Weight Loss News and Events - Baptist Health System

Healthy Tips for Eating Out

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

You don't have to give up eating out to cut down on fat, cholesterol, and salt. You just need to think about what you order. Many menus highlight low-fat and low-sodium dishes. But if you can't find what you want, ask. Explain what you need to the waiter or waitress. Or ask to see printed nutrition information.

Ask for What You Want

Ask that foods be prepared in little or no fat and with no added salt.
Ask that sauces be left off or served on the side. Choose sauces made with tomato instead of with cream or cheese.
Ask for steamed rice or a baked or boiled potato, without butter or sour cream.
Ask that vegetables be steamed and served with no butter or sauce. Ask for lemon juice or vinegar to sprinkle on them for flavor.

Foods to Avoid

Donuts, muffins, and pastries·��
Coconut, vegetables with butter, cream, or cheese sauce·��
Cream, whole milk, and powdered creamers·��
Bacon, liver, luncheon meats, ground meat, and canned fish in oil·��
Sweets and foods made with butter, coconut or palm oil, or hydrogenated fats

Keep These Tips in Mind

Choose minestrone or vegetable soups. Ask about sodium content.
Order salad dressing on the side. Dip your fork in the dressing, then in the salad.
Look for fish, chicken, turkey, or meat that is broiled, roasted, poached, or steamed.
Order 1 or 2 low-fat appetizers or soup and a salad instead of a main dish. Or eat only half of the main dish and take the rest home.
If you want a dessert, try fresh fruit, nonfat yogurt, or sorbet. Or share a dessert.

More Ammunition in the Battle of the Bulge

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For an estimated 26 million Americans fighting the battle of the bulge, there is a new weight loss option that was cleared recently by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). By lowering the required Body Mass Index (BMI), the FDA has made Lap Band weight loss surgery available to many more people who have tried, but have been unable to lose weight.

Previously,the surgery was restricted to people with a body mass index of 40, or 35 if they had an obesity-related health problem such as diabetes, hypertension or joint pain. People who have these related conditions can now have the surgery if their BMI is 30. With no obesity-related problems the BMI remains at 40.

Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)

What BMI Means:

BMI below 18.5: Underweight

BMI�18.5 to 24.9: Healthy weight

BMI 25 to 29.9: Overweight

BMI 30 and over: Obese

Using the BMI Chart
To figure your BMI, find your height and weight (or the numbers closest to them)on the chart below or use our online tool . Follow each column of numbers to where your height and weight meet on the chart. That is your BMI.

Using the BMI Formula	Example
1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.	1. 160 pounds x 703= 112480
2. Divide the answer by your height in inches.	2. 112480 ÷ 63 inches= 1785
3. Divide this number by your height in inches again. This is your BMI.	3. 1785 ÷ 63 inches= BMI of 28

Wondering if weight loss surgery is for you? The Baptist Center for Weight Loss hosts free seminars for people considering Lap Band or Gastric Bypass surgery. For more information, and to hear from patients who have changed their lives through weight loss surgery, visit bhsweightloss.com or call 297-1055.

Weight Loss Surgery For Your Body, Mind and Spirit

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Many people think that weight loss surgery is just about losing weight. People who have had the surgery and have experienced dramatic weight loss say it's physical, but it's also mental. �

Dora Serna gained weight gradually over the years after having her children. She didn't realize how heavy she had become until she saw her description on a medical chart after gall bladder surgery that listed her as 'morbidly obese.' Shortly after that she read a journal article that said life expectancy for morbidly obese people was seven to ten years shorter. The one-two punch got her attention. "I had tried Atkins, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem - all of them and many others, but nothing worked," says Dora.

"At 257 pounds I couldn't do a lot of things. We never took the kids snow skiing for Christmas because I didn't think there would be clothes big enough for me, not to mention what I would look like in them. I was always careful to pick a seat at the movies or on airplanes where no one would have to get stuck sitting next to 'the fat woman'. I didn't ride the rides at amusement or water parks because, what if the bar didn't close and I would have to get off? I didn't want to embarrass my children. When my husband and I went out, I always looked around the room to see if I was the fattest person. and I always was. I guess other fat people just didn't go out, Dora says with a smile."

Two of Dora's friends had lost weight after bariatric surgery, so she went to see Dr. Sonny Cavazos at the Texas Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss. Eight months after the procedure Dora had lost 100 pounds. Today she is a tiny and svelte 124 pounds and wears a size four dress. Her biggest "Aha!" moment was when her daughter saw her. "I hadn't seen my daughter since the surgery and when she saw me at a restaurant, she didn't recognize me. My husband had to tell her it was me. I didn't see myself as that different, but everyone else did."

Dora's husband George is her rock. They are inseparable after 35 years of marriage, and he has loved her literally through thick and thin. He even helps her shop for clothes. "I joke that it was my husband's fault that I got so big because he loved me unconditionally," says Dora. "At first I felt guilty spending money on myself, but if I had known what I know now, I would have done it a lot earlier. We would have mortgaged the house if we had to."

