Bariatric Solutions

Teachers and Weight Loss Surgery

Kyle — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:32:06 -0400

No more homework to grade at nights and on your weekends, no more administratorsparents to deal with and no more children’s dirty looks! As a teacher these last few months have been a nice reprieve from the day to day grind of educating our nation’s students. Sure, you enjoy the job and love what you do, but another month or two off to recoup and gear back up for another school year sure would have been nice. Unfortunately, the glory days of summer are a thing of the past. The bell has rung and the school year has begun. If you are a teacher then you know this means: late nights developing creative lesson plans and learning methods to reach even the most difficult student, Sunday evenings spent balancing household chores with grading papers, counseling sessions with students during your lunch hour, Thursday and Friday nights supporting your students at their athletic events, and PTO and ParentTeacher conferences on your only other free evenings. Once again you have a LOT of responsibilities and commitments on your plate and before long you will likely feel the stress start to build. Before you know it the stress and the accompanying time constraints that come with being a teacher will likely start to negatively impact that diet and exercise program that you started in the summer. Before you know it your weight may start to creep back up that point to where you are uncomfortable and to where your overall health and quality of life starts suffer. If this happens then don’t be discouraged as our staff at Bariatric Solutions is dedicated to getting you back on track with your’ health and weight loss goals.

Bariatric Solutions is a Weight Loss Surgery Clinic located in Wise County in Decatur, Texas. We are 30 minutes northwest of Fort Worth and 30 minutes west of Denton. Bariatric Solutions is considered by many to be the place to have weight loss surgery due the overall quality of their program and the high level of personalized care that they provide for their patients. Patients who choose to have weight loss surgery at Bariatric Solutions are provided with a TEAM of health professionals to ensure that they lose the weight and keep it off for good. As part of the weight loss surgery process patients are provided with: Highly qualified surgeons, dedicated Bariatric Nurses, individualized nutrition plans developed by a Registered Dietitian, and exercise programsinstructions that are tailored to the unique needs and capabilities of each patient. At Bariatric Solutions we treat you like family and your success is our reward!

Recently, Bariatric Solutions has been designated as a Blue Distinct Facility. What does this mean to you? This means that Blue Cross Blue Shield (your insurance company) has reviewed our program and determined that it meets and exceeds the level of care that they require for their patients who choose to have weight loss surgery. As such, your insurance plan will cover weight loss surgery procedures (gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and lapband) that are completed through Bariatric Solutions and at Wise Regional Health Systems. This is very important information to know as there are very few programs in the DFW region that have received the Blue Distinct designation. In fact, Bariatric Solutions is the only facility in Tarrant and Wise County that has received this seal of approval from your insurance company. Knowing that weight loss surgery at Bariatric Solutions is covered under your insurance plan is an important piece of information when you are deciding where to have your procedure.

If you are a teacher then I would like to personally thank you for all that you do. You teach, parent, befriend and mentor our children and they are better off because of everything that you do. As part of your job you focus on everyone else but you and as a result your health may suffer. If you are to the point to where you are ready to lose the weight and get your health back for good then please call us today at 940-626-4683 so that we can help you. Please don’t delay as your insurance company requires a 3 month supervised diet with our Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist before you can have surgery. So, if weight loss surgery is something that you are considering then give us a call and we will help you start the process immediately. By starting the process now you can give yourself the gift of health over Christmas and have your weight loss surgery over the winter break. Our TEAM of professionals will work with your hectic schedule to guide you through this process in an efficient manner.

Again, thanks for all you do and we look forward to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.

In Good Health,

Kyle Rose RD,LD

Bariatric Solutions

940-626-4683

The hCG Diet

Kyle — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:53:03 -0400

The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Diet

Written By: Sarah Taylor (Dietetic Student at Texas Woman's University)

Surprisingly enough, The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin diet, otherwise known as the hCG diet, remains very popular in today’s weight-loss industry. This diet was introduced over sixty years ago in effort to aid both men and women in weight loss. So what’s the scoop on the HCG diet?

hCG is a hormone found in pregnant women that aids in the mother’s fat breakdown to adequately nourish the baby. The hormone is said to decrease hunger pangs, help prevent headaches, and allow the patient to skip out on most of the tale-tale negative effects of extremely rapid weight loss. While the hormone is approved by the FDA as a fertility drug, it is not approved for weightloss, and that’s for a good reason.

