Weight Loss Surgery Success: Laura's Story

Submitted by Laura M., Miller Beach Resident and past client of the Midwest Bariatric Institute

I was looking back at pictures recently and realized that even when I had lost weight on my own, I was still not as thin and healthy looking as I am 9 months after my Gastric Sleeve procedure at the Midwest Bariatric Institute at Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Dyer, Indiana.

I realized after looking through 20 years worth of pictures that I had struggled with my weight for most of my adult life. I had done every diet out there. I lost the weight on my own three different times. In my twenties, it was always about wanting to lose the dreaded extra 25-30 lbs. In my 30’s, it was losing the dreaded extra 50-60 lbs. In my 40’s, it became losing the extra 100 lbs. This was something I could not tackle on my own. I needed help.

In January 2013, when I once again found myself as a size 20 and at the age of 42, I decided I could no longer live with the adversarial relationship I had with food. I thought I was making good decisions when it came to food. I was eating "diet" foods and was still gaining weight. Food was supposed to nourish me and instead, I felt guilty all the time. No matter what I ate, I felt bad about it.

I had passed a billboard for months advertising weight loss surgery. One day, last January I called the number on the billboard for Dr. Cahill, head of the Midwest Bariatric Institute and a surgeon at Franciscan St. Margaret Health. Immediately, I had a positive experience. I was informed of an upcoming educational session, which I attended just days later. At the session, I learned why morbidly obese people have difficulty losing weight as their body chemistries are working against them. I learned about the different surgical procedures that were available. I also learned about the support which is available from the Midwest Bariatric Institute including a nutritionist, counselor, internist, exercise program, a support group and so much more.

Of the procedures described, I chose the Gastric Sleeve. I had my surgery on April 16, 2013. Every patient situation is different so I can only speak from my experience. It took about an hour and a half. I did not experience any pain and was up walking around within several hours. The procedure is laparoscopic and leaves just tiny incision points.

Even at home, I did not experience pain. I had mild discomfort which I could use ice packs to relieve on the incision points. But did not need any of the pain killers that were prescribed in case I should need them.

After three days, I did not even need the ice. I had my one week follow up at the doctor's office and all was well. I was on my way to success! I strictly followed all of the directions provided and attended all of my follow up visits as prescribed. I followed the strict all liquid diet for several weeks and then slowly re-introduced soft foods as prescribed in the program.

I was losing 5 pounds a week for the first three months. As it turns out this is pretty common with many patients reporting losing 50 pounds in the first three months. At about four months, I was losing 2.5 to 3 pounds per week and at five months out, I was losing 5 pounds a month. At around 6 months, I started stabilizing and at nine months out, I have lost another 6 pounds.

I started at 216 pounds and am now 116 pounds. I went from a size 20 to a size 4. I feel fantastic!!

My relationship with food has completely changed. I enjoy it very much but in a different way. I see it now as life sustaining and filled with nutrients for my body. My metabolism has greatly sped up, and I enjoy the foods I enjoyed before and still lose weight.

I went on a cruise at the beginning of December 2013. I did not skip any meals on the cruise and still lost 4 pounds by the end of the trip.

Again, every person's experience is different, and I can only speak to my own. I am incredibly grateful for the new life I have. I enjoy shopping for clothes; being in pictures; and never get tired of running into people who have known me for decades and don't recognize me!

The program and staff at the Midwest Bariatric Institute are fantastic. The program is structured and geared for success. If you are ready to have your life back, give them a call.

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It's hard to begin a weight loss program on your own, but you don't have to. The Midwest Bariatric Institute is committed in helping you achieve your weight loss goals in a way that can be sustained for the rest of your life. To learn more about the program, including information about free seminars and support groups, visit FranciscanStMargaret.org/weightloss or call (219) 852-2510.

Living Miracles, Inspiring Health: Johnny's Miracle

Miracles come in all sizes. When Johnny Reyna hit 485 pounds, he was using a CPAP machine to breathe at night, was on numerous medications, and was thought to be prediabetic.

Only 40 years old, he began to wonder whether he would be around to watch his daughter Emelia grow up. On a Disney World trip, he thought, “What will happen when she gets older? I can't even fit in the seats of these rides now; if I continue the way I'm going, I won't be around for her as she grows.” This realization helped him come to one of the most important decisions of his life - to lose weight and to radically change his lifestyle.

