096 Tips From The Team

by reeger on November 19, 2018

In this episode, I called upon my professional colleagues from around the USA to offer some tips for you. Specifically, I reached out to non-physician professionals. You know, these are the team of people you see so often when you go to your bariatric surgery practice who are usually there with you each step of the way before, during, and after. These professionals include program coordinators, registered nurses, registered dietitians, physician assistants, fitness trainers, psychologists, and nurse practitioners. You know the expression, “it takes a village”? Well, undergoing bariatric surgery is soooooooo much more than one surgery on one day of your life. And let’s be honest, surgeons, great though they are, cannot possibly do it all. To their credit, they know this. They know you deserve more, so, they collaborate with a team of professionals to help you along your Bari great journey. What you are about to here is a few of their tips to help you along your way.

Featured in this episode: 

Chloe, RD and Program Coordinator in South East Michigan. Focus on the big picture of life style changes beyond the pre and post-op diet.

Wynnie Hoodis, Registered Dietician: Garden State Bariatrics, in Millburn, N.J. You are a patient for life. Exercise regularly. Eat small portions of quality protein and veggies. Don’t drink your calorie. Stay hydrated. You matter!!

Christine, PA-C, St. Vincent Medical Center, in Cleveland, OH: Bariatric surgery is NOT a diet, all things in moderation.

Libby Rexrode, Nurse Coordinator and Certified Bariatric Nurse at University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia: A creative way to understand the difference between your pre and post bariatric surgery stomach size.

Stephanie, PhD Psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Weight Center in Boston, MA: Do not by afraid of a return of hunger, it is a sign your body is regulating its new weight.

Dana Schroeder, PhD, MSN, NP, RN, PHN, CBN, CEO Bariatric Wisdom: Be careful about medications that lead to weight gain. Talk with your primary care provider about finding alternatives to medications that could result in weight gain.

Rachel Anthony, CPNP, Nurse Coordinator at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program: Drink, drink, drink, walk, walk, walk; Connect with a mentor for your journey; Use alarms for reminders and apps that help you stay on track; Meal planning and prep; Make a list of Helpers and Hinderers to better understand who to call for help and who to be careful around; Put your vitamins in your smoothie if taking them alone doesnt work well for you.

Gwen Crispell, Bariatric Nurse Coordinator, UF Health, Gainesville, Florida: Monitor your labs for your lifetime. Be kind and honest with yourself. Call your program for follow-up, we really do care about you!

Sara Muntel, Registered Dietician and Bariatric Coordinator at Community Health Network in Indianapolis, IN: Everyone needs to plan ahead for all aspects of your life. Planners do better!

Reeger’s tip: How to navigate the tricky waters of the home food environment. Try to create a temptation-free food sanctuary. When you matter to yourself, your SELF stands up for the things that matter.

Never forget, I believe in you.

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