“My mother was visiting,” says Cynthia. “She saw an ad for the New York Bariatric Group in our local paper and asked if I ever thought about doing anything like that. I said it had crossed my mind, but I never looked into it. I decided to check it out.

“After a meeting in October at the center in Port Jefferson, everything moved quickly. I already had all the doctors in place — the pulmonologist and cardiologist — so I didn’t have to wait for any new patient procedures and insurance issues. My surgery was scheduled for January 11.

“When I decided to have the procedure — and this is not recommended — I chose to really enjoy my 92 ‘last meals.’ This was something I thought up on my own. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to eat the same way in the future.

“As a result, I gained almost 20 pounds. When I had my surgery, I weighed 281. It was the biggest I’d even been. I couldn’t walk from my computer desk to my bathroom without getting winded. I started to have health problems. I had an asthma attack in each of those three months. I was on two inhalers.

“In my mind, I knew it was going to go away once I started on my new journey. And that’s how I think about it — I’m on a new journey.”

Cynthia had lap band surgery at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. “They treated me like gold. I had the single incision through the belly button, so I have no scarring whatsoever.”

She remembers waking up in the recovery room after surgery. “As soon as you are awake enough, they start walking you to get rid of the gas in your body, which is put there so they can work laparoscopically. They walked me every two hours — like a puppy.

“I was in the hospital just one night. Once I was home, it was easy. My husband was very helpful. Before you leave the hospital, they make sure you can handle mushy food. If you can eat, you can go home. The hospital meal looked like a scoop of mashed potatoes, but it was actually pureed turkey with gravy. If you can get past the texture, it’s very tasty.

“When I came home, my husband did more the same. He would puree chicken with cauliflower for me. And we had recipes from the hospital for salmon and pot roast. It was good to have the variety. I was on pureed food for one month.”

Before surgery, Cynthia averaged about 3,000 calories daily. “Now I’m eating 800 to 900 calories a day.” Three months after surgery, she had already lost 55 pounds.

“I feel great. I have about 50 to go. I started working out two weeks ago. They do encourage that. I hadn’t done it earlier because of my schedule, money and life circumstances. Now I go to a gym and walk and do a bit of weight training for my arms.

“Psychologically, I still have a long way to go. People have complimented me about my weight loss, and I say thank you, but in my mind I’m not there yet.

“My husband calls me a cheap date now. We’ll go to a steak place, and I’ll eat maybe a quarter of my meal — nothing fried. I’ve tried a french fry here and there just for a taste, and it upsets my stomach so I stay away from it. I’ll order grilled chicken or a turkey burger with a salad, and that will be it. No desserts. But I still enjoy my food.

“Today, I ran errands and had to eat on the run. I stopped at my favorite Mexican place — one that makes fresh food — and I got a quesadilla. I ate half of it and was way beyond full. It will last me until about 5 p.m., then I’ll have a yogurt, since we won’t go to dinner until around 6:30 p.m.

“I have more energy now. We like to go out for karaoke. Before, I would need a seat. Now I can stand, and I can dance with my friends instead of watching them.

“It’s the little things where I notice the difference. I don’t like sitting around the house any more. I have to be doing something. I was complacent in my fat life. There’s a lot I have to get caught up on.

“I look at this as a gift. I don’t want to do anything to ruin it. My target weight is 165. My doctor tells me around the 180s would be good.

“So far, I’m happy with where I am on my journey. I would recommend it to anyone. I wish I had done it sooner.”

Shiv comes from a close-knit Indian family. He’s 28 years old, and for the past six years, he’s been working with his father as a New York Life Insurance agent. Previously, he owned his own recording studio and was one of the engineers who recorded Lady Gaga’s first album.

“I’ve been overweight my whole life,” says Shiv, who is 5-foot-10 and once weighed 358 pounds. “I grew up in New York City public schools and was always being made fun of. It really hurts when someone picks on you because of your weight. I don’t think people understand that.”

