Tag Archive for: weight loss surgery

Three Diets You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

dreamstime_xxl_15116074Food is one of the best parts of life. There are so many options no matter what you like. After your surgery, your bariatric surgeon and nutritionist probably told you what you could and could not eat. You likely went over a plan for food, but what about when you are finally back to eating a “normal” diet? Below are a few diets you may not have heard of, but may be just the diet you need in your life. Even if you haven’t gone through bariatric surgery, consider these three diets.

The DASH Diet

The DASH diet was originally designed to help lower blood pressure. If you are overweight and suffering from high blood, you may consider trying the DASH diet for weight control. This plant based diet has a heavy emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and is balanced with the appropriate amount of protein. . If you have high blood pressure, consider taking advantage of this diet. The DASH diet is one you can follow for the rest of your life.

The TLC Diet

Does cardiovascular disease run in your family? Do you have heart problems? This diet was created by the American Heart Association to help decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This diet is based on reducing saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fat, is found in whole-milk dairy, butter, cheeses and fried foods. When you eat too much saturated fat, your cholesterol increases too, which can lead to cardiovascular issues.  The TLC diet helps to limit your saturated fat intake which can help to control cholesterol.

dreamstime_xxl_38437127The MIND Diet

If you’re worried about developing Alzheimer’s, want to prevent Alzheimer’s from happening to you and your family, or simply to enhance your brain function with certain healthy foods, this diet may be for you! The MIND diet may lower your risk for cognitive decline.  This diet focuses on the ten brain healthy food groups: leafy vegetables, vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. If you want to work on strengthening your mind and your heart, this diet might just be perfect for you.

At Weight Zen, located in New York, we want you to have the body and mind you’ve always imagined. If you are looking for weight loss surgery, weight loss or  general health and wellness, Weight Zen can help you. Contact us today to begin changing your life.

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The Mediterranean Diet

dreamstime_xxl_60747427You may or may not have heard about the Mediterranean Diet. This diet has recently become more and more popular. After you’ve had your bariatric surgery at Weight Zen, located in the heart of New York City, you probably talked to your bariatric surgeon and nutritionist about what foods you can consume and what you can’t. As you acclimate back to eating a normal diet, or if you want to try dieting before you turn to weight loss surgery, you may consider this diet.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

This diet is seen as one of the healthiest diets because of what it focuses on. The Mediterranean diet is the diet that is consumed in the Mediterranean in countries such as Greece, Turkey, Albania, Croatia, Israel, Syria, Tunisia, Slovenia, Monaco, Morocco, Libya, and other countries are located.

What Foods Are Involved in the Mediterranean Diet?

The foods that are involved in this diet are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and legumes. For protein, lean protein is chosen such as fish and poultry versus the red meat that the American diet is heavily focused on. Red meat also has saturated fat, which is what leads to heart problems. Red wine is included in moderate amounts. When you shop for this diet – and other healthy diets like it –  make sure to stay on the perimeter of the grocery store. You may have noticed when you go to the grocery store, most of the healthiest foods are on the edge of the store versus the inside. If you find yourself with lots of junk food in your cart, try to stay away from the aisles and only shop on the edge of the store where the vegetables, poultry, and fruits are offered.

dreamstime_l_14561359Why Should I Consider This?

Research shows the benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet. Weight loss, decrease in depression, and control of blood glucose levels, are all positive outcomes when following a Mediterranean diet. In addition, there have cases of reduction in heart and Alzheimer’s disease.

If you need to control your weight or have just went through bariatric surgery, then you may want to consider this diet. If you are in need of weight loss surgery or want more information, reach out today to schedule a consultation.

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The Importance Of Portion Control After Your Bariatric Surgery

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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.

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Can You Eat Spicy Food After Your Bariatric Surgery?

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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!

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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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Do You Need A Revision To Your Bariatric Surgery?

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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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How Your Body Temperature Changes After Your Bariatric Surgery

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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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