Dora says she's much more active now. She exercises every day, takes the stairs instead of the elevator and on a recent vacation even climbed a waterfall. Her blood pressure is down too but the most important thing is the extra time she will have. "The bonus to all of this is that I will be here for my family."

For more information on weight loss surgery and to see more inspirational stories about men and women who have changed their lives with weight loss surgery, go to bariatricsa.com or call 297-1055.

Eat, Drink, and Battle the Holiday Bulge: Tips for Surviving the Holidays

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By Jennifer Meachum RD, LD, CNSD

Here we are again at my favorite time of year.� A time filled with Holiday cheer, gift giving, family traditions,� Christmas carols,� twinkling lights, smell of fireplaces and fresh Christmas trees and oh yeah the "Holiday Bulge."� The "Holiday Bulge" which I am referring to is the all too common weight gain which many of us experience from Thanksgiving to New Years.�

The recipe for "Holiday Bulge" is super simple and requires only 3 ingredients.� The first ingredient is a plethora of Holiday parties where we can effortlessly indulge in a variety of high calorie, high fat, rich and delicious food and drinks.� The next ingredient is a decrease in physical activity.� Last mix in a pinch of Holiday stress and voila, the "Holiday Bulge" is served.�

I know this sounds gloom and doom, but never fear, help is here!� I am going to give you the recipe for Battling the "Holiday Bulge" while still being able to eat, drink, and be merry.� Below are some specific strategies that will help you get through your Holiday parties happy and healthier than ever.

Pre- Holiday Party Strategies

Start the day with some form of physical activity, at least thirty minutes.� This could be a brisk walk around the neighborhood, a workout video, or a trip to the gym.� This will help you burn those empty calories from Holiday treats by firing up your metabolism.
Do not skip meals the day of the party.� Skipping meals can lead to overeating at the party.� Start your day off right by eating a healthy breakfast such as ½ whole wheat bagel with peanut butter and an apple or an egg white veggie omelette paired with whole wheat toast.� Sneak in a light lunch that combines complex carbs with lean protein such as a turkey wrap on whole wheat tortilla and a handful of grapes.
Hydrate and grab a small snack before arriving to the party to keep hunger at bay.� A quick and healthy snack idea is a low fat cheese stick, 2 Tbsp. almonds, or low fat yogurt.� Drinking plenty of water is important as well because often we may confuse hunger with not being well hydrated.
Prepare or purchase a low calorie, healthier dish to bring to your holiday function.� This can be as easy as making a few simple ingredient swaps to your favorite Holiday recipe such as substituting light sour cream for sour cream, skim milk for whole milk, applesauce for oil, and reduced fat cheese for regular cheese.

Holiday Party Strategies

Scope out the food being served before piling up your plate and develop a strategy.� Fill up on low calorie and/or nutrient dense fare such as raw vegetables, fruit, whole grain crackers, small amount of nuts, and lean meats.� Save your calories for "traditional Holiday favorites" that you eat only once a year such as tamales or fruitcake.
Exercise caution with foods that are fried, stuffed, saut�ed, or smothered, as well as creamy dips, easy hand grabbing snacks such as chips, and high calorie Christmas sweets.
Mingle away from the Holiday spread.� Staying out of arm's reach will help you avoid the temptation of overeating and allow you to focus on the company you are with.
Eat slowly and savor every bite of special Holiday food.�� Slowing down gives your brain a chance to receive the satiety signal from your stomach.� An easy strategy to prevent you from scarfing down your plate in less than five minutes is to place your fork or spoon down between bites.
Sip smart when it comes to Holiday beverages.� One 8 ounce glass of eggnog can set you back almost 350 calories and 20 grams of fat.� Also a guaranteed way to sabotage your willpower is by drinking too much alcohol.� After a few drinks you may be more likely to consume high calorie foods that you would have been able to avoid.� Liquid calories from alcohol are what we dietitians refer to as empty calories.� Eating or drinking an additional 500 calories per day can pack on 1 pound in just a week.� The best non alcoholic beverages to quench your thirst are water, diet sodas, unsweetened tea, and any other sugar free beverages.� A glass of wine or a mixed drink using one of my recommended non alcoholic beverages as a mixer would be your best bets when it comes to alcohol.

More Tips from Jennifer
It was previously thought that the average American gains five or more pounds during the Holiday season. However a study conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2000 found that the average weight gain during the Holidays was only one pound.� Sounds like a reason to have another slice of pie, but not so fast!� Read More...

Weight Loss Success Stories Celebrated

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A reunion of bariatric surgery patients from Northeast Baptist Bariatric Center�gathered for the 2nd Annual Fiesta Style Show. Among the former patients�were husband and wife,�Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez who together have�lossed over 280 pounds.

At 29�years old,�Stephanie Ramirez was�taking high blood pressure pills twice a day.
Her husband, Joe Ramirez struggled with weight since an early age and weighed 350 pounds at his heaviest. A year-and-a-half later, both have lossed over 280 pounds and proudly showed off their new look at Northeast's fashion show.