Weight-loss programs? He tried them all. “I’ve seen a nutritionist, a personal trainer, tried every diet in the book, pills — nothing ever worked for me. Or if it did, I would drop 20 to 30 pounds, but it wouldn’t sustain itself. The weight would just come back on.” He describes himself as goal-oriented. “I asked myself, what are my goals for my life? I knew I wanted a family. I want to have kids. Being overweight doesn’t keep you from that, but it sets limits on your lifestyle. I wanted to be able to run with my children, to go to the park and throw a ball around with my son. I realized I needed to take some sort of action to better my life situation.

“I did my research and came across lap band surgery. I brought up the idea to my parents, and right away, they shot it down, which was disappointing. My parents are very old-school, but we are a tight unit at home, and out of respect, I always tell them everything. They didn’t like the idea of surgery. They didn’t understand that I’ve tried everything else.

“I decided to do a little more research, and learned about two great doctors — Dr. Sean Garber and Dr. Spencer Holover. I saw that they did seminars about the lap band system. One day, I decided to attend one with my sister and brother-in-law. It was an eye opener.

“I made an appointment to meet with them personally, and they told me I’d be a perfect candidate. From there, we started the process. I went back and told my parents that this was something I needed to do to get my life back. Whether they liked it or not, it was going to happen, so please give me your blessing. At that point, they were more supportive. They saw I was willing to take the risk.

“But there really wasn’t any risk. Lap band surgery is one of the safest procedures out there. My only regret was not doing it sooner.

Shiv had lap band surgery on Oct. 25, 2010. Since then, he has lost more than 110 pounds.

“That’s like losing a whole person. Imagine the amount of energy you gain back with that. It builds your confidence. It gives you your life back. Before, I could hardly keep up with my dad when we went to see a client in the city, and my dad is 40 years older than me. Now he’s having a hard time catching up with me.”

Why does the surgery work? “Think of the lap band as a signal — like a red light, green light,” says Shiv. “If you’re overweight, it’s not your fault. For some reason, because of our body chemistry, we just don’t get the signal to stop when full. Now after the surgery, I do get the signal. My stomach tells my brain: Shiv, you’re full. Don’t take another bite. It’s really a cool thing. The surgery helps you realize your limits. It’s controls your food intake.”

Describing the surgery, Shiv says, “It wasn’t scary at all. There were a lot of friendly faces in the operating room. I went in around 10 a.m., and around 11:30 a.m. I was waking up in the recovery room. When I woke, they put me in my hospital room, and within 30 or 45 minutes, I started walking again. The hospital stay was actually fun. I was there less than a day.”

Shiv now weighs 234 pounds and is working to get down to 185. “I go to the gym two times a week — four if I’m lucky. I went from a size 58 pants to size 42. My shirt size went from 4XB to XXL from a regular store. That’s a good feeling.”

About his diet, Shiv says, “I enjoy food, and I enjoy life, but it’s all about control for me. If my family goes out for pizza, I’ll have a slice — or a half a slice — and I’ll be happy with that. But I make sure I also get a salad with some chicken, and I have that first, so I get my protein in. I love salads. I don’t stay away from anything. If you want to give me a nice piece of steak, fine. Just understand that I’ll probably eat four or five bites and I’ll be full.”

And about his new life, he says, “It’s the little things that mean something now. I like to dance, I like movies, and hanging out with my friends. Before I wouldn’t always want to go out, wondering what to wear and how I would look. Now if there’s any opportunity, I jump on it.”

To those considering surgery, Shiv says, “It’s a big decision, not something you take lightly. But it’s a chance to get your life back, so why not do it?”

Bariatrics — the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity.

Gastrectomy — surgical removal of all or part of the stomach.

Laparoscopic Surgery — also known as minimally invasive surgery; a technique that allows surgery to be performed without the long traditional incision. By using multiple small incisions, each a few centimeters long, the surgeon inserts instruments including a tiny camera. The camera allows the surgeon to visualize the surgery. Incisions are made through the skin, muscle and other tissue, making laparoscopic surgery safer as less tissue is cut.

SILS — stand for Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery. New York Bariatric Group surgeons are among a select group in the country now offering SILS, which is performed through a single incision hidden in the belly button. This results in much quicker recovery and almost scarless surgery. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for the new SILS technique.

