Congratulations on your decision to take the weight loss surgery plunge and improve your life in ways you never thought possible!

Now what happens?

Patients never leap into weight loss surgery head first, at least not at reputable surgery centers.

There are several steps and evaluations that determine your readiness for surgery and prepare both you and the support staff for this transformative procedure. Before your surgery, you will undergo the following with members of our caring staff:

Medical evaluation: Your physician will help you choose the best surgery for you with an assessment of your current health. With your present state and history as guidelines, you and your surgeon will create a personalized plan specifically tailored to your body and goals. Your medical conditions should be optimized in preparation for surgery.

•  Psychological screening: You can expect many psychosocial changes to accompany your bariatric surgery and subsequent weight loss. Before clearance for surgery, you will meet with Dr Jim Keller, our psychologist who will help you prepare for what’s coming and discuss any prior experiences or mental health concerns that require support. The end goal is to make sure that both your physical and psychological health are addressed before surgery.

• Consultation with our dietician: What you do and do not put into your body plays a major role in how your body responds to surgery and how you feel, both before and after. We work with you to determine your level of nutritional knowledge and target any negative behaviors related to eating. Meeting with a dietician will help you to control hunger, eat enough to nourish your body without over feeding, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and conscious, pleasurable eating habits that help you feel satisfied. No matter what your struggle, our dieticians will help you adjust to your new lifestyle and tackle any challenges that come your way.

• Meeting with our exercise physiologist: A sound exercise program is essential for sustained weight loss. At WeightWise, our aim is to familiarize you with the four pillars of fitness: cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength training. Each exercise physiology program is individually tailored to optimize the body’s response to new exercises in stages. At your pre-op consultation, you will discuss your short and long term fitness goals as supportive of your overall surgical plan.

• Sleep evaluation: Sleep apnea, if undiagnosed, can significantly reduce the safety of any weight loss procedure. Unsure whether or not you have it? Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea, particularly common in morbidly obese patients, can increase your risk of complications both during and after your procedure.

Our goal is threefold: well-prepared patients, safe operations and long-lasting results. These can be accomplished through screenings with our top psychological, dietary, and exercise experts. With our comprehensive approach, we are able to more fully understand your current state of health for a successful surgery and post-op experience. This approach is key to undergoing surgery as safely as possible.

Haven’t attended one of our free informational seminars yet? Sign up here.

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We are excited to say we are finally back in business with our metabolic machine. We have our new equipment up and going. If you have thought about getting your resting metabolic rate or your vo2 tested now is a great time to do it! If you have no idea what we are talking about here is a description of each test.

RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) is an assessment that calculates the calories your body burns at rest, which accounts for approximately 70% of your total caloric burn per day. It will also determine what type of fuel (fat vs. carbs) your body uses at rest. Your RMR will be useful for the dietitian in creating your nutrition plan to ensure consistent and continual weight loss. 

VO2 Assessment is a fitness assessment that calculates your oxygen uptake during aerobic activity, or in other words, your individual ability to use oxygen during exercise. Your VO2 is closely related to your overall cardiovascular fitness. Based on your heart rate response and the gas exchange, we will determine precisely at what heart rate, or intensity, you are most efficient at using stored energy (fat) for fuel. We will teach you to “exercise smarter, not harder”. 

When should you do these tests?  You can really do the testing at any time, pre-op or post op. It really gives you a better understand of your exercise ability.  I would for sure say to do them post op at about 3 months. By this time you should have lost weight and will be feeling more energized so this is a perfect time to do it!

Each test is $75. You can contact me directly at Lauren.W@weightwise.com or Colby at Colby.O@weightwise.com to get your testing scheduled. 

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My Intern Experience at WeightWise 

I didn’t really know what to expect coming into my dietetic intern rotation at WeightWise, because I had never had any prior experience at a bariatric surgery or weight loss center.  I thought that centers such as WeightWise basically just did weight loss surgery and sent patients on their way. But after my first day, I knew that it was a place I could see myself working for in the future. Why you ask? It may have been the integrative approach WeightWise uses for their patients, each patient seeing the exercise physiologist, the dietitian, and the surgeon or nurse practitioner/PA. It might be the exceedingly friendly staff that greets you at the front desk and continues throughout the patient’s visit. Or the long-term support a patient receives from the team at WeightWise to help them be successful. I think it was a combination of all those things that made me love it here, but what really made me know this place was great, was the couple I observed express their happiness for the program.  They were trilled about their combined success from surgery, how good they felt from the weight they both had lost, all the support they received here at Weight Wise, and how they “got their lives back”. Hearing those patient experiences really made me understand why the people who work at WeightWise love their jobs. They are here for their patients.