Simply put, there is no reliable research that proves the hCG diet effective. Multiple studies have stated that the success of the diet is solely a product of the restrictive diet required in the process. Most patients on the HCG diet are allowed 500 calories a day, and must receive hormone injections daily, which may be self-administered or given by the prescribing physician. The diet relies on cycles that should only be completed a maximum of four times according to the diet’s inventor, Dr. Simeons. While there haven’t been a lot of studies in the recent past, the reliable, independent studies completed show that the diet basically provides a placebo effect for the dieter so that he or she is convinced that the hunger pangs are non-existent, and that there are no side effects. As a matter of fact, one study showed no statistical variations between the placebo group and the hCG group in anthropometric measurements and level of hunger, but it did show that those receiving hCG had higher levels of anxiety (Greenway & Bray, 1977).

The diet has also raised a few red flags among medical professionals as of late. Aside from the common side effects of starvation (irritability, lightheadedness, headaches, mood swings, depression, confusion, dizziness, etc…), hCG dieters have also experienced more serious conditions including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and blood clots.

So before starving your body of the essential nutrients required to sustain health, think of the long term effects of this diet: Will you be able to live the rest of your life on a 500 calorie a day diet? (If the answer is no, that means you will gain that weight back, plus more!) Are you willing to put up with constant hunger, depression, lightheadedness, extreme lethargy, and all of the other side effects associated with this diet? Will the weight actually stay off this time? Take some time to really think about all the aspects involved in diets like this one, and remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

Side effects like these are not only uncomfortable, they are very dangerous. The weight-loss specialists at Bariatric Solutions provide the real answers to all your weightloss concerns, and will safely guide and mentor you to your weight loss goals. Bariatric Solutions offers the Lap Band procedure, Gastric Bypass, and Gastric sleeve surgery for weight-loss, and each patient receives a personal consultation with their surgeon to determine whether the Lap-Band, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, or the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is best for them personally. So when you’re serious about losing the weight once and for all, our professional and knowledgeable team has the solution for you.

Sources

Greenway, F.L., & Bray, G.A. (1977). Human chorionic gonadotropin. The Western Journal of Medicine, Retrieved from http:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmcarticlesPMC1237915pdfwestjmed00268-0035.pdf

, Retrieved from http:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmcarticlesPMC1365103pdfbrjclinpharm00004-0042.pdf

, Retrieved from http:www.ajcn.orgcgireprint299940

The FITT Principle of Training

Kyle — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:22:28 -0400

Think of The FITT principle as a set of rules that must be adhered to in order to benefit from any form of fitness training program.

These rules relate to the Frequency, Intensity, Type and Time (FITT) of exercise...

These four principles of fitness training are applicable to individuals exercising at low to moderate training levels and may be used to establish guidelines for both cardiorespiratory and resistance training.

The FITT principle is used to guide the development of unique fitness plans that cater for an individual's specific needs.

Frequency

Following any form of fitness training, the body goes through a process of rebuild and repair to replenish its energy reserves consumed by the exercise.

The frequency of exercise is a fine balance between providing just enough stress for the body to adapt to and allowing enough time for healing and adaptation to occur...

CardioRespiratory Training
The guidelines for cardiorespiratory training (also called aerobic conditioning) is a minimum of three sessions per week and ideally five or six sessions per week. Six days a week is optimal for weight (body fat) loss.

Experts suggest that little or no benefit is attained over and above this amount. Of course athletes often fall outside the suggested guidelines but even elite performers must give themselves time to rest.

Resistance Training
The frequency of resistance training is dependent upon the particular individual and format of the program. For example, a program that works every body part every session should be completed 2-4 days a week with a day's rest between sessions.

On the other hand, a program that focuses on just one or two body parts per session, in theory you could be completed as frequently as six days per week. Many bodybuilders follow such a routine.

Remember though, each time you complete a strenuous strength training session (regardless of the body part) you are taxing your body as a whole - including all the physiological systems and major organs.

INTENSITY

The second rule in the FITT principle relates to intensity. It defines the amount of effort that should be invested in a training program or any one session.

Like the first FITT principle - frequency - there must be a balance between finding enough intensity to overload the body (so it can adapt) but not so much that it causes overtraining.

Heart rate can be used to measure the intensity of cardiorespiratory training. Workload is used to define the intensity of resistance training.

Cardio Respiratory Training
Heart rate is the primary measure of intensity in aerobic endurance training . Ideally before you start an aerobic training program a target heart rate zone should first be determined. The target heart rate zone is a function of both your fitness level and age. Here's a quick method for determining your target heart rate...

Heart Rate & Maximum Heart Rate
Heart rate is measured as beats per minute (bpm). Heart rate can be monitored and measured by taking your pulse at the wrist, arm or neck. An approximation of maximum heart rate (MHR) can also be calculated as follows: MHR = 220 - age.

Target Heart Rate
For beginners a target heart rate zone of 50-70 percent of their maximum of heart rate is a good place to start. So if, for example, you are 40 years old that gives you a predicted maximum heart rate of 180 (220 - 40). Multiply 180 by 50% and 70% and your reach a target zone of 90bpm - 126bpm.