Gastric Bypass — a surgical operation that typically involves reducing the size of the stomach and reconnecting the smaller stomach to bypass the first portion of the small intestine to restrict food intake and reduce caloric absorption in cases of severe obesity.

Adjustable Lap Band Surgery – In this procedure, an inflatable silicone device is placed around the top portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is then inflated with a salt solution. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of salt solution. The system helps the patient eat less by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and increasing the time it takes for food to be digested.

Sleeve Gastrectomy — In this procedure, the stomach is converted from a 1200 cc muscular reservoir into a 120 cc muscular tube shaped like a banana. The extra portion of stomach is removed. With most of the stomach removed, large amounts of food simply cannot be eaten, since there very little stomach left to collect it.

Endoflip — a new device that can be used as an adjunct in the operating room to achieve immediate proper adjustment at the time of insertion of the adjustable lap band. The endoflip is inserted into the stomach after the band is placed. Once the band is in position, the band is adjusted in the operating room, while the endoflip gives immediate feedback about how tight the band is becoming as saline is added. Using the endoflip, the surgeon can adjust the band so when patients leave the operating room, the band is properly adjusted. Hitting the “sweet spot” from the day of surgery, jump starts a patient’s weight loss.

Rose Procedure — an incision-less surgical procedure that restores the size of the stomach pouch and stoma (the connection between the pouch and small intestine) close to the original post-surgery proportions for patients whose stomach pouch or stoma may have stretched out in the years since their original surgery.

We hope this introduction of terms increases your comfort level in discussing the options available to you. We invite you to scan back to the top of this web page and click on the “Live Chat” button.

Two years ago, at age 48, she had a health scare. She was hospitalized with pancreatitis. “I looked around me in the hospital, and just about everyone was 30 years older than me. It was an eye opener.”

Jackie is 5-foot-7 and weighed more than 260 pounds when she was hospitalized.  She knew it was time to take action.

After her health scare, Jackie decided to visit the New York Bariatric Group. ” All my options were clearly presented to me. I appreciated that. I chose the one that seemed the best for me.”  She chose laparoscopic adjustable lap-band surgery, which she had on May 31, 2011.

“I never had a major surgery before. The care was excellent. The procedure went well with not much pain. It did require an overnight stay in the hospital. A nurse woke me up every two hours to walk the halls to make sure that there would be no blood clots.”

Upon returning home, Jackie was instructed to continue to walk every day.  Pureed food and protein shakes were her diet immediately after surgery.

“I noticed right away how soon I would get that feeling of being full,” she said.  “I was feeling really good after just a few days.”

And the weight came off very quickly. “Even faster than I was told to expect,” she said.

Today, she’s 80 pounds lighter and feels like a new woman. “I have just 10 to 15 pounds to go,” she says.  Now she belongs to a gym and exercises three to four times a week, using the treadmill, elliptical machine and weights.

“I have so much more energy now,” she says. “Now I want to exercise.”

She recently took a trip to Belize and enjoyed climbing the Mayan ruins “without panting,” she said.

“Before I wouldn’t consider some the extra activities like ziplining or helicopter rides. Now I can’t wait to do those things on my next cruise.”

She does a lot of walking in Manhattan and on the Brooklyn Bridge.  Like all New Yorkers, she remembers 9/11 vividly. “Ever since then, I’ve had a fear that something like that could happen again, and I wouldn’t be able to move quick enough. Now that I am in better shape that fear is gone.”

In a recent visit to upstate New York, she completed a one-mile mountainous trek “almost effortlessly. That wouldn’t have been possible before.”  Previously, she wore size 22 pants. Now, she wears size 14. “I’ve lost 8 to 10 inches around my waist.”  There is much to like about her new life, she says.  “My knees don’t hurt anymore.  And while I’m not much of a shopper, it’s great to buy clothes off the rack instead of at specialty shops.”

She also says that people look at her differently now. “I do feel that people are treating me more respectfully.”