Although my rotation at WeightWise is over, I will never forget all the things I learned here. Not only did I learn about the dietitian’s role, I learned about all the great products and resources Weight Wise has for their patients. There are diet classes, support groups, and patients can email or call for support or questions anytime of the day. I learned about the great blog with recipes and meal plans (which I am going to use all the time for great ideas), and the estore they have with all their products ready to ship.

Thank you WeightWise for having me as an intern this week, and thank you to the patients who allowed me to sit in on their sessions. This is much more than a bariatric surgery center, patients who come here have a whole team behind them to help support them get through the life long change that is weight-loss surgery.

Catherine Meredith, OSU Dietetic Intern 

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We’re excited to announce our first-ever, two-phase Facebook giveaway! Over the next two months, you will have the opportunity to win two amazing prizes, just for Liking our Facebook page. Today, we announce the first prize: a signature WeightWise tote bag full of goodies, a $328 value!

It’s easy! We’ve gathered together our absolute favorite, MOST delicious products. Just Like our Facebook page below and you could win:

• Calcium citrate 500 mg 90 ct Peanut Butter Chocolate flavor
• Calcium citrate 500 mg 90 ct Caramel Flavor
• Multivitamin ultra formula capsules 270 ct
• Chewable probiotic 90 ct
• Chicken bouillon soup
• Peanut pretzel bar
• Proti variety pack bars
• Cinnamon oatmeal bar
• Nutty caramel crunch bar
• Cookies and cream bar
• Banana creme pudding
• Pineapple fruit drink
• 15 g variety pack protein bars
• Lemon meringue bar
• Marshmallow hot chocolate
• Powercrunch peanut butter cream bars, box of 12.

Enter below!a Rafflecopter giveaway

We’ll announce a winner on July 1 and mail the goody bag right to your door! Best of luck!

The post We’re Giving Away Goodies! Enter to Win! appeared first on .

No surprise to anyone that has seen me recently! We are about to welcome Baby Paxton to the WeightWise family! While you may see me waddling around a little while longer, my due date is rapidly approaching, June 17th!!

A lot of my patients have opened up to me about wanting to add a little one to their family. Now seems like a perfect time to share some of my tips for surviving pregnancy:

• Diet: The all day nausea of early pregnancy can make it hard to stay on track with diet. I found that eating bland, cold protein foods helped get me through the first 12 weeks: cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt were definitely my friends.  Also plan, plan, plan- late pregnancy absolutely wears you out, so cooking in bulk on the weekends and crockpot meals during the week have really helped me make better choices. When cravings hit, I always try to remind myself how much better I feel when I eat well:)
• Hydrate: 96 ounces of hydrating fluids is what it takes every day for me to feel “normal”.
• Vitamins: For the health of you and baby, now is not the time to get lax on your vitamin regimen. Taking them in the evening to help with nausea has worked for me.
• Exercise: Regular walking has helped me keep my energy up, and weekly prenatal yoga has been great for relaxation. managing stress, and bonding with other mammas!
• Relaxation: Probably the biggest challenge for me! Nap when you can and ask for help:)

  Could be those hormones, but I’m feeling it’s a good time to extend my warmest thanks to all of my wonderful patients, whether you have been with me since the cat got out of the bag or last week. I know you come to see me for my help, but I can’t say how much you have brightened my days with your  kind words, congratulations, advice, and baby stories. I also can’t forget my amazing “work family”. Everyone here at WeightWise has offered an incredible amount of support during this journey! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the  team for everything!

 It has been an incredible journey, but with the completion of the nursery and baby supplies in abundance I’m more than ready for a new journey to begin. I would like to welcome our new dietitian, Yusra, who will be filling my shoes for the summer! It has been a pleasure to spend the last few weeks getting to know her and hope that she has a great  time as part of this team!

Have a great summer everyone,

Rachelle

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WeightWise needs your help!

If you haven’t seen the WeightWise team since 2012 or before, this is for you!

 As some of you might know, Dr. Walton and Dr. Broussard along with the entire WeightWise Team are working to publish data and post operation outcomes from our patients. This is a very exciting opportunity for us to give the public quality information about bariatric surgery through highly regarded medical journals.

