Write It Down!

Most patients ask our office what is the best way to make sure I eat what I'm suppose to and get the right nutrients to ensure I am successful in my weight loss after surgery.  One option that we recommend to patients is using a journal....which our office can provide you free of charge!  Studies show that journaling along with a healthy diet, daily exercises, and support group meetings can double weight loss over those who don't journal. 

So What Do I Journal? 

• Write down your daily intake of food and you can also use this tool as a meal planner.  Planning ahead can help you to stay on track with eating more healthy choices than having to come up with something on a whim and risk eating something that you know you will regret later. 
• Writing down your weight and measurements so you are able to visually see your progress as you loss weight or if you have reached a plateau in your weight loss you can see what you ate and what worked when you were losing weight.
• Write down your goals for yourself and rewards for each milestone you reach in your weight loss journey.
• Write down exercises you enjoy and that have been beneficial in losing weight, and it also helps you keep up with the ones that did not work so great!

Other options for individuals who prefer to use an online journal can access this through the Realize mySUCCESS website discussed in the patient education class or other online options are websites such as FitDay and Calorie Counter by EveryDay Health. These are all excellent resources for online journaling that are easy for anyone to use and also the best part is that they are FREE!!  Feel free to come by our office in the East Entrance of Physicians East on Arlington Blvd to pick up your free copy of a journal.

What Is The Best Option For Me??

There are several options for individuals to chose for your weight loss journey, but which one is the right one for you? Some decisions are based on BMI or health problems, but some decisions are made due to fear or uncertainty of what the outcome may be for certain procedures.

Some criteria that has to be met before surgery can considered are a BMI (body mass index) of atleast 40 or atleast 35 with one or more serious obesity-related conditions.  Are at least 18 years of age and have failed more conservative weight lose alternatives such as a supervised diet, exercise, and behavior modification programs.

What are the procedures Physicians East Surgical Weight Loss Center offers?

Gastric Banding:
During the gastric band procedure, the REALIZE Band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach, dividing it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The upper pouch can hold only about 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of food. As a result, you eat less food at one time, feel full sooner, and feel satisfied longer. The goal is to lose weight gradually, at a healthy rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week.
No part of your stomach is stapled or removed during surgery, and your intestines are not rerouted, so you can continue to absorb nutrients from food. This surgery can be laparoscopic or open depending on your individual situation for more information on gastric banding click on the link.

Gastric Bypass:
Gastric bypass uses both a restrictive and a malabsorptive surgery technique. It restricts food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. In addition to creating a smaller stomach pouch, the surgery changes the body's normal digestive process. As a result, food bypasses a large part of the stomach and most of the small intestine. This surgery can also be done laparoscopic or open depending on your individual situation for more information on gastric bypass click on the link.

Sleeve Gastrectomy:
During this procedure, a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed. The sleeve is about the size of a banana. This procedure limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. It allows for normal digestion and absorption. Food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.  The majority of weight loss sleeve gastrectomies performed today use a laparoscopic technique, which is considered minimally invasive. Laparoscopic surgery usually results in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open surgical procedures. For more information on the procedure sleeve gastrectomy click on the link.

Feeling Ready to Attend one of our Patient Education Classes? Check out our Seminar schedule and give us a call at 252-413-6735 and enroll in one of our classes today!!!   Dr. MacDonald, Dr McGuire, and the staff look forward to meeting with you to discuss your weight loss options.

If your not there yet then make sure you do the research and talk with those who have experienced the surgery such as attendees at our Bariatric Support Group which meets the 4th Wednesday of each month.  We would love to have you visit our support group and please feel free to bring family or friends along to get information from important bariatric speakers each month.