Improve Your Nutrition
Vitamins and protein are key to the healing process following surgery. Protein will help you maintain muscle mass while losing weight and make you feel full longer after your meals. Your doctor will instruct you as to which vitamins and supplements you will need. Plan to incorporate a multi-vitamin, B12, calcium into your daily intake. Start doing this as soon as you can, not only because it will help your health, but it will also to help you get in the habit of taking important vitamin supplements on a continual basis.

Get a Sleep Study
Many over weight individuals suffer from Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) and don’t even know it. SAS is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing. In a recent study of patients who had completed a preoperative evaluation for bariatric surgery, 73% of tested patients had SAS that required treatment. As a result of the study, researchers recommended that patients who undergo bariatric surgery should be screened, tested and treated for sleep apnea.

Start Exercising—everyday
Exercise is crucial to weight loss success; it shortens the recovery period and reduces the risk of postsurgical complications. Our doctors have found that patients who start an exercise program before weight loss surgery are twice as likely to have an easier time exercising after surgery. Because exercise tends to be difficult for people who are overweight, the key is to start slowly. Walk in place for 10 minutes, twice a day. Resume exercising two to three weeks after surgery. Cardio and strength training should be part of your exercise routine, three to five days a week.

Cut Down on Alcohol and Quit Smoking
Smoking can make lungs more sensitive during surgery and can slow the healing process by narrowing the blood vessels and restricting the flow of blood to the healing sites. Smoking contradicts the purpose for having surgery: Improving your health! Alcohol is full of empty calories that provide no nutritional value. Weight loss surgery makes you more sensitive to alcohol, so a little goes a long way.

You have committed to changing your lifestyle. You are ready to achieve and maintain a healthy weight with a regimen of healthy choices. The comprehensive weight loss program, including MyWeight Nutition & Wellness Counseling designed by the Surgical Specialists of LA addresses all of these issues, and we will help you achieve your weight loss goals. Visit www.whyweight.com or call 1-877-691-3001 and ask to speak to a patient advocate to answer questions you may have regarding weight loss and bariatric surgery, including questions about our new incisionless procedure—POSE, a one hour endoscopic procedure that is transforming the lives of our patients.

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A recent recommendation has been 3,000 steps per day, five days a week; however, these findings suggest that 10,000 steps per day (five days a week) achieve a threefold improvement in insulin sensitivity.

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana recommends physical activity, such as walking, combined with healthy nutrition to obtain your ideal weight. Whether you have had, or are considering, weight loss surgery, these are necessary for a healthy life. Our non-surgical program, MyWeight, combines nutritional counseling with personalized meal plans and prescription medications, if necessary. Surgical weight loss, such as gastric banding or gastric bypass surgery, has been proven to help in reducing and, in some cases, eliminating co-morbidities associated with the disease of obesity, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The group of nine surgeons at the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are highly skilled in advanced laparoscopy and have performed more than 4,000 surgical weight loss procedures. If you are interested in learning more about our weight loss programs, join us for a free seminar, contact our office or take a weight loss quiz to get you started.

Do something for yourself this new year. Purchase a pedometer and start walking. Your heart and your body will thank you!

*Source: British Medical Journal, news release, Jan 13, 2011.

]]> http://blog.whyweight.com/walk-to-get-healthy-and-lower-your-risk-of-diabetes/feed/ 0 http://blog.whyweight.com/summertime-tips-and-recipes/ http://blog.whyweight.com/summertime-tips-and-recipes/#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:30:41 +0000 admin http://blog.whyweight.com/?p=803 The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana would like to provide you with tips for dining at your favorite resturant.  But, first, it’s Summertime and it’s hot!  Are you looking for a way to cool off without stopping at the closest snowball stand?  Try one of these great recipes.

Peppermint Shake

1 pkg. MyWeight French Vanilla Shake
1cup cold water
5 ice cubes
½ tsp peppermint extract
¼ tsp vanilla extract
1 drop green food coloring

Place all ingredients in a blender, mix, and serve.


French Vanilla Lime Cooler

1 pkg. MyWeight French Vanilla Shake Mix
8 oz water
2 Tbsp Lime Juice
4 Ice cubes
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth

Peachy Smoothie

1 pkg. MyWeight French Vanilla Shake
2 oz Vanilla low-fat yogurt
6 oz cold water
1 fresh peach, skinned and cut up
4 Ice cubes

Mix all ingredients in blender on medium speed.