 This is where you come in…

 We need up-to-date information from you including current weight and labs in order to be published. Quality Medical Journals require large numbers of patient follow up to even be considered for publication. 

 By sharing your information (you will remain anonymous in the studies) and our study being published, we hope to achieve a few goals:

o   To reverse the negative stigma associated with weight-loss surgery

o   To inform and lobby policy makers for more ubiquitous insurance coverage for weight loss surgery

o   Show that our process and facility makes for excellent outcomes

o   Identify present problems and potential complications

o   Educate, Cheerlead, Accountability

Your participation is the only way we can move forward. Please let us hear from you!

Complete the form below and return via fax, email, or snail mail or call our office to make your follow up appointment! We look forward to hearing from your or seeing you soon.

Participant Study Form

Please return form to
Alexis – Study Coordinator/Project Manager
alexis.p@weightwise.com
fax: (405) 844-3440

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Exciting News!

We are continuing the work of updating patient data (current weight, stats and labs) for a research study to be published in refereed medical journals.

This survey does not have to be printed, faxed, or mailed as did our previous data collection survey. We only ask that you fill out the information on the link below, then click submit. The fancy computers will do the rest. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16iu1KYvNDyoLl7IJk7v5x2G7q0kdCqHEaAiHEEyPDR8/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link

Thank you in advance for your continued support!  We are excited to contribute to the body of science with this research study for bariatric surgeries and the benefits that stem from weight loss. 

Please spread the word, check out our website and “like” us on Facebook. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. Alexis Persico
Study Coordinator
WeightWise Bariatric Program
ph: (405) 715-7177
fax: (405) 844-3440
alexis.p@weightwise.com

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 Understanding obesity. What does that mean? We hear so much about obesity in the media—and also from many people who know nothing about the disease. Yes, that’s right- I said disease. Obesity is not a lifestyle choice, it is a disease. It is not just a matter of eat less, move more. It is about finding the individualized treatment for each person to lead a healthier life. 

Watch this video to understand obesity from a more biological view and why it is so hard to lose weight long term just by eating less and moving more. 

Time to Act on Obesity—video link

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Gastric Balloon: An Innovative Non-Surgical Option

On July 28th, 2015, the FDA officially announced its approval of a new weight loss procedure referred to as “gastric balloon.” The procedure does not involve surgery and may lead to significant weight loss with a diet and exercise program.

How Gastric Balloon Works

Two different types of gastric balloon have been approved, the “ReShape Dual Balloon,” and the ORBERA™.

The insertion procedure for either is simple.

The device is placed into the stomach through the mouth. Once in place, the balloons are filled with salt water. The procedure is remarkably simple, with the balloon insertion taking on average only 8 minutes.

The balloons help prevent overeating simply by occupying volume within the stomach.

Effectiveness

Numerous studies have been done. A US study most recently cited by the FDA showed that patients receiving gastric balloon lost an average of 14.3lbs, the equivalent of about 6.8% of their total body weight. The study involved 326 patients, and occurred over a period of 6 months. Patients were split into two groups: those receiving the gastric balloon, and those who underwent a similar procedure but did not actually receive the device. Both groups of patients followed a medically recommended diet and exercise program. Yet the control group (those not receiving the device), lost just an average of 7.2lbs, or about 3.3% of their total body weight.

“Results indicated that patients receiving the device experienced literally 2x the weight loss as those engaging in diet and exercise alone.”

Potential Complications

Though new to the US market, intragastric balloons have been used around the world since 1985, and have been widely used in Europe for over the last decade.

One it its main appeals is that it is a non-surgical solution. It has few associated complications, and comes at a lower price point than most forms of weight loss surgery.

The primary potential complication has to do with rupture of the balloon itself. For this reason the balloon includes a blue dye, which will show up in a patient’s urine should the balloon rupture. In this case the patient should seek medical attention immediately, so that the balloon does not migrate into the intestines.

Is Gastric Balloon Right for You?

In order for a patient to qualify for this procedure, they must meet all of these criteria:

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30-40kg/m2
• Have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone
• Have one or more obesity-related related conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

An important note: the gastric balloon is not meant to serve as a replacement for diet and exercise, but rather as a complement to it. The balloon must be removed after 6 months

WeightWise is proud to feature a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to weight loss. Our program involves coaching to make the lifestyle changes that will support any weight loss procedure.