For fitter, more advanced individuals, a target heart rate zone of 70-85 percent of their maximum of heart rate may be more appropriate. Staying with the example above, that 40 year old now has a heart rate zone of 126bpm - 153bpm.

There are limitations with heart rate, while no means are flawless, it may be the most accurate way to determine exercise intensity. A good alternative method is the use the RPE scale – rate of perceived exertion scale.

Resistance Training
For resistance training, workload is the primary measure of intensity. Workload can have three components:

1. The amount of weight lifted during an exercise
2. The number of repetitions completed for a particular exercise
3. The length of restrecovery time between sets.

So, you can increase workload by lifting heavier weights. Or you could increase the number of repetitions with the same weight. Finally, you could lift the same weight for the same number of repetitions but decrease the rest time between sets.

However, only increase the intensity using one of the above parameters. Do not increase weight and decrease rest time in the same session for example.

TYPE

The third component in the FITT principle dictates what type or kind of exercise you should choose to achieve the appropriate training response...

Cardio Respiratory Training
Using the FITT principle, the best type of exercise to tax or improve the cardiovascular system should be continuous in nature and make use of large muscle groups. Examples include running, walking, swimming, dancing, cycling, aerobics classes, circuit training, cycling etc.

Resistance Training
This is fairly obvious too. The best form of exercise to stress the neuromuscular system is resistance training. But resistance training does not necessarily mean lifting weights. Resistance bands could be used as an alternative or perhaps a circuit training session that only incorporates bodyweight exercises.

TIME

The final component in the FITT principle of training is time - or how long you should be exercising for. Is longer better?

Cardio Respiratory Training
Individuals with lower fitness levels should aim to maintain their heart rate within the target heart rate zone (RPE 11 – 15) for a minimum of 20-30 minutes. This can increase to as much as 45-60 minutes as fitness levels increase. 60 minutes of cardiorespiratory exercise is optimal for body fat loss.

Beyond the 60 minute mark of cardiorespiratory exercise there are diminished returns. For all that extra effort, the associated benefits are minimal.

This also applies to many athletes. Beyond a certain point they run the risk of overtraining and injury. There are exceptions however - typically the ultra-long distance endurance athletes.

In terms of the duration of the program as a whole, research suggests a minimum of 6 weeks is required to see noticeable improvement and as much as a year or more before a peak in fitness is reached.

Resistance Training
The common consensus for the duration of resistance training session is no longer than 45-60 minutes. Again, intensity has a say and particularly grueling strength sessions may last as little as 20 - 30 minutes.

Perhaps the most important principle of training (that ironically doesn't have it's own letter in the FITT principle) is rest. Exercising too frequently and too intensely hinders the body's ability to recover and adapt. As a rule of thumb, the harder you train, the more recovery you should allow for.

Article By: Susan Rector, Exercise Physiologist

The Newest Weight-Loss Drugs

Kyle — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:05:52 -0400

I’m sure you’ve heard of the over-the-counter, FDA approved weight-loss drug, Alli. Over the course of the next year, three new weight-loss drugs are pursuing FDA approval, and because these drugs will likely obtain approval from (Hunter, 2010)the FDA, many people will experiment with Qnexa, Contrave, and Lorcaserin. But with all these new drugs hitting the market, many people are starting to wonder- are these drugs safe? Do they actually work? What kind of side effects do they cause? How do diet pills compare to weight loss surgeries like Lap Band, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass?

These are all very important questions. As a matter of fact, the FDA takes these questions into consideration before approving drugs for weight-loss. The problem is that the FDA only knows what preliminary studies show, and new drugs do not have enough research behind them to determine the long-term effects of taking drugs like these.

Lorcaserin is currently the front-runner in the lineup of FDA approved obesity drugs. Eighteen studies proved the new drug to have the fewest side effects, but the least effectiveness. The studies showed that while trial participants experienced few side effects, the average loss of excess body weight totaled about 5%. However, since the drug has proven to be much safer than the others, the FDA quickly stamped its approval and sent Lorcaserin on its way to the market.

So what about the other two drugs? Well, Qnexa seems to raise a lot of red flags, even with the FDA, who already rejected the drug once. Qnexa is a combination drug that consists of an amphetamine drug and an anticonvulsant. While its many trials showed fantastic efficacy, they also presented a number of unacceptable side effects that include the possibility of birth defects, increased thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, memory and language problems, increased heart rate, and metabolic acidosis.

