Author: jefftormey

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Tips to Consider When Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on May 13, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Tips to Consider When Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Undergoing bariatric surgery means making a few alterations in your lifestyle to help keep your weight in check and avoid complications, but what about going out to eat? After the surgery, will you never enjoy spending time with friends and family at a restaurant? That’s not the case. The following are some handy tips to consider to stay comfortable when eating out after bariatric surgery.

Research and Check the Menu Online

Before going to any restaurant, the first thing to do is ensure the meal options meet the post-surgery requirements. You want to ensure they serve healthy meals, especially those rich in proteins and vegetables, and that use healthy fats for cooking. To be safe, you can take the time to choose the place yourself, ensuring that their options are nutritious.

Get Creative With Your Order

If you feel that the options do not necessarily align with your body’s changes, you can always customize your orders. Luckily, most restaurants are kind enough to accommodate you when you make special requests. When eating out after gastric sleeve, you can ask for dressing or sauces on the sides or only take salads. So be sure to communicate your needs with the servers.

Remember Mindful Eating and Portion Control

You must be on guard after surgery to avoid eating certain things like gum and excessive sugar and to avoid oversized portions. Mindful eating helps you adhere to this because you can listen to your body’s cues telling you that you are full. Take the time to savor your bites, and take pauses in between. To be safe, you can even order appetizers or get a take-away container to save half the portion for later.

Stay Hydrated

One more tip when eating out after a gastric sleeve surgery is to stay hydrated. The risk of confusing thirst as hunger may make you indulge more. You can drink water 30 minutes before eating, and if you must take something between meals, make sure you sip slowly and avoid drinking too much. Lastly, it is best to avoid alcohol when eating because it means more calorie intake, and it may also interfere with your mindful eating habits.

Seek advice From the Best in the Industry

Eating out after any weight loss surgery means thorough research and planning. Unlike preparing a meal at home, you must check the menu and make special requests if necessary. Be mindful of the tips above to avoid complications, and if you have any concerns, be sure to consult with our surgeons for bariatric surgery in NYC at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program.

Gastric Bypass Recovery

Written by jefftormey on May 6, 2024. Posted in Gastric Bypass Surgery. No Comments on Gastric Bypass Recovery

If you are considering a gastric bypass procedure, you may have many questions about what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Whether you go for a mini bypass or a gastric bypass, you must account for the recovery process. Read on if you want to know how long it takes to heal from gastric bypass.

Hospital Recovery Time After a Gastric Bypass

What happens immediately after the procedure? How long is recovery from gastric bypass before being discharged? Patients are expected to stay in the hospital for 3–5 days to allow the doctors to monitor and closely observe how their body heals. They will check for risks like leaking, bleeding, or other complications because bodies react differently after surgery.

You will receive medication to manage any pain and discomfort you feel, and when needed, you will get IV treatments for severe pain before switching to oral medicine. Once cleared, you will receive a dietary plan and be discharged, allowing you to continue the recovery process from home.

Home Recovery Time After a Gastric Bypass

So, how long is the recovery from gastric bypass surgery after being discharged? Generally, most patients fully heal from home within 3–6 weeks, depending on the case. Before you leave the hospital, ensure you arrange for help. You need someone to drive you home and help you with everyday tasks, including grooming, especially in the first few days. Remember that you will also need assistance returning to the hospital for routine checkups. You will still be under medication and can only drive after being cleared by the surgeon.

With adequate support, you will sail through the first two weeks and get closer to achieving full recovery. However, you may still feel some discomfort and will need to take some pain medication. Remember to avoid strenuous activities and strictly follow the doctor’s instructions on your diet and exercise, and you should be on your way to a full recovery. You can then resume your normal daily activities, including reporting back to work. If your work involves lifting heavy loads, you’ll need to wait at least three months.

Trust Our Medical Professionals With Your Recovery

Recovery after a gastric bypass in Manhattan requires patience and dedication, and you need a lot of help to get back on your feet. That’s why you need a reliable team of professionals from Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program to guide you through the surgery and the journey post-procedure to guarantee a full recovery.

Choosing the Right Bariatric Surgery for You

Written by jefftormey on April 25, 2024. Posted in Bariatric Surgery. No Comments on Choosing the Right Bariatric Surgery for You

Bariatric surgeries are effective weight-loss solutions. Since there are various options, it can be overwhelming to decide which version is best for you. For the most accurate advice specific to your situation, it is best to consult our surgeons and ask questions about the benefits and risks involved. Here are common types of bariatric surgeries and the factors to consider when choosing the right one.