Options for Getting Gastric Balloon in the Midwest

While WeightWise is not yet offering gastric balloon, we will likely be adding it to our list of services in the near future. Click below to sign up for insider updates on when we’ll start offering it!

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Hair loss and Weight Loss Surgery. Why does it happen and what can you do about it?
Photo Link.

One of the most common concerns following weight loss surgery is hair loss. Our hair is a large part of our appearance and body image. Having that image altered in any way is stressful for most of us. But while our hair is important to us for many psychological reasons, it is not vital to our body function. 

During certain types of bodily stress, our body will make a choice. That choice is to shift nutritional stores away from our hair and toward vital organs. Reactive hair loss from metabolic and/or hormonal changes (like we see in weight loss) is called telogen effluvium. 

Telogen effluvium does not occur from a change in your hair follicles. All hair strands go through the same life cycle— the anagen phase (growth phase) and the telogen phase (dormancy or resting phase). Each hair begins the cycle in the growth phase, then will shift into dormancy for about 100 to 120 days. After the dormancy cycle, the hair will fall out. There are no supplements or medications that you can take that will change this natural hair cycle.

During a typical period, approximately 90% of hairs are in a growth phase, which leaves 10% in dormancy. This means you do not notice a great deal of hair loss because you are growing more hair than you are losing. However, during hair loss after weight loss surgery or other bodily stressors, your body shifts nutrients towards vital functions causing the percentage of hair in the growth phase to decrease and dormancy to increase. Stressors that can cause telogen effluvium include surgery, hormonal disruption, acute weight-loss, certain medications, chronic illness (i.e. cancer), heavy metal toxicity, and high fever. 

With weight loss surgery, you have hit a trifecta of these short term ’causes’. The actual surgery, hormonal disruption, and acute weight-loss are likely the cause of the majority of hair loss. Since your body is losing hair in this acute reactive process, adding a particular vitamin or protein supplement will not aide in hair growth or hair retention. 

So what is the good news here?! Well, the reactive hair loss after weight loss surgery is not a long term condition. Typically hair loss of this sort will last between three to six months post op. Once all of the hairs that have shifted into dormancy have fallen out, you will start to notice regrowth. This regrowth is an indicator that your body has shifted back into an anagen (growth) phase. 

Now, if you notice an increase in hair loss when you are more than 1 year post op from weight loss surgery, this can be a concern for vitamin deficiencies. If you are experiencing this, please contact your surgeon and/or dietitian for care. 

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WeightWise is the first clinic in Oklahoma to offer the ReShape™ Integrated Dual Balloon System as a non-surgical option for weight loss. ReShape provides a new option for people looking to have greater weight loss success than with typical diet and exercise, but not looking for the permanence of a weight loss surgery. 

What is ReShape?

The ReShape Dual Balloon is inserted in the stomach during a short outpatient procedure, where it remains for six months. This intragastric balloon serves as built-in portion control so people may feel full and less hunger. It does not change or alter the natural anatomy of the stomach in any way. There are benefits of the ReShape dual balloon over other single intragastric balloons. ReShape is safer than competitors due to its dual balloon design and blue tinted leak detection saline. Furthermore, it occupies more volume of the stomach providing better satiety and hunger control. 

During the six months of placement and for the six months after removal, patients receive in-office diet and exercise coaching sessions once per month as well as access to the ReShape Patient Portal. The patient portal is an online support resource that provides tools and information to help patients track weight loss, diet, and exercise. After registering on the patient portal, each patient receives a starter kit which includes a Fitbit® device and scale. All of these support tools (follow-up visits with health practitioners and patient portal) are included as part of your procedure and will incur no further cost. 

Do I qualify for the ReShape procedure?

The ReShape procedure is appropriate for those with a BMI of 30-40kg/m2, and who have not been able to achieve substantial weight loss through exercise and diet alone.

The patient may also have one or more obesity-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Additionally, each patient should be willing to commit to an integrative diet and exercise program in concert with undergoing the procedure.

The intragastric balloon must be removed after 6 months, so the dedication to lifestyle change is the key to any long term success. This is why ReShape should only be used inside of a comprehensive program (physicians, dietitians, and exercise physiologists).

How much weight should I lose with the ReShape procedure?