Qnexa’s counterpart, Contrave, is also a mixture of an amphetamine drug and an anticonvulsant. Contrave, however, did not live up to Qnexa from an efficacy standpoint. Contrave’s trial participants lost between 5 and 10% of excess body weight while Qnexa showed weight loss of 10-15%. On the other hand, the Contrave trials showed only nausea as the main side effect. Another important factor to consider is that these trials were only carried out for a maximum of two years, leaving us in the dark about long-term side effects. This factor played a big role in the FDA’s disapproval of Vivus’ Qnexa.

Now that you know a little bit about these drugs, you can make an informed decision. Are the possible side effects worth losing only 5-15% of your excess body weight? Years worth of data show that Lap-Band, gastric-sleeve, and gastric-bypass patients can lose between 55 and 65% of their excess body weight in the first year alone! So if you think you need medical intervention to lose weight, make sure you get the facts before trusting weight loss pills for help. Gastric sleeve, LapBand, and gastric bypass surgeries have proven effective, and patients are provided with excellent care from a team of medical professionals with extensive knowledge on weight loss and weight-loss surgery.

Written By: Sarah Taylor, Dietetic Student at Texas Woman's University

References:

Hunter, A. (2010, July 12). Will FDA approve new diet pills Qnexa, Contrave, and Lorcaserin?. Retrieved from file:Usersmegan.taylorDesktopWill%20FDA%20Approve%20New%20Diet%20Pills%20Qnexa,%20Contrave,%20and%20Lorcaserin%3F%20-%20Health%20Blog%20-%20CBS%20News.webarchive .

Lowe, D. (2010, July 23). Vivus, Qnexa, Arena, Lorcaserin and the FDA. In the pipeline. Retrieved from file:Usersmegan.taylorDesktopVivus ,%20Qnexa,%20Arena,%20Lorcaserin%20and%20the%20FDA.%20In%20the%20Pipeline:.webarchive.

Lowry, F. (2010, July 15). FDA panel flunks Qnexa because of safety concerns. Retrieved from file:Usersmegan.taylorDesktopFDA%20Panel%20Flunks%20Qnexa%20Because%20of%20Safety%20Concerns.webarchive .

Controlling Pain Without NSAIDS

Kyle — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:31:40 -0400

As a weight loss surgery patient you know not to take Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) such as Motrin, Aleve and Naproxen for your pain as they can cause gastric ulcers and lead to a lap band erosion in the banded patient. So, you know to avoid these meds, but what do you do for the pain that is still there? Luckily, there are safe and effective nutrition interventions that can reduceresolve your pain without the side effects that are associated with taking NSAIDs.

To reduce your pain without medication I suggest you implement the following recommendations:

Take Krill Oil or High Dose Fish Oil Daily: Krill oil and high dose fish oil supplies your body with omega 3 fats. These types of fats saturate your cells and they are converted to anti-inflammatory chemicals that reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. We suggest Neptune Krill oil (4 soft gels daily) or Zone Fish Oil Microcaps (8 capsules per day) as the best source of Omega-3 fats.

Reduce your intake of Omega 6 fats. Omega 6 fats are very inflammatory in nature and contribute to pain and swelling. Sources of Omega 6 fats include vegetable oils (corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed and peanut oils), meat from grain feed animals, and farm raised fish such as catfish, farmed salmon and tilapia. Instead of these foods we encourage you to consume grass fed beef, pastured chicken, free range eggs (visit www.eatwild.org ) and wild fish (visit www.vitalchoice.com ) . We also suggest that you avoid full fat dairy as it is loaded in omega 6 fats and will promote inflammation. In place of vegetable oils we suggest that you use nonfat cooking spray, olive oil, or canola oil which are all low in omega 6 fats.

Consume plenty of red and purple vegetables on a daily basis. Red and purple vegetables such as blueberries, purple grapes, purple cabbage and cherries contain a plant chemical known as anthocyanin that decreases inflammation by inhibiting the enzymes that convert the fats in your cells to pain and inflammatory molecules. Eat your fruits and vegetables daily!

Take Turmeric Daily: People from India have known for centuries that turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory herb. This herb works by blocking the same enzyme that NSAIDS work on, but does so without causing stomach ulcerspain. The recommended dose is 400mg daily. We suggest Super Bio-Curcumin® from Life Extension Foundation as this formulation is more efficiently absorbed into the blood than other forms of turmeric. It can be found at: http:www.lef.orgVitamins-SupplementsItem00407Super-Bio-Curcumin.html

So, now you have no excuses for continuing to pop those NSAIDS to control your pain. You now have a safe and effective alternative approach that works well. It usually takes 1-2 months for this approach to kick in and take care of your pain for good. Just be consistent with this approach and before long you will be pain free. In addition to controlling your pain this approach will also make it easier to lose weight as low levels of inflammation can hinder weight loss.

In Good Health,

Kyle Rose RD,LD

Bariatric Solutions