He finally reached that place in his head where he knew he wanted to lose weight more than anything else, and Emelia served as the catalyst. On the recommendation of Franciscan Hammond Clinic, and seeing the newspaper ads and billboards for Dr. Gerald A. Cahill, Johnny turned to Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Dyer for his miracle, where he elected to have minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery.

He was scared but thought, “I could die if I don't do it, so I am prepared to die trying.” Within six months of Johnny’s surgery, his weight was down to 230, a 255-pound weight loss from his highest point. John attributes his success to determination, attending Franciscan St. Margaret Health support groups, and help from staff such as Patricia Konvalinka from Franciscan Hammond Clinic, who encouraged him along the whole way. Today, when he drives with his mom by a billboard for Dr. Cahill, she waves and says, “Thanks, Doc.” To Johnny and his family, losing all that weight is nothing short of a miracle.

VIDEO UPDATE - "Windy City Live!" Producer Talks Weight Loss Surgical Success

Earlier this year, our team here at the Midwest Bariatric Institute visited the set of "Windy City Live!". Dr. Gerald Cahill appeared on the show and discussed the weight loss journey of WCL Producer and Contributor David Plummer and his Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedure.

UPDATE...David was back in the spotlight and in front of the cameras again this week...100 pounds lighter! And his experience has inspired another co-worker to seek out surgical options as well.

 

Congrats, David. Good luck, Greg. We are all wishing you well as you keep your journeys going strong!

The Buzz over Greek Yogurt

Submitted by Lori Granich, RD, Clinical Dietitian at the Midwest Bariatric Institute

There is no doubt that you have seen various brands of Greek yogurt popping up at your local supermarket. You may have also noticed the significant price hike compared to regular yogurt. Dietitians and fitness enthusiasts are recommending it and there are many recipes now calling for it. So what is the big deal about Greek yogurt?

Both types of yogurt can be part of a healthy diet because they are low calorie and contain calcium and beneficial bacteria. Greek yogurt, however, goes through extra straining which removes whey, lactose and sugar resulting in a thicker consistency. One of the reasons Greek yogurt is put on a pedestal is because the protein content is typically twice that of regular yogurt. Including protein at meals can help control hunger. Greek yogurt also has fewer carbohydrates than regular yogurt which makes it appealing to diabetics. Greek yogurt contains a good amount of probiotics which aid in digestion and help us absorb nutrients.

The best thing about Greek yogurt is that it is a very versatile ingredient - especially when it is used a  healthier alternative for things like mayonnaise and sour cream.

Here are some great uses for Greek yogurt:

• Make a high protein smoothie with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
• Add a sugar-substitute and top with fresh fruit for a high-protein snack. Adding sugar-free jelly or a Crystal light packet in yogurt can also give it the sweeter flavor you may be craving.
• Add garlic, herbs, and olive oil to Greek yogurt to make salad dressing.
• Dress up your chicken with a combination of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and tarragon.
• Add lemon and capers to Greek yogurt to make a delicious sauce for fish. Cucumber and dill weed also make also make great toppings!
• Add peanut butter, honey and cinnamon to Greek yogurt for a snack or use as a dip for fruit.

Nutrition on a Budget - 5 Tips to reduce your grocery bill and your waistline

Submitted by Lori Granich, RD, Clinical Dietitian at the Midwest Bariatric Institute

The most common complaint I hear is: "It is too expensive to eat healthy!" This is often validated when we look at popular fast food restaurants and see that they offer less than healthy food and drink items for only $1.00 each while their entrée salads typically cost about $4.00.

One of the most important messages I want my patients to take away is that they can eat healthy on a budget. Here are some ways to reduce your grocery bill and waistline!