In an FDA clinical study of 326 patients conducted at eight sites in the US, patients with ReShape experienced 2.3 times more excess weight loss at six months compared to those who had the diet and exercise program alone.  In the clinical trial, patients lost up to 72 pounds in 12 months. There were also measurable and sustained improvements in co-morbidities and strong patient satisfaction. In a study of the ReShape Procedure in commercial use in Europe, ReShape patients on average lost 47% of their excess weight and maintained 98% of their weight loss at one year.

ReShape options in Oklahoma City

WeightWise is the first weight loss center in Oklahoma to offer the ReShape procedure. We are excited to offer this non-surgical approach to weight-loss. Please call 405-359-2475 to schedule your initial consult today! 

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The Single Anastamosis Loop Duodenal Switch (SADS) is a weight loss surgery now offered as a surgical option at WeightWise. This surgery is a modification of a well-known and very aggressive malabsorptive operation called the Duodenal Switch. The original Duodenal Switch (DS) operation carries a higher Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DMII) resolution and higher percentage of weight loss than any of the other currently available operations; however, the original DS also carries a significantly higher rate of malnutrition and severe vitamin deficiencies. The current outcomes for SADS is based on two years of patient follow up which show lower rates of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies compared to the original DS, but with comparable weight loss and Type II Diabetes resolution. 

How the Single Anastamosis Loop Duodenal Switch Works 

In the recent past, surgeons have become interested in modifying the formal DS to take advantage of its DMII resolution and excellent weight loss while minimizing the malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and diarrhea risks. The “single anastamosis DS” or SADS is the result of that research.

First, a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is preformed. The LSG restricts food intake by removing approximately 70 to 80 percent of the stomach. The stomach takes the shape of a tube or “sleeve” which is roughly the size and shape of a hot dog. The portion of stomach that is removed is one of the key areas that produces grehlin, a hormone which stimulates hunger and appetite.

Then, the intestine is divided one time just past the stomach and a “loop” of small bowel, approximately 300cm from the end, is connected to the duodenum. This creates 300cm of common channel which significantly reduces malnutrition, severe vitamin deficiencies, and diarrhea. 

Is this the best surgical option for me?

Our surgeons, Dr. Walton and Dr. Broussard, will take your health history and other lifestyle factors into consideration when discussing your best surgery option. Some individual factors to consider for the SADS procedure: 

• Individuals with a BMI >50kg/m2 and who have not been able to achieve successful weight loss with diet and exercise. 
• Diagnosis of Type II Diabetes Mellitus. 
• History of compliance with prescribed medications and vitamins. 

What are the results?

Small samples of patients at two years postoperative SADS have shown >95% excess weight loss and >90% achieved complete remission of DMII. However, the longest term data is just 4 years old, so longer term weight loss, DMII resolution, and long term complications are unknown at this point.

SADS in Oklahoma City

Our clinical team at WeightWise is now offering this procedure! Sign up for one of our FREE informational seminars, with more details about the Single Anastamosis Loop Duodenal Switch and other proceedures. 

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WeightWise is pleased to announce that we accept Aetna Health Plan. In the past many insurance policies didn’t cover bariatric procedures. Today, more companies are expanding coverage to pay for weight loss surgery. This is great news since bariatric surgery improves health and saves lives.

If you’re covered by Aetna, contact us if you’re considering weight loss surgery. We’ll help you determine if you’re a candidate for surgery.

Before your first consultation with WeightWise, we’ll get in touch with Aetna to verify your benefits. When you know what to expect from your insurance, you can begin to make plans for surgery.

If you have insurance from another company, or don’t have coverage, check our financial FAQ page for information about paying for weight loss surgery in Oklahoma.

Will I Qualify for Benefits From Aetna?

Even within the same company, benefits differ from plan to plan. Some types of weight loss surgery may be covered. Others may be excluded.

Aetna’s benefits are for those people for whom weight loss surgery is deemed medically necessary. Each insurance company may have different criteria to qualify for benefits. The following are some common requirements:

• Persistent, severe obesity. This is often defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40. Some people qualify for surgery when they have a BMI of more than 35 with accompanying obesity-related conditions. These conditions may include type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or hypertension.
• Repeated, failed attempts at weight loss. These efforts may need to be documented by a physician.
• Pre-surgery weight loss program. Mandatory participation in a medically supervised diet and exercise plan may be required for a specified time prior to surgery.
• Physician referral. Referrals or clearance from your primary care physician may be required.

Your particular plan may have additional or different standards.

