Bariatric Surgery

How to Combat Your Craving for Comfort Foods

When feeling stressed, many often turn to comfort foods, but according to a 2014 study by psychologist Traci Mann found, eating comfort foods doesn’t actually boost mood any faster than eating nothing at all. The foods we yearn for in times of stress are often rooted in childhood and according to a study published in the journal Appetite, there is a deeply social and emotional component to foods that provide us solace.

This is one important reason why surgery is not the WHOLE answer for Bariatric surgery patients.  At NJBI, We understand that the patient is more than a set of wounds, or an altered body part.  We have carefully selected nutrition and behavior professionals who are not simply there to check boxes on clearance forms.  They are specifically trained, experienced professionals who have been carefully vetted to be certain that they understand the issues that our patients face, and are capable of adding value to their pre surgery and post surgery experience.  They are independent contractors and therefore are constantly judged by the efforts rather than being just another source of income for our practice or medical organization.  At NJBI, it’s all about the patient.  That’s one BIG reason why we have better outcomes and well adjusted post op alumni.

Best in Health,

The Team at NJBI

Read more...

Obesity Paradox’ Fails to Hold Up in Study

While some experts have implied that there is an “obesity paradox,” the idea that people with obesity live longer than those of normal weight. Now, a new study in JAMA Cardiology refutes that claim, finding that obesity was associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and a two- to three-year shorter life span. The study pooled data from 10 studies of 190,672 people followed from 1964 to 2015. Compared with those of normal weight, men who had overweight had a 21 percent higher lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease and women a 32 percent higher risk. Among those with obesity, the cardiovascular disease risk was 67 percent higher for men and 85 percent higher for women. The risk was even higher for those with morbid obesity. Longevity in men who had overweight but not obesity was similar to that of men of normal weight, but still carried an increased risk of cardiovascular disease at a younger age.

First some definitions:

Overweight (5-30 lbs over ideal)

Obese ( 31-69 lbs over ideal)

Severely obese (70-100 lbs over ideal)

Morbidly obese (>100 lbs over ideal)

As you can see from the study, each category above “normal” increases risk.  The further from normal, the greater the risk.  This is not a surprise when the factors which accompany the excess weight are considered.  Diabetes, High serum lipids, Sleep apnea and hypertension are all increased with weight and cardiac risk factors.  Even in the situation where these items have not been formally diagnosed, we know that they exist to some extent.  Eliminate the weight, eliminate the comorbid conditions.  Eliminate the weight eliminate the cardiac risk.  Cardiac disease is the #1 killer in the world each year.  Eliminate the weight, extend your life.  It’s up to you.

Bariatric surgery is safe, available and effective.  You have everything to gain but the weight . . .

Call us, We can Help!

Dr Bertha and the Team at NJBI

Read more...