• Plan meals in advance. Making a list will help you to avoid impulse buys. It will also help to ensure you are only buying what you need. Oftentimes, perishables will go bad before we have the chance to use them.
• Look at the sale flyers for a good deal, but make sure to only use the coupons for items you would normally buy. Many times consumers purchase an item just because it was on sale, not necessarily because they needed it. Compare the prices of popular brands versus store and generic brands. There may not be much difference in quality, but there is a large difference in price. Items to buy generic: flour, milk, sugar, salt, cereals, and canned foods.
• Never shop when you are hungry. This will only tempt you to buy more food. Stay clear of “empty calories” found in candy, chips, and soda. These items have very low nutritive value so skipping them will not only save you money, but will also positively impact your health.
• Choose wisely between convenience foods or making foods from scratch. You have to decide what is more important to you; convenience or price?
• Inexpensive health foods are located at all grocery stores. For example, beans are a great protein source and are much cheaper than meat.

So…..Is it true that healthy foods are more expensive? Let’s look. A gallon of skim milk costs less than a 12 pack of soda. Frozen vegetables are still nutritious with a much lower price tag. A large bag of chips is the same price as a large bag of peeled and washed carrots. Meats and poultry are often on sale and cost less than buying a frozen entrée. Trust me...it is possible to shop healthy on a budget!

Source: RD411.com

Exercising at Work: Tips to Keep You Moving

Let's face it, many of us spend most of the time that we are awake at work. Couple that with the fact that many people sit all day at their jobs ... it may seem that our work environments aren't great places to focus on weight-loss goals. Well, don't get discouraged. Did you know you can easily add activity to your schedule before work, during work, at lunch, and after work? Here are some tips to get you started:


Before work:

• If you drive, park around the corner or a few blocks from your work place so you get a 5- to 10-minute walk before you get to work.
• If you take the bus, get off one stop before your usual stop to get in a few extra minutes of walking.
• Try walking or biking to work. These are excellent forms of exercise that will save you parking, gas, and bus money.

During work:

• Set a timer to remind you to do a one-minute stretching or strengthening exercises every half hour. These one-minute workouts help keep you focused, and they add 16 minutes of exercise to an 8-hour workday. Some one-minute exercises are:
  • Stand up straight, then bend forward and reach for your toes. Reach for a count of 20, and repeat two more times.
  • Reach both hands up toward the ceiling. Then, reach higher with your right hand for 2 seconds, then higher with your left hand for 2 seconds. Reach each hand higher 15 times.
  • While sitting in your chair, place your hands on the arm rests and lift your bottom off the seat. Hold your bottom up for 10 seconds. Do this up to 6 times. Be careful not to lock your elbows.
  • Stand with your feet shoulder length apart and your hands on your hips. Reach down across your body with your right hand toward your left foot, and then back up to your hip. Repeat this with your left hand reaching to your right foot. Take a deep breath and repeat. This is a good exercise to do while you make copies.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator to add some exercise to your workday. Or walk down the hall to talk with a coworker instead of sending an e-mail.

At lunch:

• If you get an hour lunch break, eat for 30 minutes and then take a 30-minute walk.
• If you get a 30-minute lunch, try to fit in a 10-minute power walk.
• Invite a co-worker to walk with you. Having an exercise buddy will help keep you motivated. You are also more likely to exercise if someone is counting on you to join them.

After work:

• If you parked a short distance away, you’ll get a short walk in before you have to sit again on your way home.
• If you take the bus, walk one stop farther from the one closest to your workplace, or do something similar close to your destination.

For more information and tips on how to focus on weight-loss at work, visit FranciscanStMargaret.org/weightloss.

Hit a Weight Loss Plateau? Join Us for "Back on Track"

The Midwest Bariatric Institute at St. Margaret Health is offering a six-week course designed to assist those dealing with the "pain of regain" or weight loss plateaus.

Sessions will be conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30; and Feb. 13 and 20, in the Blessed Mother Conference Room on the Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer Campus, 24 Joliet St.

The program will be conducted by certified instructor Millie Sasaki, a registered nurse; and Lori Grancich, a registered dietitian.

For more information, including course fee, call (219) 852-2518.

Free Surgical Weight Loss Seminars In December

People who are considering surgical weight loss options can learn more at free seminars offered by the Midwest Bariatric Institute at Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Dyer, Crown Point and Michigan City throughout the month of December.

Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 1 p.m.
at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Michigan City
St. Francis Hall
301 West Homer St., Michigan City

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - 6 p.m.
at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point
Marian Edcuation Center, Room B
1201 South Main St., Crown Point

Sunday, December 11, 2011 - 1 p.m. &
Wednesday, December 28, 2011 - 6 p.m.
at Franciscan St. Margaret - Dyer
Reginald Boardroom
24 Joliet St. (US Route 30), Dyer

Call the Midwest Bariatric Institute at (219) 852-2518 to register. Visit Midwest Bariatric Institute online @ franciscanstmargaret.org/weightloss and follow MBI on Twitter.

