Posted on May 4, 2012 at 1:46 PM in Supplements
Visit our online store newlifebariatricsupplements.com
Does the idea of groceries and vitamins being delivered to your doorstep sound like a life saver? Well, you’re in luck because New Life Bariatric Supplements can be delivered right to your home for the low low price of FREE with purchases of $50 or more!
There are many factors that can cause an inconvenience for those in need of purchasing vitamins and supplements. In these tough economical times we understand that it may be difficult for some patients to travel to our office due to rising gas prices and long distance driving. We also acknowledge that we have patients who may find it difficult to travel and rely on family members or friends to run errands on their behalf. Our office hours, as well, can often present a struggle with those that work the same hours as our staff.
Here at New Life we have made convenience to our patients a top priority. In an attempt to improve the ease of ordering our products we have created a link on our website and a mobile version of our online store, newlifebariatricsupplements.com.
We strive to keep our patients happy and healthy and hope that by offering this money and time saving alternative that you will help us achieve our goal!
We are also excited about plans to move to a new facility this summer. We will be relocating somtime this summer to:
Turkey Creek Medical Center
10810 Parkside Drive
Physicians Plaza 1: Suite 305
Knoxville, TN 37934
We hope both these changes will help us to serve you better. Please feel free to let us know if there are other ways we can improve our service to you.
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 12:01 AM in Dr. Boyce In The Media, Nutrition
Bariatric Surgeon in Knoxville Announces Exhibition at ASMBS Meeting for Weight Loss Supplements
Knoxville, TN — The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) will be hosting its 29th Annual Meeting on June 17-22 at the San Diego Convention Center and Hilton Bayfront Hotel in San Diego, CA. Dr. Stephen Boyce will be exhibiting a booth for the New Life Bariatric Supplements to help spread awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy nutrition levels following bariatric surgery. Dr. Boyce says he is excited about the opportunity to share the latest information and research on weight loss surgery vitamins to participants at the conference.
As a bariatric surgeon, Dr. Boyce provides patients with a comprehensive approach to weight loss, offering services in a number of surgical procedures as well as nutrition plans and bariatric supplements in Knoxville. He says weight loss surgery is a serious undertaking and patients should be prepared to make significant changes to their lifestyle and eating habits in order to ensure they receive the proper levels of essential nutrients. Diminished nutrition levels can lead to poor skin, nail, and hair health as well as a number of other deficiencies. Dr. Boyce says his practice has been dedicated to replenishing the nutritional quality of his patients through weight loss supplements so they can enjoy the benefits of a healthier, thinner life; a pursuit he hopes to share at the New Life Bariatric Supplement exhibit during the ASMBS conference.
With a varied schedule of courses, lectures, and several objective-based Plenary Sessions, the ASMBS annual meeting is designed to gather influential surgeons in the field of bariatric and weight loss surgery. Dr. Boyce says the Exhibit Hall provides a unique extension of the conference for surgeons and educators to discover the latest technology and products in the surgical treatment of obesity. The exhibit dates for the ASMBS conference will be Tuesday through Thursday, June 19-21, and Dr. Boyce’s practice exhibit will be held at booth #1116.
“Our presence at the meeting is important to the industry because of the novel concept of our comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplementation,” says Dr. Boyce.
For patients and attendees at the ASMBS annual meeting, Dr. Boyce says he is grateful for the chance to share his experience in bariatric supplements and hopes patients take the time to educate themselves about the importance of maintaining proper nutrition following weight loss surgery. He says he aims to continue promoting the highest quality products and services by participating in continued education opportunities like the annual meeting.
“We hope that there is interest in our products since they offer a cost effective, simple regimen that increases compliance and prevents post operative deficiencies in our patients.”
About Stephen G. Boyce, MD
A board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Stephen Boyce is the founder and developer of New Life Bariatric Supplements. Having earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed a surgical residency at the Parkland Memorial Hospital, he has over 20 years of experience in weight loss surgery and has achieved an additional Masters Certification in Bariatric Surgery. The New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Boyce’s weight loss surgery practice, has been designated as the only Center of Excellence in East Tennessee to offer all approved bariatric operations.
Located at 200 Ft. Sanders West Blvd MOB 1, Suite 200 in Knoxville, TN, New Life Bariatric Supplements can be reached at (865) 694-9676. It can also be contacted online via the websites newlifebariatricsupplements.com, parkwestcwlc.com, or facebook.com/newlifecenterbariatricsurgery.