Gastric Bypass / Roux-en-Y

This is one of the most popular bariatric procedures, and it has a high efficacy rate. It entails creating a tiny pouch in the stomach and then bypassing a section of the small intestines; this decreases food consumption and calorie absorption.

Gastric Sleeve / Sleeve Gastrectomy

If you want a less invasive procedure than a bypass or want to avoid the related risks, you can opt for a gastric sleeve. This procedure entails removing a section of the stomach to leave behind a smaller pouch or sleeve. Your new stomach will be tinier and in the shape of a banana, making you feel full faster. As a result, your food and calorie intake will significantly reduce.

Lap Band / Gastric Banding

If you have a history of acid reflux or heartburn, doctors will recommend this procedure over the two above. It is one of the least invasive and flexible solutions because it involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach, leaving it smaller. The advantage is that this band can be adjusted or removed as required.

Duodenal Switch

If you are wondering which bariatric surgery is best for you if you want to lose the most weight, consider the duodenal switch. It has one of the highest success rates and is the choice for patients seeking significant weight loss. During the procedure, the doctors remove a portion of the stomach and bypass a large part of the intestines, reducing the amount of food you eat and absorb.

How To Choose the Right Surgery

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right bariatric surgery, but your doctor will take you through the options. For instance, if you are obese and want to lose as much weight as possible, the bypass and duodenal switch are recommended. Your healthy history will also matter because patients with acid reflux issues opt for gastric banding. Lastly, you must also account for the recovery time and the risks involved because each procedure differs.

Trust an Experienced Medical Professional To Handle Your Bariatric Surgery

If you have struggled with weight loss and need an effective solution, trust the bariatric surgery experts in NY from Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program. You need skilled and experienced professionals who will present you with all the options and advise you on which surgery will work best for you.

Risks of Overeating After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Written by jefftormey on April 17, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on Risks of Overeating After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

A gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of your stomach to help reduce your food intake. However, there are instances of patients binge eating after gastric sleeve, which affects their journey. You can’t help but wonder what are the risks involved and what can you do about overeating post-surgery.

What Happens if You Overeat After Gastric Sleeve

The following are the effects of overeating after gastric sleeve.

Stomach Stretches

The surgery reduces the size of your stomach, but the more you eat, the more the pouch enlarges. A gastric sleeve is performed to reduce the stomach’s size and make you feel full faster, but as the pouch stretches, you will start overindulging and gain back the weight.

Dumping Syndrome

The last thing you want is the symptoms related to dumping syndrome. Consuming more food than your body can digest will end up in the small intestines without proper processing. As a result, you will suffer from excruciating stomach pain, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Acid Reflux and Other Digestive Issues

Reflux is quite common after a gastric sleeve, but it gets worse and more painful if you overeat. If the stomach cannot accommodate the excess food, acid reflux occurs. That’s why you may experience bloating, pass excessive gas, and get severe stomach aches.

Long Term Effects

In the long run, when your stomach expands and your digestive system adjusts to the excessive food intake, you will be at risk of several other long-term complications. First, you will gain back the weight and suffer other obesity-related complications like heart disease and sleep apnea. Your chances of cancer, diabetes, stroke, and other lifestyle diseases will also increase.

How To Stop Overeating After Gastric Sleeve

Here are routines and habits you can develop to help you avoid overeating after a gastric sleeve procedure.

Eat Nutritious Food in Small Portions

Your diet makes all the difference to make your bariatric surgery successful. Doctors will tell you to reduce carbs, sodium, and sugar and increase your intake of proteins, fruits, and vegetables. While at it, it is best to eat in small portions, and you can even measure your meals to be certain. Also, remember to drink a lot of fluids between meals.

Eat Slowly

Did you know that the faster you eat, the more likely you are to overindulge? Fast eating after surgery can be very uncomfortable. Savoring your meals and chewing thoroughly allows your body to process the food better.

Read More : 7 Tips To Feel Better During Gastric Sleeve Surgery Recovery

Let a Professional Medical Practitioner Help You Manage Your Diet

Are you worried about binge eating post-surgery, or are you already experiencing the side effects of overeating after gastric sleeve in NYC ? Do not worry—you can consult with our professionals at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program for assistance to get back on track and have a fulfilling weight loss journey.