Almond Joy

1 pkg. MyWeight Swiss Chocolate Shake
8 oz. water
½ tsp almond extract
½ tsp coconut extract

Mix all ingredients in blender on medium speed.

Tips for Success When Eating Out

• Keep Your Portions Small
• When ordering entrees, have the waiter box ½ before serving the other ½
• Use a salad plate to decrease the portion size
• Have the waiter bring your salad with your entrée
• Have the waiter remove the bread from the table, or DECLINE it when he serves it
• Take 3 bites of protein for every 1 bite of carbs or fats
• Count Cocktails as dessert
• Choose to splurge on a day when you can exercise
• Research the web for restaurant menu and healthy choice/low carb selections
• Have a protein drink before you leave to go out
• Keep reference books for calorie counting and low carb selections handy.  Check out: www.calorieking.com or www.atkins.com for calorie and carbohydrate measurements

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana offers nutritional drinks, supplements, meal replacements, protein bars and various other items through our MyWeight program at each of our locations.  If you are interested in learning more about our products contact Bethany at bdulski@whyweight.com.

You’ve heard it.  ”Lose 30 pounds in 30 days!” “Eat as much as you want and still lose weight!” With so many products and weight-loss theories out there, it’s easy to get confused. This information may help clear up confusion about weight loss, nutrition and physical exercise. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana have two licensed dietitians who are available to answer your questions on following a healthy eating plan and losing weight safely. Contact us today to learn more.

Myth: Nuts are fattening and you should not eat them if you want to lose weight.

Fact: In small amounts, nuts can be part of a healthy weight-loss program. Nuts are high in calories and fat. However, most nuts contain healthy fats that do not clog arteries. Nuts are also good sources of protein, dietary fiber, and minerals including magnesium and copper.

Tip: Enjoy small portions of nuts. One-half ounce of mixed nuts has about 84 calories.

Myth: Eating red meat is bad for your health and makes it harder to lose weight.

Fact: Eating lean meat in small amounts can be part of a healthy weight-loss plan. Red meat, pork, chicken, and fish contain some cholesterol and saturated fat (the least healthy kind of fat). They also contain healthy nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc.

Tip: Choose cuts of meat that are lower in fat and trim all visible fat. Lower fat meats include pork tenderloin and beef round steak, tenderloin, sirloin tip, flank steak, and extra lean ground beef. Also, pay attention to portion size. Three ounces of meat or poultry is the size of a deck of cards.

Myth: Dairy products are fattening and unhealthy.

Fact: Low-fat and fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese are just as nutritious as whole-milk dairy products, but they are lower in fat and calories. Dairy products have many nutrients your body needs. They offer protein to build muscles and help organs work properly, and calcium to strengthen bones. Most milk and some yogurt are fortified with vitamin D to help your body use calcium.

Tip: The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming 3 cups per day of fat-free/low-fat milk or equivalent milk products. For more information on these guidelines, visit http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.

If you cannot digest lactose (the sugar found in dairy products), choose low-lactose or lactose-free dairy products, or other foods and beverages that offer calcium and vitamin D (listed below).

• Calcium: soy-based beverage or tofu made with calcium sulfate; canned salmon; dark leafy greens like collards or kale
• Vitamin D: soy-based beverage or cereal (getting some sunlight on your skin also gives you a small amount of vitamin D)

Myth: “Going vegetarian” means you are sure to lose weight and be healthier.

Fact: Research shows that people who follow a vegetarian eating plan, on average, eat fewer calories and less fat than nonvegetarians. They also tend to have lower body weights relative to their heights than nonvegetarians. Choosing a vegetarian eating plan with a low fat content may be helpful for weight loss. But vegetarians—like nonvegetarians—can make food choices that contribute to weight gain, like eating large amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods or foods with little or no nutritional value.

Vegetarian diets should be as carefully planned as nonvegetarian diets to make sure they are balanced. Nutrients that nonvegetarians normally get from animal products, but that are not always found in a vegetarian eating plan, are iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and protein.

Tip: Choose a vegetarian eating plan that is low in fat and that provides all of the nutrients your body needs. Food and beverage sources of nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian diet are listed below.