Contact:
Rosemont Media
Aaron Hurst
aaron@rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com
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Posted on March 22, 2012 at 11:26 AM in Bariatric Surgery, LapBand, Nutrition, Uncategorized, Weight Loss Surgery
When you’re on vacation, it may be very easy to abandon the lifestyle changes you have been developing. The downside is, when you return home you often have feelings of guilt and remorse about the choices you made while on vacation. Then, as you follow-up with the office to weigh, the consequences show up on the scales.
It isn’t necessary to make weight loss the main goal of your vacation; however, maintaining your weight is a realistic target. Consider the following tips to keep your health in line while on vacation this year.
Tip # 1: Be Prepared
Whether you travel by plane or automobile, always be prepared. Keep healthy food options around so you will not be tempted to grab whatever is available. Pack a cooler full of satisfying small meals and beverages. Lean lunch meat, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit can take the place of fast-food and convenience store foods. Protein bars, tuna/chicken packets, and single serve peanut butter are convenient travel foods that do not have to be refrigerated. Packing these foods will also save you money. However, even though the food is available do not be tempted to snack around the clock. Delays and boredom are bound to happen. Don’t let this be an excuse to overeat.
Tip # 2: Select Sensible Choices
Make sensible choices when dining out. It is easy to break your calorie budget by eating foods that are fried. Ask that foods be baked, broiled, or grilled. Be cautious however, because some restaurants still add fat (such as butter and oil) to these dishes. You may request that your food be made without added fat.
Avoid child menus and appetizer menus. These foods are often higher in fat and the dipping sauces are loaded with sugar and calories. Foods higher in fat tend to stimulate appetite which cause you to consume more calories.
Make water a part of your meal. It fills you up and never lets you down. Don’t forget to fluid load! Fluid loading on 4-8 oz prior to a meal helps fill your pouch and prevent over eating. Remember not to drink with the meals as this can cause hunger after meals and an increase in calories at meals.
Tip # 3: Don’t Forget Exercise
As Rebecca discussed in her blog last month, exercise during vacation is very important. Airport delays are often inevitable – use it as an excuse to work in extra exercise. You can get many steps in while waiting for your flight.
Select a vacation that requires you to be active. Choose a hotel that is within walking distance of popular attractions. If you choose a destination close to the ocean, make it a point to walk the shore line each day. If a body of water is accessible, participate in recreational aquatics. Sometimes hotels and resorts have an exercise room – use it! If you can’t exercise, be active daily.
Tip # 4: Slow Down and Consider What You Are Eating
While on vacation, it is often common to socialize while dining out. You may not realize that you are eating as much as you are if you are not paying attention. Since restaurants serve larger portion sizes, request that a to-go box be brought to the table with your meal so you are not tempted to ever eat. If you want to sit around the table and socialize, simply remove the food plates so you are not tempted to graze. The same mentality should be used for calorie-filled drinks.
Tip # 5: Practice Self-Control
It’s okay to indulge in things that you ordinarily wouldn’t while on vacation. Trying a restaurant’s signature apple pie may feel like a must while on vacation, but the key is to do so in moderation. Limit the desserts you eat by sharing. Try not to make dessert a habit. Indulging occasionally if you are still hungry is okay, but having dessert with each meal will create bad habits and pack on those extra pounds quickly.
Alcohol contains calories. Alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic, non-caloric beverages to stay hydrated and avoid extra calories. Select lower-calorie choices such as light beer, wine spritzers, wine, champagne, or spirits mixed with water or diet mixes. Remember to avoid alcohol for the first year after surgery.
Tip # 6: Make it Yourself
You don’t have to eat every meal in a restaurant. Request a room with a kitchenette when available. If you are on a budget, find a hotel with a mini-fridge and/or microwave. You can stock up on fresh fruits, eggs, Morning Star Farm products, yogurt and milk for breakfast. Frozen entrees can make a quick lunch. Making food yourself saves money and calories!
Krystal Cameron, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 1:03 PM in Bariatric Surgery, Exercise, Informational Seminar, LapBand, Nutrition, Uncategorized, Weight Loss Surgery
Spring is upon us and that means Spring Break travel for lots of people and the ever-looming SUMMER vacations! Friends, family, and patients ask me all the time “how can I exercise when I travel?” For some, travel is not just something that happens seasonally or a few times a year but every month or EVERY WEEK if the job demands it. So, how can we be successful at planning for and actually FOLLOWING THROUGH with exercise when we travel? I hope to provide you with information that not only answers that question but also convinces you that yes, exercising while traveling for work or vacation is something you actually want to do!