Differences Between Mini Gastric Bypass Vs. Gastric Bypass

Written by jefftormey on April 10, 2024. Posted in Gastric Bypass Surgery. No Comments on Differences Between Mini Gastric Bypass Vs. Gastric Bypass

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective weight-loss procedures. It comes in various forms, including gastric bypass and duodenal switch, the former being the most popular. If you are interested in gastric bypass, know that it comes in two versions, a mini bypass vs bypass. Understanding how they work and their differences can help you decide which one to go for.

Here is an analysis of mini gastric bypass vs. gastric bypass surgery.

The Procedure

Mini-bypass surgery was created as a less complicated version of the standard bypass. Although the two work the same way, restricting meal consumption and reducing the absorption of calories, the mini bypass is simpler and involves fewer risks. During the gastric bypass procedure, the doctors create a smaller stomach pouch, bypassing the small intestine and connecting it with the new stomach. However, for a mini bypass, the stomach is reduced but linked to the first part of the intestines.

Cost and Operating Time

As you can tell, the gastric bypass is more complex than a mini bypass, so you will expect to pay slightly more to get it done. Additionally, the two have almost the same operating times depending on the individual case. However, considering the mini bypass is a simpler procedure, it usually takes less time to perform, while a bypass can take up to two hours.

Hospital Stay and Recovery

On average, the number of days you will stay in the hospital after undergoing either of the procedures is the same: 2–3 days. However, gastric bypass patients may end up staying a little longer, depending on the individual, and some can stay for up to six days. Luckily, the recovery time in both cases is fast. However, given the more complicated nature of a gastric bypass, you will heal faster after undergoing a mini bypass.

Read More : Gastric Bypass Recovery

Post-Surgery Complications

The two procedures have a very small risk of complications. However, there are even lower risks involved after undergoing a mini gastric bypass. It is generally considered a safer option for patients because it doesn’t involve that much rerouting of the digestive organs. There are fewer chances of anastomosis, which is the leakage along the staple lines, but on the downside, gastric bypass is the go-to in terms of efficacy. There is a higher chance of losing more weight over time than after undergoing a mini bypass.

Let a Medical Professional Help You Make the Best Decision

In the comparison of mini bypass vs gastric bypass, the two have a fair share of advantages, making it challenging to decide which one to choose. When you contact our surgeons for gastric bypass surgery experts in NYC from Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, they will guide you in selecting the best option.

Why You Get Dizzy After Bariatric Surgery

Written by jefftormey on April 3, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Blog. No Comments on Why You Get Dizzy After Bariatric Surgery

Your doctor will inform you about certain temporary changes in your body after bariatric surgery. It takes some time to adjust to the alterations in your digestive system, explaining why you will likely experience dizziness after bariatric surgery. Take a look at the reasons behind this and ways to manage it.

Dehydration

Patients are advised to increase their daily water intake and make other dietary changes. Otherwise, blood flow to the brain and blood pressure may drop, making you feel lightheaded. The more fluids you take in, the more your sugar levels stabilize. For best results, consider drinking 48–64 ounces daily.

Blood Pressure Drops

Low blood pressure is quite common in patients post-surgery, especially when they stand or sit up too quickly. Also called positional vertigo, it occurs when not enough blood flows through the organs. To prevent this, ensure that you ingest more fluids and go for regular blood pressure checks.

Read More : Is Bariatric Surgery Effective for Treating High Blood Pressure?

Blood Sugar Drops

One more cause of dizziness after weight loss surgery is reduced absorption of glucose. Considering that the procedure alters digestion and limits food intake, including sugar, insufficient glucose is expected. This is a leading cause of feeling dizzy, and to combat this, it is advisable to eat small portions of food consistently throughout the day.

Vitamin Deficiency

Due to changes in the digestive system, it is normal for the body to have issues digesting vital nutrients. Vitamin and iron deficiencies occur in most patients, and the aftermath is problems like shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness. You should eat more protein-rich meals and consult with your doctor on the best supplements to take.

Side Effects of Medication

There are various medications prescribed to patients after weight-loss surgery to help with healing. However, some have a fair share of side effects depending on the individual’s body. You might experience headaches, increased heart rate, fatigue, and dizziness.

Anastomosis

Although slim, there is a chance that a patient may experience leaks along the staple lines after surgery. This complication leads to severe abdominal pain, increased heart rate, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If you are in excruciating pain, it is crucial to seek urgent medical attention because you may be suffering from anastomosis.

Seek Professional Medical Attention

Feeling lightheaded after gastric sleeve or any other weight-loss surgery happens to most patients. This is a temporary way for the body to adjust to the changes in your digestive system. However, if the symptoms persist, it is best to consult our experts for bariatric surgery in New York from Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program.

