able to directly address shortcomings in your diet by taking vitamin supplements, allowing you to lead a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Rosen and nutritionist Megan Wolf will work with you to tailor a supplement program specifically to your needs. This will be assessed during your consultation and planning phases of your bariatric surgery.

Are you ready to take control of your life? Call Weight Zen today and schedule a consultation with our bariatric surgeon and nutritionist . We’ll address your needs and discuss the best option for you.

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When patients come to see Dr. Rosen at Weight Zen, they know they’re meeting with a leader in bariatric surgery in New York. Many patients who come to us wondering if bariatric surgery is right for them often turn to their body mass index (BMI) as an indicator. What is BMI, and why is it useful for determining candidacy for bariatric surgery? Today, we’ll dive into these questions.

What Is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI refers to the ration of your weight and height. When calculating your BMI, the number at which you arrive yields a certain range, taking into consideration height and weight, and how that ratio relates overall to your body mass. It should be pointed out that BMI is not always an accurate measurement of obesity or health because numerous factors are involved, it is simply a measure of surface area. However, for the majority of people, BMI gives a reliable range for weight and height with regard to relative unhealthiness and fitness.

BMI Numbers & Classifications

There are several different ranges and classifications based on BMI numbers. The classifications are below:

BMI Classification
> 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 Normal Weight
25.0 – 29.9 Overweight
30.0 – 34.9 Obesity
35.0 – 39.9 Severe Obesity
40.0 – 49.9 Morbid Obesity
< 50.0 Superobesity / Extreme Obesity

While there are certainly anomalies when it comes to health, weight, and BMI, the majority of people who have a BMI of 30 or higher are more likely to experience severe health issues related to obesity, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, joint pain, and much more.

Let’s Break Down The Numbers

It’s easy to see some serious issues for people as their BMI number increases once we get into the numbers and their classifications. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) offers the following population breakdown in percentages via BMI for adults older than 20 years of age:

  • 31.2 percent are of normal weight or underweight (BMI is 24.9 or below)
  • 33.1 percent are overweight with a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9
  • 35.7 percent are considered obese with a BMI of 30.0 or more
  • 6.3 percent suffer from morbid obesity with BMIs at or greater than 40.0

As you can see from the data above, a significant amount of the population of America is either obese or suffering from extreme obesity.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right For You?

Generally, bariatric surgery is a great option for those who suffer from obesity and the more severe classifications of obesity. However, your BMI alone is not an indicator of whether or not you’re an ideal candidate for bariatric surgery. Your health and wellness will also be taken into account. We invite you to contact Weight Zen today to set up a consultation with us. We look forward to connecting with you and helping you improve your overall lifestyle.

There’s a huge misconception that people still need to take their insulin and other obesity medications after they’ve undergone bariatric surgery in New York. However, there’s actually a good chance that you’ll be able to ditch those pill bottles (after speaking with your doctor, of course) because along with reducing weight, bariatric surgery can actually help change your body’s chemistry. In fact, after gastric bypass surgery, 80 percent of patients with diabetes go into remission, and that means no more medication.

Many Diabetics Can Stop Taking Medication After Bariatric Surgery

One of the biggest benefits of bariatric surgery isn’t just weight loss; Type 2 diabetes is also significantly improved in most people. How does this happen? What changes in your body?

Bariatric Surgery Causes Your Hormones To Go Up And Down After Surgery

During two of the most common forms of bariatric surgery in New York, either part of the stomach is removed or the digestive tract is rearranged. This alters the amount of hormones released by your gut.

GLP-1

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in your intestines and normally spikes right after you’ve had a meal. What is it’s purpose? To help insulin move glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells. However, in those who are obese, GLP-1 doesn’t spike like it is supposed to after you eat. After bariatric surgery, your GLP-1 levels go up dramatically following a meal, meaning more help for insulin and glucose regulation. A lot of people are able to come off their diabetes medication right after surgery, even before weight loss occurs. In fact, the American Diabetes Association recommends bariatric surgery as a top choice treatment for people who have a BMI higher than 35.

Do you suffer from obesity? Do you need help gaining control of your weight again? Call Weight Zen today and see how we can help you get a new lease on life: 212.203.2146.

In our last several blogs, we’ve been tackling some pretty big misconceptions surrounding bariatric surgery in New York. Unfortunately, these misconceptions prevent many from getting the weight loss help they need because they take them for truth. Today, in our last series of articles about this topic, we’re shedding some light on a couple more important misconceptions that need to be banished.

Bariatric Surgery Misconceptions Versus Truth

Misconception: Bariatric surgery is risky, and recovery can take a long time.

Fact: For most people, the risks associated with bariatric surgery are very low, much like having your gallbladder removed. Honestly, it can be riskier for some patients to not have the surgery. You’re much more likely to die from stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer if you stay morbidly obese. As for the recovery, it’s usually brief. You may spend the night or two in the hospital and can usually eat solid foods within two weeks after a liquid diet.

Misconception: You can’t get pregnant if you’ve had bariatric surgery.

Fact: While we suggest that patients wait at least a year before trying to conceive after they’ve had bariatric surgery, having the surgery will not affect your ability to get pregnant, carry your child, or give birth. Truth be told, losing weight is an important step toward conceiving, since obesity can contribute to infertility in both men and women.  Losing weight often has a direct impact of fertility.

The bottom line here is that bariatric surgery changes more than your body, it reduces your risks of serious diseases and betters your quality of living. Bariatric surgery can give you a new lease on life. Contact us today to see how we can help you.