• Iron: cashews, spinach, lentils, garbanzo beans, fortified bread or cereal
• Calcium: dairy products, fortified soy-based beverages, tofu made with calcium sulfate, collard greens, kale, broccoli
• Vitamin D: fortified foods and beverages including milk, soy-based beverages, or cereal
• Vitamin B12: eggs, dairy products, fortified cereal or soy-based beverages, tempeh, miso (tempeh and miso are foods made from soybeans)
• Zinc: whole grains (especially the germ and bran of the grain), nuts, tofu, leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, lettuce)
• Protein: eggs, dairy products, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, soy-based burgers

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are committed to helping our patients achieve a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight. Whether you are interested in weight loss surgery or medically supervised weight loss counseling, we can help you take control of your eating and your weight. Join us for a free seminar or take a weight loss quiz to help you get started.

Have you ever wondered just how many calories that chicken quesadilla or reuben sandwich will add to your caloric intake for lunch?  What about the “healthy” veggie spud and cream of broccoli soup?

Eating out can be a real problem for those who are watching their weight and trying to eat healthy.  Until now.  Buried in the pages of the health reform bill passed by the U.S. Congress, is a provision requiring chain restaurants with 20 or more stores to disclose the number of calories on their menus.

Offering a menu without calories is like offering a menu without prices. Individuals should know what their financial cost and their health cost is for what they are ordering. When you purchase food in a grocery store, the “Nutrition Facts” label gives key nutritional information including calories, fat grams, sodium content, etc. for each serving in the package. The customer in a restaurant has to make a blind guess and “judge” how fattening and unhealthy each menu option may be.

Menu-labeling will not reverse the obesity epidemic by itself.  But it is a step in the right direction and one that will cost very little to implement.  Menu-labeling will give each individual the knowledge to make healthy choices, thus putting the responsibility on each of us and ultimately lowering healthcare costs, overall.

Regardless of the view on the overall health reform bill, nearly everyone agrees, including the National Restaurant Association and public health advocates, that this is one part of the bill that will improve health and cut costs in the long run. When the law takes effect in 2011, the number of calories will be noted right next to the price on the menu.

Source: Menu-labeling to Win the Struggle Against Obesity – Kansas City infoZine News.  Jason Eberhart-Phillips, MD.  www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/40532.

Until these changes take place, the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana can help you make healthy and informed decisions.  The MyWeight™ nutrition and wellness counseling program in Louisiana offers individualized weight loss programs, lifestyle coaching and one-on-one medical consultation.  Contact our office to learn more about the MyWeight™ medically supervised weight loss program.

In this tough economy, it’s important to make sure we don’t forgo healthy habits for cheaper, less nutritious foods. In this article, printed with the permission of the Obesity Action Coalition, Pam Helmlinger discusses how to manage your waistline without breaking the bank.

How to Eat Healthy Foods on a Budget

by Pam Helmlinger, RD, LDN

Healthy eating may seem challenging when penny-pinching, yet with careful planning you can monitor both your waistline and your budget. The perception that healthy food costs more is not valid if you are always shopping for a good deal and planning ahead. Incorporate these tips for a frugally-fit diet:

Determine a Weekly Grocery Budget – set aside the allotted cash in a special envelope. Plan meals and snacks for your family ahead of time and write down a detailed shopping list from that plan.

Comparison Shop and Take Advantage of Store Incentives – Choose generic store brands except when the brand name product is on sale for less. Refer to the item’s unit price displayed to compare costs between brands and multiple-sized packages.

Meal Planning – a great way to cut costs is to plan the week’s meals based on weekly store flyers’ sale prices along with any coupons which apply from the newspaper or online. Paperclip applicable coupons to your grocery budget envelope.

Bulk Buying – Warehouse clubs are one way to save when buying in bulk, however, if the savings would not exceed the cost of the membership, you can stock up on sale items at the grocery store and purchase produce by the bag rather than in pieces (onions, apples, grapefruit, etc.). Frozen fruits and vegetables are also beneficial for equal nutrient value and to eliminate the concern for spoilage before they are eaten. Frozen berries are an excellent choice year-round when fresh berries are out of season.

Purchase Plain Meats and Skin and Season them on Your Own – Try using canned chicken and fish for salads. Use medium shrimp for cooking fajitas or to make a seafood salad. Extend your budget further by eating at least two meatless meals per week. Give tofu and/or tempeh a try for an inexpensive, nutritional substitute for meat and cheese. Beans are also a low-cost and versatile source of protein and fiber. For maximum savings and a low sodium option, use dried beans versus canned beans.