The New York Bariatric Group is proud to be among the first and only surgeons in the area to perform single-incision sleeve gastrectomies. With just one incision through the belly button, recovery times are quicker, and there is virtually no scar.

In most cases, patients spend just one night in the hospital following the procedure.  And since there is no need to cut through stomach muscle, there is less pain.

Not too long ago, weight-loss surgeries required a long incision, which, of course, would leave a large scar.  Then came laparoscopic surgery, known as minimally invasive surgery, which involves multiple small incisions, each a few centimeters long, and the use of a tiny camera, enabling the surgeon to visualize the surgery and to cut less tissue.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery — or SILS — is even less invasive.

We already have done several hundred SILS lap band cases, so we have extensive experience with the approach. It is only in the past year that single-incision sleeve gastrectomies have become more common. New York Bariatric Group surgeons are among a select group in the country now offering this procedure. About 40 percent of our patients are now choosing this option. As a group, we have performed about 100 single-incision sleeve gastrectomies, and these patients have been doing very well.

Virtually Scarless Single Incision Sleeve Gastrectomy

Single-incision sleeve gastrectomies are simpler to perform than gastric bypass operations, resulting in lower complication rates.

During surgery, about 75 to 80 percent of the volume of the stomach is removed, while maintaining the natural openings into and out of the stomach.  Because the gastrointestinal track is not changed, the chances of complications like vitamin deficiencies that can occur with gastric bypass surgery are decreased.

The data shows that the overall weight loss with sleeve gastrectomy is similar to gastric bypass. The weight loss helps patients get rid of their medical problems.  Because a long tube is created with a lot of resistance, it does severely limit the amount of food that a patient can eat, which contributes to sustained weight loss.

The disadvantage of a sleeve gastrectomy is that because it is a relatively new operation, long-term data is not yet available.

Minimally invasive surgery is a scientific advance that has improved the quality of life for many.  Ask your surgeon if you qualify for the new virtually scarless, single-incision sleeve gastrectomy.

• New York Times: “Surgery may be best option for Type 2 diabetics“
• Washington Post: “Stomach surgery more effective than medicine for diabetes, studies find“
• examiner.com: “Studies show weight-loss surgery effective against diabetes“

The findings come as no surprise to the team of surgeons at the New York Bariatric Group, who has received many positive reports from their patients following bariatric surgeries.

A study by Australian physicians in 2008 found similar results when comparing bariatric weight-loss surgery with other forms of treatment.

However, the new studies are being called the first to rigorously compare medical treatment with surgery as a way to control diabetes.

“Diabetes is typically a progressive disease, but weight-loss surgery really does represent a realistic hope for a cure,” said Dr. Shawn Garber of the New York Bariatric Group. Dr. Garber has performed more than 2,500 laproscopic gastric bypass procedures, 2,000 lap band surgeries and 300 sleeve gastrectomies.

The two new studies were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr. Shawn Garber

One of the studies was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting in Chicago last month by a research team from the Cleveland Clinic and Harvard University. This study involved 50 patients who had a sleeve gastrectomy, 50 who underwent a Roux-en Y gastric bypass and 50 who received a treatment of medication, monitoring, diet and exercise.

The results: Diabetes remission rates one year after surgery were lower by 42 percent and 37 percent, while only 12 percent of the patients who did not have the surgery experienced remission.

The researchers said the surgeries help control diabetes not just because they help people lose weight, but the changes in anatomy also alter the levels of hormones that affect the metabolism of sugars and fats.

The other study was conducted by the Catholic University of Rome. It compared remission rates two years after surgery. In this study, for the two types of surgery, complete remission rates were 75 percent and 95 percent, while there were no complete remissions in patients receiving the medical treatment.

In both studies, the patients undergoing surgery also were more successful with sustaining their weight loss.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to strokes, heart disease, blindness, foot amputation, kidney failure and other issues that can reduce life expectancy. It is estimated that 20 million people in the United States have it, and the number is growing rapidly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of patients with diabetes in the United States has tripled in the last 30 years.