How Do I Approach My Insurance Company?

Begin by reading your plan, calling your insurance agent or speaking with your employer’s benefits’ administrator. Be prepared with your medical records. Plan to document all your interactions with your insurance company.

The insurance experts at WeightWise will also help you. You don’t have tackle the vagaries of benefits on your own. A good place to start is by attending one of our free informational seminars. There you will learn in greater detail what you need to qualify for coverage.

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WeightWise Bariatric Program and Metabolic Center is excited to announce the addition of their new nurse practitioner, Marquis Hurst. We are thrilled to have her on the team, please join us in welcoming her to the WeightWise family!

Welcome, Marquis! 

Marquis was raised in Oklahoma. Destined to go to the University of Oklahoma, she graduated there with a bachelor’s of arts in psychology in 2007. She continued her education with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with a bachelor’s of science in nursing in 2008 and a masters in nursing in 2012. While working on her master’s degree she worked at Oklahoma Heart Hospital as a registered nurse in the progressive coronary care unit. 

Since graduation from her master’s program she has been working in the primary and urgent care setting providing quality care to patients across the lifespan. Marquis joins WeightWise Bariatric Program in June of 2016. She is very excited to be a part of the WeightWise team and looks forward to being directly involved in patient care as they continue their remarkable journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

In her spare time Marquis enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing tennis, and spending time with her two dogs.

The post Welcome, Marquis Hurst! appeared first on .

Photo via: www.bariatric-surgery-source.com

Metabolic surgery, specifically Gastric Bypass surgery, is beneficial for diabetes treatment. Those with diabetes often have blood sugar levels drop within days of their procedure. In fact, metabolic surgery is now recognized as a standard treatment option for Type II diabetes (T2DM) by professional medical organizations worldwide. 

Metabolic surgery as treatment for type 2 diabetes

Weight loss alone can improve diabetes. While metabolic surgery contributes significantly to weight reduction, the immediate improvement in blood sugar levels within days of surgery suggest diabetes remission can be from the surgery itself, not weight loss. This is where current research is focused: the surgery-induced changes that occur independent of weight loss. Changes in the secretion of GI hormones, changes in fat tissue, and insulin resistance may all play a role.  

What is diabetes remission?

• reducing blood sugar levels to normal levels
• eliminating the need for diabetes medications

Type 2 Diabetes remission with metabolic surgery

Metabolic surgery is better at lowering blood sugars into diabetic remission than diet and exercise treatments. One such study found that “60 percent of those in the gastric bypass group had lowered their blood sugar into the non-diabetic range, compared to 6 percent of those in the diet and exercise group”. 

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the most common metabolic surgery in the United States. The operation results in significant weight-loss and causes remission of T2DM in 80 percent of patients with an improvement of the disease in an additional 15 percent of patients.

The Gastric Sleeve surgery has gained in popularity and is found to be just as effective for weight loss as the gastric bypass. Diabetes remission rates after sleeve gastrectomy are also very high (more than 60%) and, in some studies, similar to results seen after gastric bypass.

The Single Anastamosis Duodenal Switch operation is most effective in inducing early and sustained remission of T2DM with an 85 percent remission rate. This surgery also has the highest weight loss percentage; however, the surgery can carry more risks than the gastric bypass or sleeve. Regular follow up with your bariatric care team is vital with this procedure. 

Weighing the Benefits

The risks of long term diabetes can be substantial. Heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure are just a few risks associated with T2DM. Metabolic surgery is recognized as a standard treatment option for diabetes. To learn more about metabolic surgery and diabetes remission, contact us or attend one of our free informational seminars. 

Resources: 

https://asmbs.org/patients/surgery-for-diabetes

http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/36/Supplement_2/S287

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/03/24/bypass-surgery-better-at-alleviating-diabetes-than-diet-and-exercise.html

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consensus-from-diabetes-organizations-worldwide-metabolic-surgery-recognized-as-a-standard-treatment-option-for-type-2-diabetes-300273849.html

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We’re excited to announce our first-ever, two-phase Facebook giveaway! Over the next two months, you will have the opportunity to win two amazing prizes, just for Liking our Facebook page. Today, we announce the first prize: a signature WeightWise tote bag full of goodies, a $328 value!