Reasons and Remedies for Back Pain After Gastric Sleeve

Written by jefftormey on March 11, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on Reasons and Remedies for Back Pain After Gastric Sleeve

A gastric sleeve procedure is one of the most effective ways to battle obesity and weight-related complications. However, like any other surgery, there are some side effects to watch out for, like back pain. You want your recovery journey to go smoothly, so you should know the causes and remedies for back pain after gastric sleeve. Here are reasons for back pain post-gastric sleeve and their solutions.

Posture Changes

Undergoing a weight-loss procedure changes your body’s center of mass and posture because of the lost weight. With these alterations come spine alignment issues, which is one reason you may experience pain in your back. Luckily, this can be prevented if you can improve your posture. Some patients use a posture brace that helps them sit and stand properly without slouching.

Muscle Weakness

Rapid weight loss also affects your muscles. The more weight you lose, the more you undergo muscle loss; that drastic change may take a toll on the spine, causing back problems. The good news is that this, too, can be corrected. Exercising is one sure way to build up your muscle mass. Cardio and weight lifting go a long way to help, and to improve your chances, consider adding more protein to your diet.

Nutritional Deficiency

Gastric sleeve involves removing a large part of your stomach, which means that patients may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies. Are you wondering why your back hurts after gastric sleeve surgery and how that is connected to nutrition? Since there is reduced food intake, malabsorption also occurs, and with that, your body doesn’t take in as many minerals and vitamins. Lacking calcium and Vitamin D, vital for your bone health, can cause back pain. To remedy this, consider eating more nutrient-rich foods and supplement them with vitamins under your doctor’s guidance.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Due to the procedure, you may also develop GERD post-surgery. This is caused when the acids in the stomach travel up the esophagus, otherwise called acid reflux. It can be quite painful and uncomfortable; in some cases, you can even feel the pain in your back. There are prescription drugs for this that you can take, so consult with your doctor for remedies.

Managing Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Like many other gastric sleeve side effects, back pain is only temporary. The more you heal and take care of yourself, the more the symptoms reduce. You should be back to your normal life in no time. All you need is professional guidance after your gastric bypass surgery in NYC to deal with and get rid of the pain. Contact us at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program for more ways to manage back pain after gastric sleeve surgery.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on March 8, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is one of the most effective solutions to help you kickstart your journey to a healthy lifestyle. You probably have many questions and concerns if you are just hearing about it. The following are the most common questions to ask about bariatric surgery.

Am I a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

One of the first questions to ask is the eligibility criteria. Generally, you must be 16–70 years old to be a good candidate for surgery. You should also be recognized as morbidly obese, meaning your BMI (Body Mass Index) should be 40 or more. However, there are a few exceptions to these rules, so check with your doctor to confirm.

What Are the Available Bariatric Surgery Options?

If you are eligible for the surgery, you can now consult to find the best option for you. There are four types available.

Gastric bypass. This involves partitioning the stomach into two parts to reduce its size and redirect how food flows.
Gastric sleeve. Here, the stomach is separated and removed, reducing its size and making you feel full faster.
Gastric band/lap band. Surgery involves using a rubber ring with an inflatable balloon in your stomach to reduce the capacity.
Duodenal switch. It is a modification of the gastric sleeve where the surgeons place a valve to release food into the intestines.

How Much Weight Should I Expect To Lose?

The outcome of the procedure usually varies based on the patient. However, in most cases, you will likely lose 30–40% of your excess weight after bariatric surgery in NY. The amount of weight loss depends on the procedure and the individual.

Are There Any Risks?

Again, the risks to expect vary according to the procedure. Some of the most common include kidney stones, acid reflux, back pain, and ulcers. However, these are temporary and go away with time and proper medication. You have to exercise and watch your nutrition post-surgery; otherwise, there is a risk of not losing the weight you intend or regaining the weight you have lost.

How Long Does It Take To Heal After Bariatric Surgery?

You can leave the hospital days after surgery, and in 4–6 weeks, you should be back on your feet doing everyday tasks. You can start light exercising, gradually increasing the intensity, and remember to make dietary changes. However, for concerns like whether you are ready for pregnancy, remember to consult with your doctor first.

Talk To Your Doctor Before Bariatric Surgery

There are many questions to ask a bariatric surgeon, and you need an expert opinion before starting the journey. Contact our experienced surgeons at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program to guide you before, during, and after surgery for a successful procedure.

Is It Okay To Chew Gum After Bariatric Surgery?

Written by jefftormey on March 6, 2024. Posted in Bariatric Surgery. No Comments on Is It Okay To Chew Gum After Bariatric Surgery?