An editorial accompanying the two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine called Type 2 diabetes “one of the fastest growing epidemics in human history,” adding that while surgical weight-loss procedures were “not yet” a panacea for diabetes, the new research “suggests they should not be seen as a last resort.”

The American Diabetes Association and the National Institutes for Health list surgery as an option for obese patients seeking a cure for diabetes.

If you’re obese and suffering from diabetes, let’s talk. We invite you to scan back to the top of this web page and click on the “Live Chat” button. We’re here to help.

Energy Drinks

Did you know that calorie counting is the most common weight-loss strategy used by dieters? Think about it. It’s a weight-loss strategy that doesn’t require fancy gym equipment, doesn’t require a nutritionist, and doesn’t require much thought about which foods to eat. It’s fairly straight forward and simple, especially when you compare it to the fancy diets and extreme fitness regimes that populate the web today.

However, despite its simplicity, despite the sheer number of dieters that practice this strategy, the most common complaint that dieters make is the inability to lose weight! Some even complain about weight gain: putting on nearly double the weight that they started at.

So, where are so many dieters going wrong? What’s sabotaging your diet?

Sometimes, it’s a simple matter of remembering that not all calories come from food: beverages have calories too. It’s great to eat a salad and to only eat fish and chicken for dinner, but having five soft drinks with your meal will set you off your mark. With a daily calorie limit of 1200, for example, it’s common for dieters to eat only 1000 worth of calories, and still be over their daily limit by 600 calories—just by drinking the wrong types of drinks.

The following are the top three most common drinks that sabotage a healthy diet. If you can’t avoid them entirely, approach them with caution.

Coffee Drinks
Black coffee has very few calories (about 5 calories for an 8 oz. cup). But how many people drink coffee black? It’s the “extras” that’ll kill you.
A 10 oz. coffee, for example, with cream and sugar from a prominent cafe has approximately 120 calories. Worse still, a small, tiny tinny, sweetened latte contains a whopping 230 calories. How many of these fancy drinks do you drink a day? Even if you only had one, that’s 840 – 1,610 added calories per week!

And don’t think you’re getting off easy with a bottled coffee drink, either. One Frappuccino packs the caloric equivalent of three fast food cheeseburgers.
When it comes to coffee, keep in mind that any added cream, sugar, or sweetened syrup can really pack on the pounds. Thankfully, many cafes offer “skinny” versions that include skim milk, nonfat creamer, and artificial sweeteners instead of the heavy stuff. Go for the skinny. Drink less of the heavy.

Soft Drinks
We’ll keep this one short. Some of us love our soda. But drinking too much can really throw your caloric balance off the scale. Drinking two non-diet sodas per day, for example, can add 1,000 or more calories per week. And even a 12 oz. can of soda can contain anywhere from 150 – 200 calories, and, more importantly, over 52 grams of sugar! Soft drinks are a major saboteur of diets.

Energy Drinks
Need a quick boost and want to really pack on the pounds? Many people reach for energy drinks like Bolt or Red Bull when they need a jolt. But when you consider that most of the “energy” in these drinks comes from sugar and caffeine, you may want to consider reaching for something else. A typical can of energy drink can contain anywhere from 110 – 300 calories, and over 55 grams of sugar!

In conclusion
If you need a drink, the best choice is water. It contains no caffeine, added sugars, or banned substances (unless you’re drinking NJ tap water). But if you just can’t stand the taste of this timeless beverage, try to find a healthier alternative to these three saboteurs. As we’ve outlined above, many of these drinks are filled with hidden calories and sugars that will push you off your weight-loss goals. Stay on track. Don’t let these beverages sabotage your diet.

Related articles

• 10 Things That Can Sabotage Your Weight Loss (health.usnews.com)
• How to Stay on a Diet to Lose or Maintain Weight (health.usnews.com)

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Cleanse diets (also known as fasts, flushes or detox diets) have been around for at least 50 years. Intended to rid the body of toxins and internal wastes caused by diet, exercise and stress, these diets are often touted as a way to lose weight quickly. These programs typically last from anywhere between a weekend and a month and are usually built around drinking a juice concoction. Most detox programs also avoid alcohol, caffeine, processed foods and many supplements. Cleanse & Detox programs also encourage you to reduce stress and examine the areas of your life that cause tension.