Patients: Your Feedback Matters

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At the Northeast Baptist Bariatric Center we care about your post-operative progress. Please provide us with an update on your success so far or e-mail a quick note and tell us how you're doing.� You may also update your name and address through email. We'd love to hear from you.

Please include your name, date of birth, and provide information on the following:

Date of surgery

Any co-morbidities or problems that you got rid of as a result of surgery and
�� how long it took for them to go away

Your current height and weight

Thank you and feel free to contact us anytime with questions or concerns.

�

Debbie Marsh, RN,
Bariatric Coordinator

Beginning a New Life After Surgery

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Surgery is not a "quick-fix" solution; it is only the beginning to starting a healthier life. Constant vigilance with your diet, exercise and many other life changes is required to gain the maximum benefits from whatever procedure you choose.

Diet

The modifications made to your gastrointestinal tract will require permanent changes in your eating habits. Post-surgery dietary guidelines will vary by surgeons and other sources. Be sure to follow the guidelines provided by your surgeon, as they are designed upon your specific needs and your procedure. The following are fundamental dietary rules:
When you are cleared to begin eating solid food again, be sure it is very well chewed.
Do not drink fluids when eating. They will cause you to feel full before you have consumed enough food.
Omit deserts and other foods that list sugar as one of the first three ingredients.
Omit carbonated drinks, high-calorie nutritional supplements, milk shakes, high-fat foods and foods high in fiber content.
Avoid alcohol.
No snacking between meals.

Returning to Work
Your ability to resume pre-surgery activity levels depends on many factors, including your physical condition, the type of activity and the type of surgery you had. Many patients return to pre-surgery levels of activity within six weeks of their procedure. Patients who had minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures may be able to return to activities within just a few weeks.

Birth Control and Pregnancy
It is highly recommended that women of childbearing age use the most effective forms of birth control a minimum of one year following weight loss surgery. The added demands of pregnancy and the potential for fetal damage make this a most important requirement.

Long-term Considerations
While the short-term effects of weight loss surgery are well understood, questions regarding the long-term effects on nutrition and body systems still remain. You will need periodic blood work to check for anemia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Later on, tests will be needed only every one to two years.

Support Groups
While weight loss surgery is a very effective device, it does not instantly resolve years of accumulated emotional damage and it is very common for patients to seek support, advice and encouragement. The best forum for this is a widespread network of support groups comprised of fellow weight loss surgery patients and medical professionals, because they provide an open and honest environment for sharing and discussing various personal issues and experiences. Our program Bariatric surgeon, maintains that post-surgery support groups help patients to attain their highest level of success following weight loss surgery by providing much needed motivation, support and honest advice. Here at Northeast Baptist hospital, we are dedicated to your sustained success in achieving your weight loss goals and, for this reason, our program Bariatric surgeon hosts a monthly general support group and the program psychologist hosts a monthly psychological support group.

Baptist Health System's Registered Dieticians

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition, who helps promote good health through proper eating. Registered dietitians also supervise the preparation and service of food, develop modified diets, participate in research, and educate individuals and groups on good nutritional habits.�

The registered dietitians at Baptist Health System work with other health care professionals and community groups to provide nourishment, nutritional programs and instructional presentations to benefit people of all ages and health conditions.� dietitians at Baptist Health System also work directly with physicians to develop diets that address many health issues, such as: aging, child nutrition, weight management, nutrition and much more.

For more information about the Registered Dietitians at Baptist Health System, please call (210) 297-7005.

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Northeast Baptist Hospital Recognized for High-Quality Care in Weight Loss Surgery

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Northeast Baptist Hospital has been named an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence®. The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.

According to a report released in 2007 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of bariatric surgeries has grown from 16,000 procedures performed in 1992 to 170,000 performed in 2005. Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications, the ASMBS Centers of Excellence program was created to recognize bariatric surgery centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided.

To earn a Center of Excellence designation, Northeast Baptist Hospital underwent a series of site inspections during which all aspects of the program's surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected. Northeast Baptist Hospital and other centers receiving the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation agree to continue to share information on clinical pathways, protocols and outcomes data.

Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an organization dedicated to pursuing surgical excellence, formulates and establishes the rigorous standards with which Northeast Baptist Hospital and other Centers of Excellence must comply, thoroughly inspects and evaluates each candidate for designation, and upon review recommends approval of designation for those physicians and facilities whose practices and outcomes meet the stringent demands set forth by SRC for ASMBS.

Obesity has become a significant national health issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 66 percent of all U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Bariatric surgery, when performed correctly, can help obese patients manage these conditions. By definition, surgeons with ASMBS Center of Excellence designations practice only top-quality care, ensuring efficacy of the procedure with each patient to the best of their abilities. Northeast Baptist Hospital and bariatric surgeons demonstrate this willingness to take the extra step by providing a dedicated unit and nursing staff, lifelong after care program comprised of a full multi-disciplinary team utilizing evidence based medicine.

As a pioneering organization, designating Centers of Excellence based on top quality care and efficacious outcomes, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, with the help of SRC, is working to align the common interests of patients, surgeons, hospitals and insurers, all of whom suffer when complications develop after surgical care.

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