Avoid Pre-packaged Foods and Beverages – While drinking diet soda may not affect your weight, it can be draining your family budget. Instead, brew your own tea or fill reusable water bottles with filtered water at home. If you purchase coffee at a coffee shop, consider buying whole bean coffee in bulk, grinding it at home and mixing with a splash of skim milk, an ounce of sugar-free coffee syrup and a packet of artificial sweetener for your own “Skinny Latte.” These products at home will go a long way and make many cups for the price of one cup at a coffee shop.

Avoid Waste by Purchasing Only What You Need for the Week – use scraps to make other meals, such as leftover chicken to make chicken salad.

Cook at Home and Reserve Eating out for Special Occasions – A single night at a restaurant may cost you as much as the week’s groceries. Studies show that home-cooked meals are more nutritious and that families who eat together have better communication.

Cook extra portions for freezing and utilize leftovers throughout the week. The extra effort will result in time savings later and is perfect for those with a hectic schedule. Get creative and try limiting recipes to just a few basic ingredients.

Make Your Own Convenience Foods – Although buying washed and bagged lettuce, cabbage and carrots is convenient, it costs much more for less quantity. Try making your own convenience foods by dicing and chopping vegetables on the weekends to quickly add to a recipe or salad on a weeknight.

Plant a Garden – Another way to save on vegetables is to plant a garden. It takes some time but can be a fun hobby. If you have never planted before, try starting with tomatoes and some fresh herbs.

According to the February 2009 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, here are some nutritious foods and cost per serving:

• Cooked Black Beans – 114 calories per serving, 7 cents per serving, high in fiber/B vitamins/protein
• Egg – 78 calories per egg, 9 cents per egg, high in protein/iron/B-12/choline
• Cooked Broccoli – 27 calories per half cup, 33 cents per serving, high in vitamins C & A/fiber/phytochemicals
• Chicken Breast – 142 calories per 4 oz portion, 50 cents per serving, high in protein/iron

With some creativity and planning, you can keep your kitchen well stocked with lean protein, high fiber, fresh and frozen goods and seasonal produce. Eating well is manageable for everyone and sets one up for a healthy meal plan without the temptations that come with excess food on hand.

Let’s Compare!

The following is an example of both cost comparison and nutrition facts comparison for a couple of different meals…

Meal A

1 piece meat lasagna (1/12 recipe)
2 slices garlic bread
2 cups romaine lettuce
2 tsp. shredded parmesan
2 oz. Caesar salad dressing
Per Serving: 938 calories, 47g fat, 97g carbohydrates, 31g protein
Cost/serving: $3.98

Meal B

1 Morningstar Farms Sun dried Tomato & Basil Pizza Burger pattie
1 oz. marinara sauce
1 slice mozzarella cheese melted on top
2 c. romaine lettuce
2 tsp. shredded Parmesan cheese
10 sprays Caesar Delight Vinaigrette Spritzer
Per Serving: 279 calories, 14g fat, 12g carbohydrates, 22g protein
Cost/serving: $2.85

You can consider your calorie intake a budget just like your checkbook for your financial budget. In this case, you would have saved $1.13 per person for meal B and your calorie savings would be 659!

As you can see, it is possible to eat healthy on a budget. It takes an awareness while you grocery shop and while you eat/dine out to make this possible.
The key is that you need to get creative and look at labels and prices. So, next time you are at the grocery, take these important tips with you to help you determine what is the healthiest and most economical option for you and your family!

About the Author:

Pam Helmlinger, RD, LDN, has worked with the Center for the Treatment of Obesity at Centennial Medical Center since 2006. She is specialized in bariatric surgery and holds a certificate of training in adult weight management. Currently, she provides pre and post-op nutritional counseling in addition to education for patients in a medical weight-loss program.

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are committed to helping our patients achieve a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight. Whether you are interested in weight loss surgery or medically supervised weight loss counseling, we can help you take control of your eating and your weight. Join us for a free seminar or take a weight loss quiz to help you get started.

A National Public Awareness Campaign Brought to You by the OAC

Your Weight Matters is a National web-based awareness campaign proudly produced and presented by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). The goal of the campaign is to get the public talking about weight as it relates to their health and to challenge each and every American to talk to their doctor about their weight.

