A Lesson in Weight Loss – Teacher’s This Is Your Time

While most people think about losing weight before summer arrives, there is no better time for teachers to spend those 3 months focusing on taking care of themselves!

Teachers are used to putting in the extra effort and working hard to achieve their goals.  Weight loss surgery is just that, putting in the time and effort for long term weight loss.  The most successful method for long term weight loss is bariatric surgery.  There is no better time than now to start your weight loss journey.  Starting during the summer can set you up for a successful surgery during Thanksgiving or Christmas break.

Many patients try diets and exercise and fail time and time again.  Weight loss surgery sets you up for long term weight loss and a new healthier outlook on life.  Procedures like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass can fix other health issues like reflux, diabetes, joint pain and depression.  The team at Trinity Bariatric Institute will support you and show you how to eat better, get on track with the right vitamins for your body and get in that exercise before and after surgery.  We are there every step of the way with you!

Bariatric surgery is a life changing procedure that can help you live the life you always wanted.  Are you worried about having surgery or costs of procedure? Dr. Dyslin is an expert at minimally invasive surgery, most patients go home the same day or next day.  Our insurance specialists will verify your insurance to see if you have bariatric benefits through your employer.  If you do not have bariatric benefits or are looking for cash pay surgery, we offer competitive rates and financing options for every budget.  Don’t let these obstacles get in the way of your weight loss journey, do something for yourself today.  Call or schedule online, 817-832-7227.

What role do vitamins play in bariatric surgery?

General immune health and support are top of mind for many of us.  As you know, following bariatric surgery there are several recommendations for micro-nutrient supplementation in order to help prevent nutrient deficiencies.  Here is a quick review of various nutrients and their impact on our immune health.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, has long been studied for its impact on our health and well-being and is vital to help white blood cells fight off invaders and regular intake has been shown to promote health.

  • There are no current established post-bariatric surgery guidelines for the amount of vitamin C you should take. Be sure that your multivitamin provides you with at least 100% of the daily value.

Vitamin D

While traditionally thought of for its role in bone health, vitamin D is a powerful nutrient that serves many functions within the body—including support of the immune system.  Having a deficiency of vitamin D can negatively impact immune function.

Many bariatric surgery patients are deficient in vitamin D both before and after surgery.  Be sure you are getting your labs checked at least one time a year after surgery so that your doctor can guide you on the proper dose.

  • After bariatric surgery, it is recommended that you take at least 75 mcg (3,000 IU) per day of vitamin D until your blood levels of vitamin D reach >30ng/mL. Some patients need even more than this amount each day in order to reach a normal vitamin D level in their blood.

Vitamin A

Studies continue to show that many patients are deficient in vitamin A after bariatric surgery, and this fat-soluble vitamin is necessary to support the body’s ability to have a strong immune response.

  • The range of vitamin A that is recommended after surgery is between 5,000-10,000 IU each day depending on which procedure you had.

Zinc

This mineral plays a key role in boosting our immune systems.  Widely available as a supplement, it can be an important player in supporting immune health.

After bariatric surgery it is recommended that you consume between 8-22 mg of zinc each day depending on your gender and surgical procedure.

Selenium

This trace mineral is also a key nutrient for immune function, and it acts as an antioxidant, which helps the body defend against challenges.

There are no established guidelines for the post-bariatric patient for selenium intake, just that your multivitamin “contains” selenium.

Probiotics

Probiotics not only support gut health, but studies have shown that depending on the probiotic strain they can influence the immune system.  Certain strains have been found to increase immune response, especially in children.

  • There are no established guidelines for the post-bariatric patient for supplemental probiotic intake; speak with your health care provider for guidance on selecting a probiotic that best supports your needs.

Keeping the immune system strong and responsive is important to maintain health.  Bariatric surgery patients have additional challenges in maintaining an adequate intake of these nutrients and often require larger amounts due to reduced absorption.  Taking your supplements can help you stay on a healthy path.

 

Article provided by https://www.bariatricadvantage.com/

 

Motivation Monday- Patient Testimonial

Night after night, Angela Torres awoke to a horrible, suffocating feeling. She knew her weight was the culprit. She feared for her life every time she stirred from sleep, choking and gasping for air. As a grandmother, she especially wanted to live and be a part of her grandchildren’s lives. She knew she was overdue for a permanent lifestyle change.

Angela struggled with being overweight for years and she felt the effects on a daily basis. Her knees ached from carrying around unnecessary weight and she often found herself out of breath. She tried numerous approaches to weight loss—various diets, exercise routines, she joined a gym and even hired a personal trainer. Nothing gave her the weight loss results she wanted.

One of Angela’s coworkers had bariatric surgery and shared the experience with Angela. The story sparked Angela’s interest, so she did her research. She read about the different types of surgeries, she read several doctors’ bios and patient testimonials, and then she discovered Dr. Dyslin. She immediately felt drawn to Dr. Dyslin and decided to make an appointment with him.

After her initial consultation, she knew she wanted to have bariatric surgery and she wanted Dr. Dyslin to become her doctor. He was very knowledgeable, caring, listened to all of her concerns and answered all of her questions—and even answered her family’s questions, despite a language barrier. He put her at ease about having the surgery and walked her through every step.

Angela had Gastric Bypass surgery in November.  Within two weeks after her second surgery, she was able to incorporate soft foods and shortly thereafter, she started her new normal eating regimen.

Dr. Dyslin has continued to help Angela transition into her post-surgery lifestyle through educating her about diet and exercise that compliment her surgery and facilitate her weight loss. He has helped her feel comfortable about various lifestyle modifications, and was particularly helpful in suggesting certain exercises to accommodate her unrelated injured ankle. She now exercises three to four times a week and enjoys eating healthier meals with her family.

Angela believes her bypass surgery was the best decision of her life and she recommends Dr. Dyslin “in a heartbeat.” She continues to lose weight and gain energy. Angela now feels comfortable and confident taking her grandchildren to the park—a newfound freedom for making invaluable memories.