Exercise and Weight Loss: 7 Ways to Reduce Your Screen Time

Sedentary behaviors are things you do while you are sitting still. Decreasing your sedentary behaviors can help you lose weight. For most people, the best way to decrease sedentary behavior is to reduce the time they spend watching TV and using a computer and other electronic devices. All of these activities are called "screen time."

Some ways to decrease screen time are:

• Choose 1 or 2 TV programs to watch, and turn off the TV when they are over.
• Do not keep the TV on all the time for background noise -- you might end up sitting down and watching it. Turn on the radio instead. You can be up doing things around the house and still listen to the radio.
• Do not eat while you are watching TV or surfing the web.
• Take the batteries out of your TV remote control and get up to change the channel.
• Before you turn on the TV or your computer, take your dog or a neighbor’s dog for a walk. If you are going to miss your favorite show, record it.
• Find activities to replace TV-watching. Read a book, play a board game with family or friends, or take an evening cooking class.
• Work out on an exercise or yoga ball while you watch TV. You will burn calories. Or, set up a stationary bike or treadmill in front of your TV and use those while you watch.

If you like playing video games, try games that require you to move your whole body, not just your thumbs.

For more tips and information on exercise and weight loss, visit our online Weight Loss Health Guide at franciscanstmargaret.org/weightloss.

Source: ADAM Weight Loss SmartSite

Free Surgical Weight Loss Seminars Offered in October

People who are considering surgical weight loss options can learn more at free seminars offered by the Midwest Bariatric Institute at Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Dyer, Crown Point and Michigan City throughout the month of October.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 - 6 p.m.
at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point
Marian Edcuation Center, Room B
1201 South Main St., Crown Point

Sunday, October 16, 2011 - 1 p.m.
at Franciscan St. Margaret - Dyer
Reginald Boardroom
24 Joliet St. (US Route 30), Dyer

Sunday, October 23, 2011 - 1 p.m.
at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Michigan City
St. Francis Hall
301 West Homer St., Michigan City

Call the Midwest Bariatric Institute at (219) 852-2518 to register. Visit Midwest Bariatric Institute online @ franciscanstmargaret.org/weightloss and follow MBI on Twitter.

Weight Loss Quick Tip: Dining Out

Dining out is part of our busy lives. Even though you need to be careful when you eat out, you can enjoy yourself and stay healthy.

If you know how to pick the right foods, you can go to almost any type of restaurant. Be aware that the portion sizes at many restaurants are very large.

Try to avoid fast-food restaurants. If you must eat fast food, try these tips to limit calories:

• Choose a place that broils or grills hamburgers, fish, and chicken for their sandwiches.
• Order only a sandwich. Avoid ordering the “value” or “combo” meal.
• Whether you have a sandwich, milkshake, or French fries, do not order large sizes.
• Order a salad instead of French fries.
• Pizza is okay, but limit yourself to only 1 or 2 slices. Replace some of the cheese with extra sauce or vegetables. Add a salad to your meal to help fill you up.

Be sure to check out our Weight Loss Health Guide for more information, resources and tools to help you learn more about how to lose and keep off excess weight.

Midwest Bariatric Institute Introduces "Back on Track"

The Midwest Bariatric Institute at St. Margaret Health is starting a 6-week course designed to assist those dealing with the "pain of regain" or weight loss plateaus.

The sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Blessed Mother Conference Room on the Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Dyer Campus, 24 Joliet St. in Dyer. Each meeting will last approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. The first session begins July 12 and runs through August 23. The second session begins October 11 and runs through November 22.

For more information, including pricing, please call (219) 852-2518.

New Web-Based Tool Helps You “Weigh” the Weight Loss Surgery Decision

When you’ve spent years struggling with being overweight or obese, it may be hard to imagine life without the associated health complications or the ongoing frustration of not being able to lose weight. At the same time, your desire to live long and live well is strong. You may just need some help in discovering the path to achieving your goals, and how to put one foot in front of the other in a way that makes sense for you and your lifestyle.