Why Does My Weight Matter?

Weight and health go hand-in-hand. Many Americans are not aware of the health risks associated with excess weight and how weight plays a key role in their health. That’s why it’s important for YOU to get involved in the Your Weight Matters Campaign, assess your weight and talk to your doctor!

What the Campaign Offers

The web-based campaign has all the information you need:

• Tools to measure your weight
• Health risks associated with weight
• Health and wellness tips
• A section dedicated just to kids
• And much more!

Get Started and Take the Challenge

The easy-to-navigate web site guides you step-by-step through measuring your weight and gives you tips for talking to your doctor. Once you take the challenge, you will receive a link to the e-toolkit which includes:

• Sample questions to ask your doctor
• Questions your doctor may ask you
• Food log journal
• Health and wellness quick tips
• Helpful resources
• BMI chart for adults
• And much more!

About the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)

The OAC is a National nonprofit charity dedicated to helping those affected by obesity. The OAC brings together individual struggling with weight and provides educational and advocacy resources.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE! Visit www.yourweightmatters.org today and take the Campaign challenge!

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana is a proud supporter of the Walk From Obesity, whose funds support the OAC. In addition, Laura Boyer, RN, CBN, and Director of Clinical Systems for the Surgical Specialists, is a previous Advisory Board Member for the OAC. Laura and James Redmann, MD, FACS, are contributing authors to the OAC.

Learn more about the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. You can get more information on weight loss surgery such as gastric banding, gastric bypass or medically supervised weight loss programs by contacting one of our patient advocates today. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are committed to helping you reach your weight loss goals. Register for a free seminar and see which one of our weight loss programs has proven to be the most effective for resolving weight related health conditions.

Weight regain after weight loss surgery is more common than you think. The Seminar to be held this Saturday, March 6, 2010, will equip you with the necessary skills to make a “comeback”. At this seminar we will explore why the weight returned after surgery and offer realistic solutions to help you make your comeback.

Even the most successful surgical weight loss patients occasionally regain weight. There are many complex factors contributing to this as the body will do everything in its power to avoid starvation and weight loss.

The tool we provided you with during surgery may not be as effective as it was early in your post operative period. Changes in the anatomy take place in the form of a pouch that has stretched or an opening to the small intestine that has enlarged.

The team of speakers who will meet with you include, Dr. Scott Eckholdt, Dr. Stan Owens, Dr. Carson Cunningham and Jill Hurley, OTR/L. Dr. Eckholdt will discuss relapse prevention while occupational therapist, Jill Hurley will help you develop healthy habits for living. Dr. Owens created the PresciptFit Medical Nutritional Therapy program designed to focus on both behavior and physiological elements of maintaining a health weight. Dr. Cunningham will introduce the exciting new incisionless revisional procedure called ROSE.

The symposium will be held at the Fitzsimons Auditorium at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information please call 225-289-4677 or toll free at 866-935-8040.

Sugar Alchohols: How do they fit in?

Kate H. Rountree, LDN, RD

When learning how to read food labels, one topic of interest that patients continuously question is sugar alcohols. The population wants to know what these products are, why are they used, and how much is too much. Sugar alcohols can be consumed, but in moderation because they can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, it is important to understand how to use these products and also where to find information on content when looking at food packaging.

Sugar alcohols are chemically formed sweeteners that can be found in many sugar free and no sugar added food products (candies, gum, baking mixes, ice cream, cookies, etc). These products are formed from naturally occurring sugar found in fruits, plants, and trees and contain approximately ½ the sweetness and calories of sugar that “regular” product have. The common names, which can be found in the ingredient list of food packaging, are mannitol, sorbitol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, erythritol, and xylitol.

Sugar alcohols are used to add sweetness with fewer calories. They are typically used in combination with high intensity artificial sweeteners (NutraSweet®, Splenda®, aspartame, etc) to offset the unpleasant after taste. They can also be used as a bulking agent in certain foods.

Sugar alcohols can be problematic when consumed in abundance because they are only partially absorbed by the small intestine. The amount absorbed is dependent on the particular sugar alcohol ingested. Sugar alcohols not absorbed by the small intestine reach the colon and are fermented by bacteria and produce gases; sugar alcohols are incompletely metabolized by humans. Incomplete absorption can lead to abdominal bloating, cramping diarrhea, and flatulence. It is important to remember that the more sugar alcohol is consumed the more intense the symptoms can be.

