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 […]

NASH (nonalcoholicsteatohepatits) is often a “silent” liver disease. It resembles alcoholic liver disease, but occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. The major feature of NASH is fat in the liver, along with inflammation and dammage. Most people who have NASH feel well and not aware they have a liver problem. However, NASH […]

Typically, it is counterproductive for people trying to lose or maintain weight to think of foods as “good or bad”. In small amounts, and on special occasions, most foods can have a place in a balanced diet. It is alarming however, how many people bascially live on fast foods and consider french fries a vegetable! […]

The biggest problem we face in America is not terrorism. The biggest health problem we are facing is obesity” Julie Gerbending, M.D. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity is considered an epidemic in this country. The consequences of obesity are staggering. 14% of all deaths can be attributed to the combination of diet and […]