You have likely heard that chewing gum is one way to help lose weight because it keeps your mouth occupied, reducing your calorie intake. You can’t help but wonder, can you chew gum after bariatric surgery? Read on to find out.

What Happens When You Chew Gum After Weight Loss Surgery?

Chewing gum, especially after a bariatric procedure, is not recommended. Here’s why:

It Contains High Sugar Levels

Reducing the amount of calories is a plus for weight loss, but gum is not a healthy choice. Most products contain too much sugar, sometimes more than 2g in a single stick. Eating more gum a day means consuming more sugar, which is the last thing you want to do when trying to lose weight.

It Causes Bloating

To avoid consuming a lot of sugar through chewing gum, you may opt for calorie-free alternatives, but those, too, are not recommended. When you keep chewing and not eating, chances are high that you take in a lot of air in the process.

The air goes into the digestive system, which is terrible if you have recently had bariatric surgery. For one, the pressure in the stomach increases, which interferes with the recovery process. Secondly, gas builds up, causing pain.

It Irritates the Digestive System

You already know that your digestive tract undergoes several changes post-surgery, and chewing doesn’t help the body adjust. It causes enzyme secretion, which stimulates the bowels and, in turn, causes side effects like diarrhea.

It Stimulates Appetite

The goal of bariatric surgery is to reduce your craving for food and lower your appetite. However, you notice that chewing on an empty stomach only worsens it because it stimulates your appetite, making you hungry, meaning more food intake.

It May Cause Blockage

This may not be a serious concern for many because not everyone intentionally swallows up gum, but if that happens, then it becomes a problem. As a patient who has recently had alterations to their digestive system, doctors recommend that you properly chew your food. Since gum doesn’t digest like other food particles, swallowing it can block your bowels and, in severe cases, mean a trip back to the doctor to remove it.

Talk To Your Doctor About What You Eat After Gastric Sleeve Procedure

You can chew gum weeks after gastric sleeve, as long as it is sugar-free, but you have to be cautious because of the potential risks. Surgeons advise that you not do it, and as a patient, you would rather not risk it. Chewing gum is not worth it if you want your bariatric surgery in New York to be successful. Contact us at Lenox Hill Hospital for advice about bariatric surgery recovery.

What To Know About Exercising After Bariatric Surgery

Written by jefftormey on March 4, 2024. Posted in Bariatric Surgery.

Exercise is one of the most crucial steps to a successful weight-loss journey. You may have several questions about exercise post bariatric surgery, like when is the best time to start and what are the safest routines. Read on for answers to these and other questions.

Why Exercise After Bariatric Surgery?

Working out is crucial for your weight loss journey, even after surgery. For one, it helps enhance muscle strength and preserves lean muscle mass. Secondly, it is crucial for your bone health, making them stronger and more stable. Patients may also have issues with loose skin after surgery, and the best way to improve the skin’s elasticity is by exercising. Also, working out helps you keep your weight in check while keeping weight-related diseases at bay.

When Is the Right Time To Exercise?

Surgeons recommend that exercise is safe two weeks post-surgery. However, immediately after healing from the procedure, it is expected to feel sore and a little uncomfortable. So, as soon as you can get back on your feet, you can start with little movements, like taking a 5–10 minute walk a couple of times a day. The more you heal, the more you can push your body to start more physical activity, as long as you don’t overdo it. You can stop when you feel uncomfortable and consult your doctor.

What Exercises Are Safe?

You start with simple walking exercises after surgery. 5–10 minutes a day each time will do, even indoors, right from your house, as long as you keep moving. Water aerobics and swimming are also top recommendations because they don’t strain your joints. You can also try riding a bike after one month.

Within the first 6 months, you can do 30 minutes of aerobics 3–5 times a week and lift small weights. After that, it is safe to incorporate strength training, gradually increasing your muscle movements, and trying 45 minutes of aerobics 4 times a week.

What Else To Know About Exercises After Surgery

Note that you should avoid any exercises that need extra balance. Surgery affects your body’s center of balance, all thanks to the lost weight, meaning your stability will be off. Squats and lunges are such exercises that you must avoid, especially in the first 6 months post-surgery. Lastly, remember that your diet should also improve while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Plan on Exercising after Bariatric Surgery

For a successful and holistic weight loss journey, you must include exercise and dietary changes into your lifestyle. New York bariatric surgery at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program is the first step, but you must keep the weight off in the long run by adjusting your diet and incorporating daily physical movement into your day.