Our new easy-to-navigate, web-based Weight Loss Health Guide is designed to help you to learn more about weight loss surgery options and start your personal journey to success. Here you can participate in free, confidential online assessments about your weight status, eating and exercise behaviors. There is also a weight loss surgery assessment tool that will provide you with a personalized report detailing the weight loss options that may be right for you.

In addition, you can access our online weight loss library to help you better understand the biology of weight loss, learn more about weight-loss procedures, determine if you're a good candidate for weight loss surgery and read about patients who've had weight loss surgery. You’ll even find tips for healthy grocery shopping. We strongly believe that helping you make informed decisions and have realistic expectations are key factors to achieving weight loss goals.

Obesity is a disease that affects more than 72 million people in the United States.. Today, we know genetics, eating habits, emotions, and our lifestyle can lead to obesity. People who are overweight know that losing weight is a difficult process – while many succeed at it, many more have tried and failed. People with obesity are at risk for developing health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and higher risks for cancer.

For those with more severe obesity, weight loss surgery offers an opportunity for successful weight loss and improved health status.

Weight loss surgery requires a serious commitment and involves a great deal of preparation and education before and after the surgery to ensure that patients are able to gradually lose weight and remain healthy. Is weight loss surgery right for you? Which procedure should you consider? What should you expect before and after surgery? How do you choose the right physicians and hospitals?

It is hard to begin a weight loss program on your own, but you don’t have to. We can connect you with the right health care professional to answer all of your questions, as well as introduce you to our online community of patients with whom you can share stories and gain support. We are committed in helping you achieve your weight loss goals in a way that can be sustained for the rest of your life.

We welcome you to start your journey to your future by visiting our Weight Loss Health Guide at www.smmhc.com/bariatrics.

Video: What are the benefits of weight loss surgery?

Kathy O'Donnell, manager of the Midwest Bariatric Institute, talks about some of the health benefits to weight loss surgery.

Video: Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?

Dr. Kidanu Birhanu, board certified in Internal Medicine, explains the criteria in which to qualify for weight loss surgery.

The New Year's Diet - Starting Out and Sticking to It

By Lori Granich, RD, Clinical Dietitian at the Midwest Bariatric Institute

It’s that time of year again. A new year signifies a new beginning. This is when we typically reflect on our past and how we can improve upon it during the year to come. Making a New Year's resolution can be a make or break situation. Only a few percentage of people are able to stick to it till the end. So if your goal is to lose weight, here are simple suggestions to help you stick to your resolution this year:

Make it real.
Picking a resolution that is unrealistic is only setting you up for failure and disappointment. If you have a big goal in mind, divide it up into smaller, more attainable goals that could lead you to it. For example, if you want to lose 20 lbs, aim for 1 - 2 lbs a week until your goal is reached.

Don’t take on too much.
Don’t try to revamp your entire life. This will only burn you out. Instead, concentrate on a few goals and the steps you’ll need to take to achieve them.

Make a plan and write it down.
Writing down your weight loss plan will help keep you focused and can be very motivating! Anytime you have a “slip up,” look back and get inspired by all the progress you have made. Reviewing your positive steps will also make it harder to go back to your old habits.

Make your goals known.
Telling friends and family members about your goals means that people will be holding you accountable and supporting you along the way. It helps to have someone in your corner. Your goals will also seem more real if you talk about them, rather than keeping them to yourself.

Cut yourself some slack.
Nobody is perfect! You're going to experience some setbacks along the way. Don't let one or two food slips make you give up. Think of setbacks as opportunities for growth. Try to identify the cause. Was it who you were with? How you were feeling? This way, you can plan ahead for future events where you may be presented with a similar hurdle.

Set up a reward system.
If you've reached a mini-goal or you have stuck with your resolution for a month, treat yourself to something special. But, try not to use food as a reward. Instead, treat yourself to something non-food related like a massage or new workout gear.



For more information about weight loss management, including upcoming seminars and support groups, visit the Midwest Bariatric Institute online at smmhc.com/bariatrics.

Video: Medications & Weight Loss

Dr. Kidanu Birhanu, board certified in Internal Medicine, speaks about how medications can affect weight loss and weight gain.