It’s easy! We’ve gathered together our absolute favorite, MOST delicious products. Just Like our Facebook page below and you could win:

• Calcium citrate 500 mg 90 ct Peanut Butter Chocolate flavor
• Calcium citrate 500 mg 90 ct Caramel Flavor
• Multivitamin ultra formula capsules 270 ct
• Chewable probiotic 90 ct
• Chicken bouillon soup
• Peanut pretzel bar
• Proti variety pack bars
• Cinnamon oatmeal bar
• Nutty caramel crunch bar
• Cookies and cream bar
• Banana creme pudding
• Pineapple fruit drink
• 15 g variety pack protein bars
• Lemon meringue bar
• Marshmallow hot chocolate
• Powercrunch peanut butter cream bars, box of 12.

Enter below!a Rafflecopter giveaway

We’ll announce a winner on July 1 and mail the goody bag right to your door! Best of luck!

The post We’re Giving Away Goodies! Enter to Win! appeared first on .

WeightWise Bariatric Program and Metabolic Center is excited to announce the addition of their new nurse practitioner, Marquis Hurst. We are thrilled to have her on the team, please join us in welcoming her to the WeightWise family!

Welcome, Marquis!

Marquis was raised in Oklahoma. Destined to go to the University of Oklahoma, she graduated there with a bachelor’s of arts in psychology in 2007. She continued her education with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with a bachelor’s of science in nursing in 2008 and a masters in nursing in 2012. While working on her master’s degree she worked at Oklahoma Heart Hospital as a registered nurse in the progressive coronary care unit.

Since graduation from her master’s program she has been working in the primary and urgent care setting providing quality care to patients across the lifespan. Marquis joins WeightWise Bariatric Program in June of 2016. She is very excited to be a part of the WeightWise team and looks forward to being directly involved in patient care as they continue their remarkable journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

In her spare time Marquis enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing tennis, and spending time with her two dogs.

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Weight loss surgery should be used more often as a treatment for diabetes recommends new guidelines. The guidelines were published recently in the journal Diabetes Care, a publication of the American Diabetes Association.

The new recommendations for using weight loss surgery for diabetes were endorsed by 45 health groups including the American Diabetes Association and the International Diabetes Federation.

Weight loss surgery’s success in dramatically improving Type 2 diabetes has been recognized in the past. The presence of diabetes and other weight-related diseases is a factor in deciding whether bariatric surgery is medically necessary for an obese person. However, the new guidelines are the first time the surgery has been recommended specifically to treat diabetes.

How Were the Guidelines Developed?

The guidelines were drawn after researchers analyzed 11 studies of diabetic patients. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group had weight loss surgery and the other was treated with standard care. The researchers concluded that bariatric surgery should be a regular option for some diabetes patients. The guidelines place more emphasis on control of blood sugar than on the amount of weight lost.

Bariatric surgery succeeds more often than any other treatment in helping obese people lose and keep weight off. Surgery is generally considered only after an obese patient has tried repeatedly to lose excess weight. The surgery is seen as a treatment first for obesity with improvements in comorbidities a bonus.

The new research isn’t recommending surgery for as a first option for all diabetes patient. Treatment guidelines are now recommending surgery be considered more routinely for certain patients.

Why Are the Guidelines Changing?

Experts hope the new guidelines bring greater awareness to weight loss surgery’s effectiveness at controlling Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes affects around 26 million Americans. Those who are overweight and obese have a higher risk of developing the disease that interferes with the body’s ability to convert food into energy.

Type 2 diabetes is controlled through diet, exercise, medication and insulin. Patients don’t always succeed with standard treatments. When diabetes isn’t managed, it leads to more serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation.

Losing weight improves control of Type 2 diabetes, but bariatric surgery’s benefits go beyond lost pounds. Some types of bariatric surgery help control diabetes in other ways. For instance, both gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy affect how the body handles insulin and blood sugar. The guidelines don’t recommend a particular type of weight loss surgery.

Only you and your doctors can decide if bariatric surgery is the right course for you. Learn more about the surgeries performed at WeightWise by joining us at one of our online or in-person seminars.

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Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective procedure. It’s the most successful route to permanent weight loss for those who are severely obese. Seventy percent of people who have bariatric surgery succeed in shedding 50 percent of their extra weight.

Awareness of weight loss surgery has grown in the past few decades. Scientists are continuously refining new and better techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery. At WeightWise, our surgeons complete about 99 percent of procedures using minimally invasive techniques.

