Happy Holidays from the team!!

 

Team UT Weight Loss - Dr. Santa Peterson & his elves



Dr. Santa Peterson and his team of elves made a debut at the December "Holiday Gathering" support group on Wednesday, December 5th!

We feel so blessed to have an amazing group of patients who come together once a month at our support group to learn from each other and share their unique experiences before and after bariatric surgery. Our patients inspire us every day to continue in our work and, as opportunity presents itself, dress up in silly costumes to spead smiles!!

Thank you to all that attended this event - and if you missed it, no worries, we'd love to see you at next month's support group! 

(Please visit our website to learn about when and where the monthly support group meets.)

COX Radio Interviews with Dr. Peterson - tune in 12/9/12!

COX radio interviewed Dr. Peterson this week, to be aired this coming Sunday!
Be sure to listen in!!

The interview airs on Sunday, December 9:

6 am on KSMG (105.3 FM) and KISS (99.5 FM)

6:30 am on Y100 (100.3 FM) and KTKX (106.7 FM)

7 am on KONO (860 AM & 101.1 FM)

11:30 pm on KKYX (680 AM)

**Follow the links for LIVE STREAMING online - click on the
"Listen Live" button near the top of each page.)

Dr. Peterson has the cover story for MD News December 2012!

Dr. Peterson on radio station 930 AM KLUP December 1st at 10 am - Listen in!!

"The Me Within" - Poem by Dr. Peterson

The Me Within

There was a time when I was me

Before this time when you could see

A time when I may have hidden there

A time when I avoided your stare

Life was not what I wanted it to be

I was not the person that you now see

Life was quickly passing by

But I could not enjoy the ride

But I made a choice to move from there

To be the best me that I could share

This change of mind and body too

Sustains my new life and gets me through

They say a journey begins with a single step

I made that move and now a promise kept

And now this new me is here to stay

Living with vigor each new day

- Richard M. Peterson, MD MPH  8/25/2012

Physical activity tips from Julia Lindhurst, fitness consultant & personal trainer

Julia shared with us in the July support group that the most important factor in your fitness success is CONSISTENCY! Meaning, it is time to get a habit in place so that fitness is part of your healthy life – for the rest of your life.

(Always consult your doctor regarding the recommended fitness plan for you.)

Building New Fitness Habits

* Start with 10 minutes of cardio (walking, biking, or swimming) four times per week. Most of us can find time for 10 minutes of moving your body per day – in fact, the average person finds 2-3 hours per day to watch TV!!

* Within the next four weeks, increase the time you spend being active to 20 minutes per day, four times per week.

* Stretch after your cardio – bend your body forward and back, and side to side. Stretch your arms, keeping your knees soft and aligned with your toes.

* Recognize when you hear yourself making excuses to build self-awareness. Continually remind yourself of your fitness and/or health goals and positively reinforce yourself (take a bubble bath, buy that book you’ve been wanting, etc…) when you are on track with your goals.

And further down the road…

Add strength training exercises to your routine. Increase the time of your cardio and the number of repetitions of your strength training as is comfortable for you. Keep motivated and honest with yourself.

Everyday, say: “I can do it! I AM doing it!!”

Compiled by: Anna Macnak, RD, LD

Team trip to San Diego for the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Peterson, Jane Reese (program coordinator & registered nurse), and myself just returned from San Diego with heads full of fresh ideas for the program and pockets full of business cards from new contacts from around the nation and the globe! I personally saw at least seven countries represented at the meeting (Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, & United States) but I’m sure there were many more as well! 

The highlights of the meeting for me was:

a) the focus of the industry is seeing a switch from “weight loss surgery” to “metabolic surgery” as more and more research emerges of the prevention of and successful treatment of a variety of chronic disease states

b) how blessed this field is from starting with a strong team approach to patient care that values the collaboration between the surgeon, the nurse or nurse practitioner,  the dietitian, and behavior health professionals in creating optimal patient outcomes

c) and finally, the commitment of ASMBS to create a stimulating and cutting edge learning experience for the attendees so that we may bring back the best research and practices home to our current and future clients

Already looking forward to what’s new at next year’s meeting!!

