Should I Have a Weight Loss Goal Following Bariatric Surgery?
One of the most commonly asked questions we receive from patients following weight loss surgery is this: Should I set some sort of weight loss goal before or even right after my procedure? Amidst your journey of researching about surgery types, getting insurance approval, and going through with the procedure of your choice, you might find that you haven’t taken much time to plan for life after surgery. It is common to experience confusion surrounding how much weight is expected to be lost and what can be considered a “healthy weight.” Generally, we would like to see each of our patients be...
Bariatric Nutrition and Exercise
Engaging in physical activity is one of the keys to success after bariatric surgery. Once cleared by your medical team to start exercise after surgery, you should have a regular routine in place that includes both cardiovascular and resistance training. It plays an extremely important role in building muscle, improving metabolism, keeping excess weight off, and of course, it is good for your mental and physical health! We encourage you to experiment with different types of exercise to find something that you truly enjoy and will continue to do long-term. You have likely heard the...
Recognizing Your Hunger Signals: Is It Actual Hunger?
Regrettably, weight regain can happen after bariatric surgery. It’s actually quite common! Just know that if you have experienced weight gain, you are not alone. Many people fall back into old habits or find themselves still tempted by foods you know won’t help you reach or maintain your goal weight. Fortunately, with a little help and willpower—as well as determination and commitment—there are ways you can develop a more deliberate mentality and stay on track with your dietary choices. People who tend to “fall off the wagon” or mindlessly consume unhealthy meals routinely, should stop and...
Body Shaming Hurts More Than Just You
Anyone else have the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” engraved into them from elementary school? If only this adage had more truth to it, right? Overweight people can have a number of physical or psychological complication that can impact their body. For example, some medical conditions and medications can contribute to weight gain. Any kind of trauma and abuse can trigger the development of eating disorders. Even factors where perhaps one is unable to afford quality whole foods, and then this can lead to relying on “fast-foods,” or...
Mark B.’s Gastric Bypass Story
I have struggled with my weight most of my life and because of my weight I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure, and acid reflux. In June 2022 when I was 43 years old, I was moving with the help of some friends. I wasn’t feeling well the whole time and after dropping off a load at the storage unit, I couldn’t catch my breath and collapsed. It was quick, and luckily, I had good friends and family there with me. They called the ambulance and I was transported to the hospital. My oldest was 3 years old and my wife was pregnant with our second child. At first doctors thought I had a heart...