I saw an interesting piece on tv yesterday about an experimental surgery for morbid obesity. Unlike traditional surgeries, which focus on the stomach and intestines, this surgery was performed on the hypothalmus part of a patient’s brain. Surgeons were attempting to manipulate this gland in an attempt to help a woman who had tried all […]

For patients who do not quite qualify for bariatric surgery (ie no comorbidities, low BMI), we will be starting to offer Optifast, a medical weight loss program. The average weight loss across the 18 week program is 52 lbs. If you are interested please feel free to contact our office.

Yesterday I blogged about the rule of “one bite every 10 minutes” for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. This is necessary to protect the pouch and anastamosis from stretching. But eating more slowly has many other benefits for anyone trying to lose weight. You taste and enjoy your food more You give your body […]

Lately there have been some questions posed to me by patients and Diane LeMont, our program psychologist, about the recommendation that patients who have had bariatric surgery try to eat their meals very slowly, over at least 30 to 45 minutes. He has always recommended the adage, “one bite every 10 minutes”. Some patients are […]

Ever wonder why we call it “Morbid Obesity” ? Morbid obesity is defined as having a BMI over 40, ( or weighing approximately 100 pounds over your ideal weight) There are over 300,000 deaths every year in this country that are associated with morbid obesity Diet and exercise are successful 2% of the time once […]

There is a popular book I read a while back called “French Women dont Get Fat” by Mireille’s Guiliano. This book talks a lot about the cultural differences in the way that the French and Americans view food, and the rituals surrounding eating. It is a good read, and one that will hopefully make some […]

Many dieticians recommend keeping a food diary for patients who are trying to lose weight. This is especially helpful for patients who are at a weight plateau, or for patients who feel that they are not losing fast enough. In our busy society, many of us have developed bad habits of eating on the run, […]

Surgical Associates is starting a medical Optifast program this fall. It will be an 18 week weight loss program and will include a weekly behavioral health module, as well as an exercise component. We are very excited to be able to help patients who are battling obesity but do not qualify for, or desire weight […]

I wanted to share some tips that are being recommended by the makers of the lap band. Eat only three small meals a day Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly Stop eating as soon as you feel full. Do not drink while you are eating Do not eat between meals Eat only quality foods. […]

A recent study ranking obesity by state written by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation showed that Mississippi is number 1,with 33% of the population classified as obese . They also ranked number 1 in the percentage of the population being treated for hypertension at 34%. These numbers and their health implications are staggering. California, which […]