First, let me address the benefits of exercising when you travel. Staying involved in an exercise routine when “on the road” can help us stay in our routine when at home. This is especially important if you frequently travel for work. Keeping as consistent of a routine as possible, whether you are at home or away, will help you adhere to an exercise program long-term. Exercise helps us make healthier food choices along with staying focused during business meetings, sleeping better while away from home, and meeting the recommended goal of 10,000 steps per day1.
Second, how can we successfully plan for exercise? Be realistic when setting your goal of how many times you will be able to exercise on your trip. The idea is to be successful, not end up feeling guilty because you did not meet your goal. If you will be away for 5-7 days, a realistic goal would be exercising 3-4 days during your trip. If your trip is shorter, say 2-4 days, set a goal of exercising 1-3 days while away. If you are traveling for business, look at the meeting agenda ahead of time and plan in your exercise sessions. Could you exercise at the hotel’s fitness center over your lunch break instead of waiting until after dinner? Does the gym you belong to at home partner with IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (www.ihrsa.org)? If so, you can find a gym at your destination that will allow you entrance to the facility for free or for a reduced-cost guest fee.
If on vacation, think about what activities you already have planned and set a reasonable goal for exercise for the week. No one wants to feel “scheduled” on vacation, so consider a mode of exercise that fits more into your plans; for example, a walking routine. Walking is a great way to experience a new city or the beach while on vacation and it can help you adhere to your goal of exercising, too. Encourage other members of your traveling party to exercise with you for added accountability and decide what time of day is best to exercise. Think outside the box of traditional exercises…does the resort or community you are visiting have tennis courts? Are there bikes available for rent to use on bike paths or the beach?
What if you do not have access to exercise equipment or a safe place to walk while on your trip? Here are a few ideas for exercising in your hotel room or living room while traveling. First, consider purchasing a resistance band to take along with you. Resistance bands are a great way to perform strength training (you can use them in place of dumbbells for most any exercise) and they are light weight! The resistance band is only going to weigh a few ounces so you do not have to worry about luggage weight (especially if you are flying). You can purchase resistance bands at several retail locations but I recommend purchasing from Power Systems (www.power-systems.com). Power Systems is located in Knoxville and they manufacture and sell all kinds of fitness equipment. The quality of equipment is top-notch and the customer service is great. In addition to resistance bands, Power Systems also has a small digest-size handbook for resistance training that provides pictures and descriptions of all different kinds of exercises to do with the resistance band. Again, it’s small and easy to carry in your luggage.
Of course, if purchasing a resistance band is not what you want to do, you can always incorporate push ups and chair squats into your travel routine. Both exercises are very functional, build strength, and do not require any equipment…just your own body weight! If performing push ups on your toes and hands on the floor is too difficult, consider modifying the exercise to make it fit your fitness level. Perform the push up on your knees and hands or consider putting your hands on a higher surface, like a counter top or desk, to make the push up even easier. The goal is to be able to perform 3 sets of 10-20 repetitions and be challenged when you do them, so find the modification that meets you at your fitness and strength level.
Chair squats consist of standing in front of a sturdy chair and squatting down until you barely touch your rear to the seat and then standing back up. The idea is to not sit all the way down, just far enough to touch the seat and then stand back up. The chair acts as a guide for the depth of your squat and is there in case you lose your balance but try to keep from sitting all the way down. Again, the goal is to perform 3 sets of 10-20 repetitions and be challenged while doing them.
Whether you are traveling for business or for pleasure, it IS possible to be successful at adhereing to your exercise routine. All it takes is a little planning and setting a reasonable goal. Remember to focus on staying hydrated while traveling, especially when you fly and planning healthy snacks and meals, too. Check back for Part 2 of this blog when our registered dietitian will be discussing meal planning strategies while traveling.
Rebecca Johnson, ACE-CPT
Exercise Physiologist
New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery
1. “10,000 Steps.” Shape Up America! Shape Up America!, 2006. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. http://www.shapeup.org/shape/steps.php.
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:01 AM in Dr. Boyce In The Media
Bariatric Times Article Features Knoxville Weight Loss Surgery Practice
Bariatric Times, a peer-reviewed journal intended for surgeons, physicians, nurses, and other professionals in the field of weight loss, recently featured Dr. Stephen Boyce’s center for bariatric surgery in Knoxville in its latest issue. The article spotlights patient care and services at the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in East Tennessee, highlighting Dr. Boyce’s staff and available procedures.
