Blog
Protein Alternatives
Written by Olivia Dupuy MA, RD, LD Getting enough protein with a vegetarian/vegan diet can be challenging for bariatric patients. If a patient follows that type of diet before surgery or decides to later, I can help make sure you meet your protein needs after surgery. In some cases, while unintentional, some patients have taste […]
Joint-Friendly Low Impact Cardio Exercise
Low impact cardio exercise is great for individuals who have joint pain. What is low impact cardio exercise exercise? Exercise that increases heart rate and allows for less stress/impact on joints. Not to be confused with low intensity exercise. Post operatively we want our patients focusing on exercise that is of moderate intensity. Moderate intensity […]
What’s The Difference Between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for the medication known as Semaglutide. They are both GLP-1 receptor agonists which means they help with weight loss by mirroring the function of a naturally occurring hormone- GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1). These medications serve to help reduce appetite, regulate blood sugar after meals, and slow gastric emptying. The main differences […]
March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer of the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is one of the most commonly occurring cancers worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 10% of all new cancer cases. Why should you get screened? The main goal of screening for colorectal cancer is to prevent […]
February Is American Heart Month
Healthy Blood Pressure A blood pressure higher than 130/80 mmHg can cause serious health problems, including: Heart Disease Stroke Kidney Disease Dementia Pharmacology treatment should be initiated when blood pressure is 150/90 mmHG or higher in adults 60 and older, or 140/90 mmHG or higher in adults younger than 60 years or age. *** If […]
Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
What is the gallbladder? The gallbladder is a small oblong organ located in the right upper side of the abdomen, under the liver. It is connected to the liver and intestines through small tubes called bile ducts. The gallbladder works to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver. This bile carries away […]
New Guidelines for Weight Loss Surgery
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) has updated guidelines for weight loss surgery. Those who may previously not have qualified for surgery, may now be eligible. Surgical Interventions offered at St. Louis Bariatrics: Orbera Gastric Balloon LAPBand Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass How is it determined who qualifies for […]
Caffeine and Bariatric Surgery
Caffeine is a stimulant and a natural diuretic which can increase the risk for dehydration in a bariatric patient. Our dietitians recommend avoiding caffeine at least while on your clear liquid diet preoperatively and for at least two months postoperatively, but if you can avoid it altogether, that is ideal. Caffeine can be found in […]
Medications For Weight Loss
Current FDA approved medications for weight loss: Phentermine (Adipex or Lomaira) Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia) Naltrexone HCL/Bupropion (Contrave) Liraglutide (Saxenda) Semaglutide (Wegovy) Tirzeparide (Mounjaro) Phentermine Phentermine (brand names: Adipex-P, Lomaira) is a medicine that reduces food intake by causing you to feel full more quickly after eating. Phentermine is classified as a controlled substance by the United […]
Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)
What is the gallbladder? The gallbladder is a small oblong organ located in the right upper side of the abdomen, under the liver. It is connected to the liver and intestines through small tubes called bile ducts. The gallbladder works to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver. This bile carries away […]