The pros to using sugar alcohols include:

• Contains less calories than sugar
• Causes only a slight rise in blood sugar verses a large rise when using real sugar
• Does not cause tooth decay
• Improves texture of foods
• Retains moisture in foods
• Prevents foods from browning when heated

The cons to using sugar alcohols include:

• Poorly absorbed by the body, causing GI distress, when consumed in large concentrations
• Weight gain, if overeaten
• Hypoglycemia may result in diabetics if insulin dosage is dependent on specific amount of carbohydrate consumed since sugar alcohols are used when calculating total carbohydrate content

The United States Federal Drug Administration outlines specific instructions when labeling food packaging. In the instance of sugar alcohols products labeled as “no sugar added” or “sugar free” may still contain sugar alcohols, so it is vital to always read the nutrition label on all processed foods, especially those labeled “no sugar added” or “sugar free.” Consider the serving size and the amount of sugar alcohol per serving and keep in mind that as little as 10 gm of sugar alcohols can cause GI symptoms.

Understanding the pros and cons of sugar alcohols is a key ingredient in the recipe to weight loss success. Weight loss is a lot of hard work, but knowing all of the important ingredients and factors will make your weight loss success that much easier. Next time you are at the grocery store, pay attention to the labels and use the new tools you are now equipped with to make smart, weight loss motivated, decisions. If you seek professional help, contact the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. Their medically supervised MyWeight™ weight loss program can help you become a healthier, happier you!

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are thrilled to share with you some exciting news out of Washington. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) was one of the few select organizations to attend First Lady, Michelle Obama’s kick-off event for her National Campaign that will take a stand against childhood obesity. The new campaign, Let’s Move will get kids moving and will promote healthy weight loss in obese children. Below is an official Statement from the OAC.

Obesity Action Coalition Attends First Lady Michelle Obama’s Launch of her Childhood Obesity Initiative at the White House

Today was a step in the right direction when it comes to tackling the childhood obesity epidemic, giving it the National attention it needs. And, the OAC is proud to say that we were a part of this important step to help solve this growing problem.

This afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama officially launched her National initiative to take on childhood obesity, unveiling her nationwide campaign – Let’s Move. The OAC was among the select few organizations to receive a personal invitation to the White House to attend the First Lady’s kick-off event for her National Campaign.

The goal of the Let’s Move Campaign is to solve the challenge of childhood obesity in our country through a partnered effort among communities, organizations, schools, government, parents and children. First Lady Obama mapped out many of the challenges that our country faces with this rising epidemic, along with the complex nature of solving this problem to positively impact the health of our nation’s children.

OAC was Proud to Attend

OAC President/CEO Joe Nadglowski was just rows away from the First Lady as she laid out her approach to help our country’s children. Joe was also accompanied by many high profile participants, including members of the President’s cabinet such as Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius, Education Secretary Duncan and Surgeon General Regina Benjamin. In addition, the crowd also included members of Congress, Mayors from across the nation and leaders from the media, medical, sports, entertainment and business communities who have an interest in helping the childhood obesity epidemic.

The OAC is happy that our nation’s First Lady is making childhood obesity a priority and that she plans to include a variety of individuals in the discussion to solve this problem. We are honored that we were among the select few invited to witness this important announcement first-hand and plan to be included in future discussions on this issue with the White House.

The OAC encourages you to visit the Let’s Move Campaign Web site at www.letsmove.gov to learn more about this campaign and our nation’s childhood obesity epidemic and how you can start to make a difference.

Conclusion

Childhood obesity most often starts in the home so Louisiana based OAC encourages you, and your loved ones, to instill healthy eating, exercise and diet habits in children at a young age. By helping children develop good habits, you will help to make a difference in America’s childhood obesity epidemic. See what weight loss tools and information you can share with the people you love from the new Let’s Move Campaign today.

Reproduced with permission from Obesity Action Coalition. Please visit www.oac.org

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are committed to helping our patients achieve a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight. Whether you are interested in weight loss surgery or medically supervised weight loss counseling, we can help you take control of your eating and your weight. Join us for a free seminar or take a weight loss quiz to help you get started.