Photo: Dr. Peterson & Jane Reese at ASMBS 2012

Written by: Anna Macnak, Registered Dietitian

Probiotics after Gastric Bypass Surgery

The use of probiotics has been of a growing interest lately, but did you know humans have actually known the benefits of bacteria for THOUSANDS of years? In fact, fermented milk products have been around since 10,000 B.C.! Kefir, a fermented milk drink used for generations in Asia has been said to help the body boost immunity, stimulate digestion, and be great for those with lactose intolerance.

The use of probiotics, also referred to as “good bacteria”, has been touted in diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and even in the prevention of cancer as they help to maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines. Recently, there have also been studies looking at the role of probiotics in patients having undergone gastric bypass surgery.

To better understand how probiotics work, it’s important to look at our food history. Humans went from a diet rich in microorganisms, to a diet that is practically sterile, or free of organisms. This in turn reduced not only the amount of “bad bacteria” in the gut, but the amount of “good bacteria” too. We know that gastric bypass surgery may alter gastrointestinal (GI) microflora possibly resulting in bacterial overgrowth and dysmotility (food does not move through the stomach and intestines as it normally would), therefore, it has been suggested that the daily use of probiotics may improve GI outcomes after gastric bypass surgery.

To get the best of probiotics, when shopping for yogurt, look for products that feature the words “live” or “active” on the package. Other good sources of probiotics include blue cheese and other aged cheeses, kefir, acidophilus milk, and buttermilk which are all produced by fermentation. Certain nondairy fermented foods are also rich in probiotics, including sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), kimchi (Korean spicy cabbage), and tempeh (a fermented soybean product) and soy sauce.

While it appears that probiotics may be beneficial to those who have had a gastric bypass, as with any new medication or supplement regimen, it is best to speak to your doctor or dietitian to see if probiotics are right for you!

Written by: Josie De Hoyos, UT Health Science Center at SA Dietetic Intern
Reviewed by: Anna Macnak, RD, LD

Support groups really make a difference!

After observing and shadowing a day in the life of a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition for bariatric patients at CHRISTUS Weight Loss Institute, I have learned how important the clinical team approach is in reaching out and supporting patients. The clinical team includes the bariatric surgeon, a registered dietitian, a registered nurse coordinator, a behaviorist, and an insurance specialist. All together this team is committed to providing as much support as is needed to help each individual to reach his or her goals for long-term success. 

     The changes in the diet and lifestyle after bariatric surgery need to last a lifetime.  From my experience today observing counseling sessions, it seems like one of the most important parts of the process for each individual is surrounding themselves with people who understand and support their goals. 

     The Weight Loss Institute at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa holds support groups so patients can surround themselves with people who share their situation and understand what they are going through.  Hearing individuals’ excitement about attending these support groups today made me realize how important having support is in bariatric surgery. 

     Attending support groups provides pre-and post surgery patients an excellent opportunity to discuss their various personal and professional issues.  They can ask questions to the group and receive answers in a supportive environment, and know that someone is always there for them for help and support. This someone may either be the clinical team as a whole or another individual going through the same process.

      I feel it is important for patients to know that they are not alone and to feel they have the full support of not only the clinical team but family and friends as well. Lastly, by hearing these personal stories today, I can see that support groups help individuals stay on track and achieve the goals they set for themselves.   Research has shown that support groups help produce a greater level of weight loss success for patients after bariatric surgery. 

     Thank you CHRISTUS Weight Loss Institute for allowing me to be a part of a learning experience I will never forget.  The clinical team at CHRISTUS Weight Loss Institute provides the support that makes it possible for their patients to achieve long-term success.

Written by: Kaitlyn Lynch ARAMARK Dietetic Intern
Reviewed and edited by: Anna Macnak, RD, LD