Even though bariatric surgery has proven effective at promoting weight loss and decreasing disease, there are still many misconceptions surrounding the procedure.

Myth 1: The majority of bariatric patients regain the weight they lose.

Truth: Most patients are successful in maintaining their weight loss in the year or two following surgery. In weight loss surgery, success is described as a loss of 50 percent of excess weight. Some patients do regain weight. Permanent weight loss is affected by several factors: the quality and date of the original surgery, the type of surgery and the patient’s adherence to healthy habits. Education and long-term support can increase a person’s chance of success.

Myth 2: People won’t be able to eat normally after surgery.

Truth: Many people think they will never again be able to enjoy their favorite foods. After an initial adjustment period, most weight loss patients eat a variety of healthy, tasty foods. To succeed, patients need to leave behind old habits. Some foods, such as sugary desserts, are off limits for good. High-protein and low-carbohydrate meals will become the norm. The WeightWise blog contains meal plans filled with delicious, healthy recipes right for a bariatric diet.

Myth 3: Bariatric surgery is a high-risk procedure.

Truth: Every surgery carries risk and side-effects. The risk of dying from bariatric surgery is about the same as for gallbladder surgery. Bariatric mortality rates have declined steadily over the years. A recent study found the mortality rate for weight loss surgery is less than .5 percent. Factors that affect a patient’s risk for complications are age, health and BMI.

At WeightWise, our team meticulously prepares patients for surgery, increasing the chances of a successful procedure. Our surgeons have completed more than 3,000 operations with a 100-percent survival rate. Obesity-related conditions carry a higher long-term risk of mortality for the severely obese than does bariatric surgery.

Myth 4: Weight loss surgery causes severe nutritional deficiencies.

Truth: Bariatric patients must follow a healthy diet that includes taking dietary supplements for life. It’s important that each meal is highly nutritious, especially immediately after surgery. Bariatric procedures affect the absorption of protein, minerals and vitamins. After surgery, patients work closely with the dietitians at WeightWise. We ensure patients are getting the nutrition needed for health and energy.

Weight loss surgery isn’t a cure, but it is a first step toward a healthier way of life. If you’re interested in learning more about surgery, please call us or attend a free informational seminars.

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Everyone needs health insurance. But how do you decide what type of plan to buy? If you’re preparing for weight loss surgery, you should know that not every insurance company covers the procedures.

Some companies pay for some types of weight loss surgery. Others offer limited or no benefits for bariatric surgery.

At WeightWise, we’ll work with your insurance company to figure out what benefits you can expect. Learn more about paying for weight loss surgery by reading our financial FAQ page.

Weight loss surgery isn’t for every overweight person. The surgery is only for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or someone with a BMI of 35 to 39 who also has a serious obesity-related disease such as diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure.

How to Choose an Insurance Plan if You’re Having Weight Loss Surgery

Buying insurance can seem like an overwhelming decision. Before you make a decision, call the company and request information. Ask if the plan covers weight loss surgery. Ask about the qualifications and benefits.

Here are some things to consider before you settle on a plan:

What type of plan is best if I have a chronic condition?

If you are managing a chronic condition, you’ll likely use your health insurance a lot. People who visit the doctor regularly sometimes choose a plan with a higher monthly premium and lower deductible.

Should I get a plan with low monthly premiums?

Plans with a low monthly premium have a high annual deductible. These plans are for people who are in good health and seldom visit the doctor but want insurance in case of an accident or sudden illness.

What If I take a prescription drug regularly?

If you take a prescription drug to manage a chronic condition, be sure to read the plan’s formulary. If your drug isn’t on the list, you’ll have to pay for it out-of-pocket.

What’s the difference between the different types of managed care?

Insurance companies limit expenses by negotiating fees within a network of healthcare providers. To get the negotiated benefits, patients must choose a provider within the network. Getting care outside the network means you’ll pay more.

These are the three types of managed care:

• H.M.O. –  a health maintenance organization covers care only from providers in the network.
• P.P. O. – a preferred provider organization also has a network. You’ll receive a lower rate for benefits if you see someone outside the network.
• P.O.S. – point of service combines characteristics of an H.M.O. and a P.P.O.

How can I find out about a plan’s costs?

A plan’s “summary of benefits” describes the various costs and benefits. Check a plan’s co-pays, maximum out-of-pocket limits and other expenses.

To learn more about your options for weight loss surgery, please attend a free informational seminar sponsored by WeightWise.

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