Archive for April, 2011

The data is in. Weight-loss surgery, in combination with behavioral modifications, can be a “powerful tool” in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for obese patients. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention said as much in a position statement released recently. The taskforce substantiates evidence backing bariatric surgery as a cost-effective [...]

Eydie Garcelon lost her best friend the day she had weight-loss surgery. The food. The junk food. Chips, candy and soda pop at one time brought her comfort, day or night, without judgment: all gone. “When I was happy, food was there to help me celebrate. If I was sad and woke up at three [...]

It takes a special set of nursing skills to help bariatric patients become successful with long-term weight loss. St. Joseph’s Area Health Services Tia Kocka, BSN, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) recently added Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) to her title since earning her credentials based on standards established by the American Society for Metabolic and [...]

Melanie Stauty of Fergus Falls sits in a clinic chair during a follow-up bariatric appointment at Essentia Health Park Rapids. On her lap sits a bouncing baby boy, Seth Alexander and, gosh, his smile is infectious. “He was a miracle,” Melanie says. “I didn’t think I would have any more children.” In fact, when she [...]

Breast is Best. There is no denying that a majority of the population knows breastfeeding is best for babies, but keep in mind the statement doesn’t say, “Breast is easy.” There are few research studies dealing with breastfeeding after bariatric surgery. What we know is what we have seen; healthy breastfed babies receiving milk from [...]

It is generally recommended that women avoid pregnancy the first 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery because of the dramatic weight loss. Once pregnant, patients should be monitored to be sure appropriate weight gain is occurring. Prenatal care is coordinated with the obstetrician, the bariatric surgeon and dietitian (1). Energy needs You will need [...]

Franki Evensen’s excess weight had affected her fertility, but she hadn’t realized that until she lost 100 pounds and became pregnant. In 2008, she had her Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Daniel Smith. “I had not been on any type of birth control since 2003,” she said. At one time, she and her husband [...]

Jennifer Harrom of Fergus Falls wanted to have more children; brothers or sisters for her son, Colton. Some day, anyway. In fact, it was her obstetrician who recommended her for weight-loss surgery. At more than 300 pounds and exhibiting signs of diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid problems, she had her gastric bypass with Dr. [...]