Yes, you will lose weight on a cleanse, but at what cost? During a fast, you can expect to experience:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Mood Swings
• Nausea
• Sluggishness

Often, when a person goes on a cleanse diet, an extreme binge occurs after the fast because of the huge calorie deficit that is created. Also, fasting can rob your intestines of healthy bacteria that aid digestion and boost immunity; and the lack of protein during a fast can lead to a loss of lean muscle tissue. This lack of lean muscle slows the metabolism, which can lead to rapid weight gain once you resume eating normally. Experts also point out that fasts do not provide enough calories to fuel the body to perform its natural processes.

Fasting or cleansing plans are not recommended for anyone. There is currently no evidence that purging your body of “toxins” in this extreme manner is beneficial. Instead, focus on healthy, long-term weight management solutions, rather than a “quick fix.” However, if you do choose to try a fast, be sure to only do it for a few days and definitely consult your doctor beforehand.

Flax Seeds, A Very Healthy Food

Flaxseeds can be extremely beneficial the fight against obesity and to your general health. They come in two varieties, yellow & brown and are larger and harder than sesame seeds. Flaxseeds also have a nutty, earthy flavor.

The health benefits of flaxseeds are remarkable because they can help improve your digestive health and lower your cholesterol. Flaxseeds also contain a high number of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, magnesium, folate, copper, phosphorous, and vitamin B6. Flaxseeds are extremely high in omega 3 fatty acids and dietary fiber.

There is even “…some clinical evidence suggesting that flaxseed supplements, along with a diet low in fat, may be useful in men with early-stage prostate cancer,” according to the American Cancer Society. Flaxseeds contain lignans which act as antioxidants and plant estrogen which possibly allows it to affect breast and prostate cancer.

Health professionals suggest trying to work flaxseeds into your diet by sprinkling in your cereal or some yogurt. It can also be used in smoothies, granola bars, baked goods, salad dressings and sandwich spreads. Even just consuming the oil of the flaxseed can help you retain the positive aspects of flaxseeds.

Ultimately, flaxseeds help your whole body function better and are one of the healthiest foods you can consume these days.

Related articles & news about the health benefits of Flax & Flaxseeds

• About Flaxseeds from the American Cancer Society
• Well: How to Add Flaxseed to Your Diet (well.blogs.nytimes.com)
• 5 Things About Flaxseed (fitsugar.com)
• How to Eat more Flaxseed in your diet (fitnesstipsforlife.com)
• Flaxseed: Whole vs. Ground (fitsugar.com)
• Flaxseed Oil Benefits (brighthub.com)
• 6 Reasons to Eat Flaxseeds (fitsugar.com)
• Add Flaxseed Oil to Everyday Food (fitsugar.com)

A proper diet is important if you want to lose some pounds or maintain a healthy body weight, but it’s also important for simply living a long life. Poor diets can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health concerns.

ChooseMyPlate.gov provides information about the valuable nutrients contained in food, suggests which types of food you should have more or less of and what categories each food falls into.

With constant research being done, nutritional standards are continuously changing so ChooseMyPlate.gov can keep you up to date.

This site is a resource for anyone looking to feed themselves or their families in a healthy manner and has special instructions when it comes to those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It also has special advice for preschoolers and children, as well as materials to help teach them about what it means to have a healthy diet.

We all need a little help to get by and this site is dedicated to offering knowledge and a helping hand when it comes to planning out your diet. If you’re serious about eating right, then ChooseMyPlate.gov is invaluable.

Related News;

• First lady unveils new food guidelines (whitehouse.blogs.cnn.com)
• New plate to guide healthier eating (cnn.com)
• Can MyPlate Make Us Healthy? (thedailybeast.com)
• Plate icon to guide Americans to healthier eating – CNN (news.google.com)
• Food Pyramid Destroyed, All Hail the New Food ‘Plate’ [Big Reveals] (gawker.com)