At the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Stephen Boyce and his practice are featured in the latest issue of Bariatric Times. As a bariatric surgeon in Knoxville, Dr. Boyce focuses on weight loss procedures ranging from laparoscopic greater curve plication (LGCP) to vertical sleeve gastrectomy. The Bariatric Times article highlights Dr. Boyce’s practice by analyzing the inner workings of an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery-designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence®, including the pre- and post-operative process, and available patient education services and life strategies program. Dr. Boyce says the article gives his office the opportunity to spotlight their attention to patient care and pursuit of the highest quality services and the safest, most effective results.
The New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery associates with Parkwest Hospital, a 300-bed hospital in Knoxville, and performs an average of 450 weight loss procedures each year. With a staff including registered bariatric nurse coordinators, psychologists, certified bariatric dietitians, physiologists, and a life strategies coach, Dr. Boyce says the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery is well-equipped to facilitate the surgical process and get patients on the track to a healthier daily life. The spotlight article in Bariatric Times also outlines patient care at the Knoxville bariatric surgery practice as well as emerging trends in bariatric technology and innovative procedures such as LGCP.
Dr. Boyce says publication in the Bariatric Times offers him the chance to promote the well-being of his patients by staying active in seeking the latest techniques and technology. He adds that he hopes the article will encourage patients to thoroughly research the credentials and dedication of a bariatric practice before considering any procedure. “When evaluating a weight loss program, patients need to make sure it is a Center of Excellence dedicated to long term comprehensive care.”
About Stephen G. Boyce, MD
Dr. Stephen Boyce received both his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science from Texas A&M University and his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed a surgical residency at the Parkland Memorial Hospital. Dr. Boyce has performed thousands of weight loss surgical procedures and has advanced training in laparoscopic surgery, in addition to completing a Masters Certification in Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Boyce’s practice, The New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, is also the only ASMBS-designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® in East Tennessee to offer all approved Bariatric operations.
Located at 200 Ft. Sanders West Blvd MOB 1, Suite 200 in Knoxville, TN, the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery can be contacted at (865) 694-9676. It can also be reached online through the website parkwestcwlc.com or facebook.com/newlifecenterbariatricsurgery.
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Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:53 PM in Dr. Boyce In The Media
Weight loss surgeon and Director of the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery Stephen Boyce, MD is the proud new occupant of Physician Spotlight, a regular article in the East Tennessee Medical News. The print and online publication recently profiled our own Dr. Boyce as part of their ongoing Physician Spotlight series, and covered topics including Dr. Boyce’s biographical history and his practice’s designation as a Center of Excellence® by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery was one of the first in the nation to achieve that distinction.
The article also mentions Dr. Boyce’s recent selection to participate in an investigational bariatric surgery procedure called laparoscopic greater curvature placation (LGCP), a treatment designed to “shrink” the stomach without removing part of it or relying on implantable devices such as gastric bands. LGCP is also a reversible treatment. Dr. Boyce is one of only 45 surgeons in the nation trained to perform the procedure, and the New Life Center will shortly begin accepting qualified candidate patients into the study.
We are so proud of Dr. Boyce’s inclusion in Physician Spotlight, and we invite you to visit the East Tennessee Medical News website at the following link to read the full article: http://easttennessee.medicalnewsinc.com/news.php?viewStory=2158.
Please contact the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery for more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Boyce.
Posted on December 30, 2011 at 2:21 PM in Bariatric Surgery, Insurance, Weight Loss Surgery
It’s hard to believe 2011 has passed and we hope everyone has had a successful year. We have had a great year here at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery by having the pleasure of scheduling many patients for surgery, and have also been fortunate to meet a lot of new faces who will be having surgery with us next year.
Just as a reminder for everyone who will have appointments at our office next year, please be prepared to fill out paperwork and bring your current insurance card(s) with you to your appointment. Even if your insurance provider remains the same, the information on your card will change and we need to make sure we get the correct information. We understand it can be frustrating completing paperwork every time you come in for an appointment, but it would be more frustrating if we could not reach you by mail or phone because there was a demographic change that was not updated.
We would also like for everyone to be mindful of their appointment dates and times. As our New Life family grows, we find the schedule fills faster and it can sometimes take a few weeks to get an opening in the schedule. For this reason, we would really appreciate patients giving us notice that you will not be able to keep your appointment. We keep a cancellation list for patients needing to be seen, but this list only works if we know ahead of time who will not be here. Unlike many other medical offices, we do not charge for missed appointments because we know that sometimes things happen beyond your control, but we would appreciate a phone call to let us know you will be unable to make it.
We always look forward to seeing patients when they come into the office to purchase vitamins and supplements, but for those of you who drive a distance to get here or have a hard time coming by during office hours, we have the online store available to you 24 hours a day. In fact, if you make a purchase over $50.00, it is shipped to you for free. You can reach our online store at www.newlifebariatricsurgery.com. In a day and time where most people are struggling with their time and finances, it is nice to have this service offered.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We are looking forward to seeing each and every one of you in 2012.
Posted on December 15, 2011 at 12:01 AM in Dr. Boyce In The Media, Nutrition
Bariatric Surgeon in Knoxville on Maintaining Nutrition Levels after Weight Loss Surgery
According to the latest study from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), bariatric surgery may increase life expectancy for the morbidly obese by 89% and reduce the risk of premature death by 30 to 40% as compared to those who do not have surgery. Dr. Stephen Boyce, a bariatric surgeon in Knoxville, says that although weight loss surgery can offer the tools for effective relief of morbid obesity, patients must maintain a strict regimen of certain vitamins, minerals, and supplements to prevent nutritional deficiency.
Dr. Stephen Boyce of the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, a practice focused on weight loss surgery and nutrition bariatric supplements in Knoxville, says that while weight loss procedures can dramatically improve a person’s ability to lose weight and make healthy lifestyle changes, patients need to be aware of the effects of certain procedures on their nutrition. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), life expectancy may increase by 89% for patients whom undergo bariatric surgery. The ASMBS study also shows a reduction in the risk of premature death by 30 to 40% as compared to those who do not have surgery. However, Dr. Boyce says weight loss surgery procedures also reduce the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients effectively, which can often cause deficiencies that result in poor hair, skin, and nail health. He adds that through vitamins and mineral supplements, patients are able to maintain their proper nutritional intake, preserving their well being, including hair, skin and nail health.
Because bariatric surgical procedures restrict food intake and can create malabsorption, the body cannot absorb as many nutrients through the gastrointestinal process as before. Therefore, weight loss surgery is often associated with hair loss, sagging skin, and poor nail health because of insufficient nutrient intake. Dr. Boyce says this insufficiency necessitates strict attention to dietary choices and vitamin and mineral supplementation. He says achieving safe and effective results following surgery depends on a patient’s ability to adhere to a daily regimen of nail, hair and skin vitamins and minerals. “If the patient wants to minimize their hair loss after weight loss surgery, they need to provide their body with the critical vitamins and minerals that it needs.”
Before undergoing a weight loss procedure, Dr. Boyce recommends patients find a bariatric surgical practice dedicated to providing post-surgery diet plans using a comprehensive range of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and supplements with continued nutritional education and follow up to minimize the risks of developing other serious medical complications associated with nutritional deficiency. He adds that patients should be sure to thoroughly research vitamin intake and their nutritional needs so as to achieve the safest and most effective results possible.
“It doesn’t make any sense to have weight loss surgery in order to cure diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension only to develop serious medical conditions due to nutritional deficiencies. Patients who do not take adequate supplements are at risk for anemia, paralysis, osteoporosis, and fractures, as well as hair loss, excess skin and unhealthy nails. Hair health is known to rely on adequate iron, biotin, and high levels of Vitamin B and omega fatty acids. The New Life Hair Skin and Nails pack goes beyond the ASMBS’s recommendations in these vitamins and minerals in order to ensure optimal conditions for hair, skin and nail health.”
About Stephen G. Boyce, MD
Dr. Stephen Boyce graduated from Texas A&M University, obtaining his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science, and received his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed a surgical residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Dr. Boyce has completed thousands of weight loss surgical procedures over the past twenty years and has received special training in advanced laparoscopic surgery. He is also a recipient of a Masters Certification in Bariatric Surgery and an Educator for Ethicon Endosurgery.
Located at 200 Ft. Sanders West Blvd MOB 1, Suite 200 in Knoxville, TN, The New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery can be reached at parkwestcwlc.com, newlifebariatricsupplements.com, or facebook.com/newlifecenterbariatricsurgery.
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Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:01 PM in Bariatric Surgery, Nutrition, Weight Loss Surgery
Vitamins and minerals fall into a category called micronutrients. They function in our body as co-factors and enzymes that are necessary to complete every process in our bodies from our head to our toes. Unlike macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fats), they do not provide calories. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy vision, cell growth and development, healthy skin, bones and teeth, immunity, wound healing, metabolism of nutrients, healthy brain and nerve function, normal heart rhythm and function, reproduction and much more! (1). Vitamins and minerals are found throughout all the food groups in a variety of foods and beverages. They are abundantly found in fruits and vegetables of all colors and sizes, protein sources like chicken, eggs and beans, dairy products like milk and cheese and in a variety of whole grains.
Vitamins and minerals play an important role in weight control and management! Micronutrients assist in many of the processes that regulate appetite and hunger hormones, metabolic rate, nutrient absorption and storage, glucose homeostasis and more! Therefor, adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is crucial for our body to appropriately use the nutrients we consume, a healthy and active metabolism, hunger control and ultimately optimal weight loss and long-term weight maintenance (1).
So how does vitamin and mineral supplementation affect the bariatric surgery patient? Before surgery vitamin and mineral supplementation is recommended to help boost your nutritional status. Your nutritional status prior to surgery is a good indicator of your healing process after surgery. The healthier you are prior to surgery the stronger your immune system and more efficient your wounds will heal and the shorter the recovery time (2).
After surgery, patients have an increased need for vitamin/mineral supplementation due to one of the three following procedural categories: restrictive, mal-absorptive or mixed procedures. Restrictive procedures limit the amount of food a person can consume. Mal-absorptive procedures limit the amount of calories you absorb and mixed procedures are a combination of both. All of the procedures restrict or limit food you consume and/or absorb and therefor restrict or limit the amount of micronutrients you consume and/or absorb. Patients who do not take their bariatric specific vitamins as prescribed will develop vitamin/mineral deficiencies. These deficiencies can lead to, but are not limited to, fatigue, weakness, headache, calf and leg pain, loss of night vision, dry skin and nails, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, poor immune function, osteoporosis, neurological damage, neuropathy and even death (1).
In conclusion, patients who have bariatric surgery must take bariatric specific vitamins as prescribed before surgery and for the rest of their lives after surgery to promote health, healing, weight loss and weight maintenance and to prevent vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies.
Jennifer Jarrett Clark MS, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Sources:
1. Source: Aills et al. ASMBS Allied Health Nutritional Guidelines for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient. Surgery for the Obesity and Related Diseases 8 (2008)
2. Source: Jacques, Jacqueline. Micronutrition for the Weight Loss Surgery Patient. Matrix Medical Communities :Edgmont, PA;1996
Posted on November 15, 2011 at 12:25 PM in Weight Loss Surgery
Georgia Eliminating Weight Loss Surgery Coverage for State Employees
A recent story from CNN has raised the eyebrows of the team here at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery. There are currently six states that do not provide coverage for weight loss surgery for state employees. Georgia is about to become the seventh. The CNN story on Georgia’s decision to end a benefit to state employees that helps pay for bariatric surgery procedures discusses the possible ramifications of such a decision.
The story introduces us to Alice, a retired public school educator insured through the state of Georgia who weighs 305 pounds and suffers from a variety of comorbidities (obesity-related health conditions), including high blood pressure, arthritis, acid reflux, and sleep apnea. She has tried 10 to 12 different weight loss programs, and decided that weight loss surgery may be her best option. However, as the CNN story reports, high costs are causing changes in state medical coverage in Georgia, and starting in January, the state won’t pay for weight loss surgery – leaving Alice not enough time to complete pre-surgery requirements.
The story goes on to report the fact that Georgia has paid about 30 million dollars for an estimated 1600 people to get weight loss surgery over the last 2 ½ years. A CNN legal contributor, who has had weight loss surgery, says it would be more expensive for the state not to cover the surgery because of the costs of treating patients who develop obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and other life-threatening afflictions.
Six other states don’t fund weight loss surgery for state employees. Reporter Elizabeth Cohen says Missouri did fund the procedures, then stopped funding, then restored the benefit because they say they realized they were saving money in the long-term from reducing the threats that co-morbidities can cause.
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) has activated a Rapid Response Team, along with the Obesity Action Coalition, to talk with Georgia state representatives and work to reverse the action.
If you would like more information on the health benefits of weight loss surgery, please contact Dr. Stephen G. Boyce.