October Weight-Loss Support Group at Penn Medicine

Get support throughout your weight-loss journey and join members of the Penn Medicine Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program at this month's support group meeting.

The group meets on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Penn Tower Lobby on the ground floor.

Join us, connect with others who've had weight-loss surgery, or are considering weight-loss surgery at Penn, and get some great tips!

Get more info here.

Lose Weight at Penn Medicine

Penn can help you lose weight.

Learn about medical weight loss in Philadelphia, and the Penn Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at a free information session about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia.

There, you will hear about your weight-loss surgery options, and how Penn can help you lose weight and get healthy for good.

Register for a free information session today.

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Bariatric Surgery Better Weight Loss Option For Diabetics

Current evidence suggests that opting for surgical weight loss treatments over nonsurgical programs may be a smarter choice for some diabetics.

Individuals who are diabetic and have a BMI of 30 to 35 have greater short-term weight loss and better intermediate glucose outcomes after a surgical procedure than those who followed traditional diet and exercise plans.

Type-2 diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot or does not produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels. Type-2 diabetes is often associated with obesity, though people of average weight may also develop the disease.

According to Cara Stewart, RD, LDN, a member of the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery team, it’s important for people with diabetes to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range to prevent damage to blood vessels and nerves. Properly managing blood sugar levels involves making healthful food choices, being physically active, and using medications as prescribed.

Evidence is still insufficient to reach conclusions about the appropriate use of bariatric surgery in this demographic until more data is available about long-term outcomes and complications of surgery. Patients with diabetes looking to lose weight and have better control of their blood sugars should consult a physician to learn more about bariatric procedures.

Lose Weight at Penn Medicine

Learn about medical weight loss in Philadelphia, and the Penn Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at a free information session about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia.

There, you will hear about your weight-loss surgery options, and how Penn can help you lose weight and get healthy for good.

Register for a free information session today.

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How Much Weight Can You Expect to Lose With Weight-Loss Surgery?

Here’s an exercise:

Imagine losing 1/3 of your weight.

Take your weight and multiply it by .30. Now subtract that number from your current weight. Imagine what your life would be like if you weighed that number.

Could you move easier? Would your knees still hurt? Could you keep up with your kids or grandchildren?

Would you be able to stop taking some of the medications you take every day? What would it be like to regain your health?

On average, someone who undergoes weight-loss gastric bypass surgery can expect to lose approximately 30 percent of his or her starting weight. Most of this loss is experienced during the first few months following surgery with the weight loss continuing for 12 to 18 months after surgery.

Weight loss associated with the adjustable gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy may not be as rapid and the weight loss may not be quite as great.

Each person’s weight-loss progress is different, but one thing is clear: healthy eating habits, exercise and ongoing support are critical for continued success.

Lose Weight at Penn Medicine

Penn can help you lose weight.

Learn about medical weight loss in Philadelphia, and the Penn Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at a free information session about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia.

There, you will hear about your weight-loss surgery options, and how Penn can help you lose weight and get healthy for good.

Register for a free information session today.

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Weight-Loss Surgery: More Than About Looks

Weight-loss surgery is not just about looking better. It's about getting back to a quality of life you can enjoy with family and friends.

Matt Kirkland, MD, FACS, director of the metabolic and bariatric surgery program at Pennsylvania Hospital discusses the benefits of weight-loss surgery at Penn in this video.

Lose Weight at Penn Medicine

Penn can help you lose weight. Learn about medical weight loss in Philadelphia, and the Penn Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at a free information session about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia. There, you will hear about your weight-loss surgery options, and how Penn can help you lose weight and get healthy for good. Register for a free information session today.

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The Weight Loss Surgery: What To Expect Before Surgery

Karen Buzby, RD, LDN, member of the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery team, discusses what to expect before weight-loss surgery to ensure long-term success.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Lau-tzu, Chinese Philosopher (604 BC – 531 BC)

For individuals contemplating weight-loss surgery this statement certainly rings true.

The path to a healthier weight actually begins well before the actual surgery date. The pre-surgery journey starts by attending a bariatric surgery information session. At this session potential candidates learn about the bariatric surgical procedures, the benefits and risks of surgery, essential diet and lifestyle changes and what the weight and health criteria are to qualify for weight-loss surgery.  A member of the bariatric team is available to answer questions and schedule an initial consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons.

At the initial consultation your health, diet and weight loss history will be reviewed by a surgeon, dietitian and a nurse specializing in weight loss surgery. A plan for your pre-operative evaluation and nutrition education is created. Completing the series of pre-operative clinical and laboratory tests are the next steps in your journey to weight-loss surgery. A sleep study, psychological evaluation and medical specialist consultation are also required. All of these procedures and visits may take several months to complete.

During this time it is important to attend monthly medical weight management appointments and start taking steps toward a healthier diet and lifestyle. Keep a food and activity diary to help establish regular eating and exercise habits.

The goal before surgery is to put into place positive behaviors that will help you succeed after surgery.

• Eat at least three meals a day.
• Limit foods that are high in fat and sugar.
• Eat whole not processed foods focusing on lean protein and fiber containing products.
• Increase your activities of daily living and start a “dedicated exercise program.”
• Focus on losing weight.
• Stop smoking, patients must be smoke free for at least 2 months before surgery.

Get Weight-loss Support

Attend a bariatric support group.

Encouragement and support are essential for success. The support group provides the opportunity to interact and ask questions of our professional staff as well as patients who have had surgery.

One of the last steps in the pre-operative journey is attending the diet instruction class to reinforce the details of the post-operative diet progression.

Our team will help you take this pre-operative journey one step at a time!

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