Friday, April 26, 2013

A Beginner's Guide to Bariatric Surgery (Part One)

Now that we have a new and improved website, it seems like a perfect time to talk about the different bariatric procedures that we offer at Blossom Bariatrics. We specialize in 5 different restrictive bariatric surgeries, and we take careful consideration in matching each patient to the procedure that is best suited for them. Here is an easy break down of  3 of the 5 different procedures that we offer here at Blossom:
 
1. Gastric Sleeve - Also known as sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, it permanently reduces the size of the stomach by about 80 percent. The larger curvature of the stomach is removed and only a long tube (or “sleeve”) is left as the new stomach.
 
2. Gastric Banding - The Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure is purely restrictive and done by placing a band around the top portion of the stomach. This divides the stomach into one smaller and one larger portion. The procedure makes patients feel full faster, and the band can also be adjusted if the rate of weight loss is not acceptable.
 
3. Gastric Plication - This relatively new procedure does not require stapling or cutting the stomach and reduces the stomach volume by up to 70 percent. Dr. Umbach folds the stomach wall inward and sutures it into place using small, thin instruments. This procedure is reversible, since none of the stomach is removed from the body, but no long-term data currently exists. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery is currently investigating the safety and efficacy of gastric plication.


Next time around, we will talk about the more well known Gastric Bypass surgery and Gastric Revision surgery. If you would like more information on any of the procedures listed above, please go to our website: www.blossombariatrics.com Feel free to call our office or set up a consultation to talk to one of our experts and find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.


Friday, April 19, 2013

Our Favorite Tasty Healthy Recipes this Week!


This week's Blossom Blogpost is all about delicious food that is healthy! We looked around the internet for great healthy recipes. Here are a few that we LOVED:





Waffle PBJ-Wich:
This quick "sandwich" will be a great way to start your day! The fiber and protein in the peanut butter will leave you feeling full for longer.

Directions:
  • Prepare 1 whole-grain toaster waffle and slice in half.
  • Spread with 2 tablespoons nut butter and layer 2-3 sliced strawberries on top in place of the traditional jelly (to cut down on sugar).





Grapefruite Sorbet:
We thought this would be a perfect low calorie summer treat now that the weather is getting warmer! Use your

Directions:
  • Note: Requires ice cream maker and 5 1/2 cups of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (about 6 large grapefruits)
  • Combine 1 cup of grapefruit juice and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk until sugar dissolves, cooking for about 5-6 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and pour in a large bowl, mixing it with the remaining grapefruit juice. Refrigerate for 25 minutes, or until chilled.
  • Once chilled, pour the mixture in your ice cream and churn according to the directions.
  • After churning, pour in a container and freeze for 6-8 hours until frozen.





Fruit and Yogurt Parfait:
Parfaits are an easy, healthy and tasty snack for the morning, afternoon or for dessert! It's so easy that you don't even need a recipe. Just put your favorite non-fat yogurt in a cup then top it with your favorite seasonal fruit with some low-fat granola. Delicious and nutricious!





Sunny Summer "Fruit" Salad with Sunny Citrus Dressing:
Who doesn't like a nice big salad? We looked at a bunch of different sandwiches and decided on this one because of the brivant colors from the fruits in it!

Directions:
Makes one big bowl - serves four salad lovers
  • Leafy Green Base:
    • 5 cups baby romaine
  • Fruit Mixture:
    • 1 pint fresh raspberries
    • 1 avocado, diced
    • 1 1/2 cups fresh chopped pineapple
    • 1 cup fennel bulb, thinly sliced
    • 1 cup chopped radicchio
    • 2-3 Tbsp sunflower seeds
    • 2 Tbsp capers (optional)
  • Sunny Citrus Dressing:
    • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed OJ
    • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
    • 1/4 tsp coriander
    • 1/4 tsp pepper
    • 4 Tbsp olive oil
  • To finish:

Friday, April 12, 2013

Swimming: the Best Exercise



Finally! The weather is getting warmer, and we're finally going to be able to go out to the beach, the lake, or the pool. Not only will jumping in the water and moving around be refreshing on your hot skin, it is a great way to exercise your whole entire body. 


In fact, swimming has benefits that no other form of exercise has. Here are a few reasons why you should get in the pool as soon as possible:


  • Gentle on your Body: swimming gives you the ability to work out your body without harsh impact to your skeletal system. This makes the pool a great place to work out for those with stiff muscles and sore joints.
  • Increases Muscle Tone and Strength: swimming requires one to propel your whole body through water, which is why swimming is a better workout than other aerobic activities. Every movement in the water takes more energy than it would normally on dry land.
  • Good for the Heart: The deep breathing and exercise that swimming evokes helps strengthen the most important muscle in your body. Swimming will help enlarge the heart and make it more efficient when pumping blood throughout the body.
  • Weight Control: Swimming is now recognized as one of the biggest calorie burning exercises. For 10 minutes of swimming breast stroke, you burn 60 calories; backstroke burns 80; freestyle burns 100; and the butterfly stroke burns 150 calories!
  • Lowers Stress: Exercising in general releases feel-good chemicals into your body called endorphins. Swimming also induces a natural relaxation response similar to yoga. This is swimming requires you to breath rhythmically while simultaneously stretching out your body.

The final reason is that swimming is just so much fun!If it's still a little cold out there for your liking, try to find a nice, heated indoor pool near you.


Friday, April 5, 2013

Peanut Butter for all Ages!


Peanut butter is one of those foods that are packed with memories. We had packed lunches with PB&J sandwiches (crusts optional), and sometimes we'd get to eat it straight out of the jar. Now, as adults, we know the health benefits of peanut butter. 

Though peanut butter is 180 to 210 calories per serving, it can be really helpful in losing weight. The combination of fiber and protein in peanut butter will fill you up and leaving you feeling full longer.  
Peanut butter is also filled with a bunch of nutrients, including: 
- Vitamin E, 
- Magnesium: good for the bones
- Potassium: good for muscles
- Vitamin B6: boosts immune system

Here are some tips and recipes you can:

1. Stir a tablespoon of peanut butter into oatmeal for a flavor and protein boost.
2. Mix the protein powder and instead add peanut butter into your smoothie to add protein and other vitamins and minerals.
3. Swap out butter and syrup on your whole grain waffles or pancakes for peanut butter with just a tiny drizzle of honey for a breakfast with healthier fats and less sugar.
4. Top your toast with peanut butter and any type of fresh fruit. Banana slices are always a favorite, but if you've seen my breakfast posts, you know that I often top my peanut butter toast with fresh berries.
5. Spread peanut butter evenly over a whole banana length-wise and then roll in your favorite granola or whole grain cereal. Serve with a nonfat latte or glass of skim milk.
6. Stir a tablespoon of peanut butter into your favorite low-fat yogurt. Then use as a dip for apple slices and graham crackers.

Oh and don't think we forgot about all of you guys that are allergic to peanuts. There are many other tasty alternatives to peanut butter that can be found at supermarkets, such as almond butter, cashew nut butter, soy nut butter, and many more! Look at their labels for nutritional value and try different ones to see which one you like best.

Sources: