The study is a meta-analysis, which is a careful and rigorous review of many clinical studies.   Seven studies out of 4,576 possible papers met the criteria to be included in this study.  Because the seven studies reported amounts of chocolate consumption in different manners, the authors decided to compare lowest to highest chocolate consumption when they looked at the health benefits. The authors of the study explain that the exact amount of chocolate needed to experience the health benefits is not clear, yet.

The study also cautions against large consumption of chocolate. Chocolate is high in sugar and calories and therefore can be destructive to weight loss and overall health.  Dark chocolate, which contains a higher cocoa content, will provide the most health benefits without as much fat and sugar as milk chocolate.

At the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana, we understand that our patients need nutrition plans tailored to their needs—even if that means including the occasional piece of dark chocolate! Balance is always very important. You can learn more about our program and weight loss options on our website, by registering for a free weight loss surgery seminar, or by calling us at 877-691-3001.

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Pre-diabetes is “the state that occurs when a person’s blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes”. Most importantly, people with pre-diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension and stroke. An estimated 79 million Americans age 20 years or older have pre-diabetes. Learn more about obesity and associated health risks such as diabetes.

Who should pay attention to pre-diabetes?
You are at risk for pre-diabetes if you are overweight and 45 years or older. Individuals younger than 45 and overweight, and have any other risk factors such as high blood pressure, a family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, to name a few, are also at risk. Unfortunately, there usually are no signs or symptoms for pre-diabetes!

As mentioned above, having pre-diabetes exposes individuals to a higher risk for type-2 diabetes. However, studies have shown that losing 5 to 7 percent of body weight through diet and increased physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. How do you make this happen? Healthy eating habits and exercise!

What can I do?
Someone with excess weight and pre-diabetes, or insulin resistance may benefit from limiting carbohydrates in their diet. Carbs raise blood sugar more than other foods and will cause the body to produce more insulin.

Regular exercise helps maintain weight loss and prevent weight regain. It also improves glycemic control (measurement of the effects of carbs on sugar level) and reduces cardiovascular disease. Fortunately it doesn’t take dramatic weight loss to reduce the risk for pre-diabetes or to improve your health. Moderate weight loss can help delay or prevent diabetes-related complications. If you feel like you need to lose a moderate amount of weight, learn more about our MyWeight solution, as well as some of our noninvasive procedures such as POSE and ROSE.

Today’s world of technology and social networking may also help you monitor your health. HEALTHSEEKER is a new healthy Facebook game that was developed by the Diabetes Hands Foundation and Joslin Diabetes Center. The goal is to help players make specific lifestyle changes that focus on healthy eating. Check it out!

The Surgical Specialists of LA are a group of 8 board certified advanced laparoscopic surgeons who specialize in surgical and nonsurgical weight loss. For more information about their programs visit www.whyweight.com or www.poseinfo.com.

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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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There are many suggestions for maintaining a healthy diet and achieving overall health and fitness. In order to reduce the risk of chronic disease and promote overall health, individuals should seriously consider focusing on items such as:

• Developing eating patterns focused on consuming fewer calories
• Making more informed food choices
  • Less dining out
  • Fewer high saturated fats
  • More fruits and vegetables
• Increasing physical activity (2-3 times/week)
• Maintaining a healthy weight

The United States government oversees health and dietary recommendations and by law, reviews, updates if necessary, and publishes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans every 5 years. Each edition is jointly created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 Key Recommendations encompass two concepts: 1) Balancing calories to manage weight and, 2) Focus on consuming nutritional foods and beverages. Each of these concepts includes key recommendations.

Balancing Calories to Manage Weight

• Prevent and/or reduce overweight and obesity through improved eating and physical activity behaviors.
• Control total calorie intake to manage body weight. For people who are overweight or obese, this means consuming fewer calories from foods and beverages.
• Increase physical activity and reduce time spent in sedentary behaviors
• Maintain appropriate calorie balance during each stage of life

Food and Food Components to Reduce

• Reduce daily sodium intake to less that 2,300 mg. People 51 years old, African Americans, diabetics, hypertensive individuals, and chronic kidney disease patients should limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg.
• Consume less than 10% of calories from saturated fatty acids
• Consume less than 300 mg per day of dietary cholesterol
• Keep trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible by limiting foods that contain synthetic sources of trans fats
• Reduce the intake of calories from solid fats and added sugars
• Limit the consumption of foods that contain refined grains, especially refined grain foods that contain solid fats, added sugars, and sodium
• If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation – up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men – and only by adults of legal drinking age.

The Surgical Specialists of LA promote a combination of healthy eating habits and exercise to achieve an ideal body weight. MyWeight is a medically supervised weight loss program where we create a personalized weight loss diet plan designed specifically for you. If you’d like more information about MyWeight and how it or any of the programs offered by the Surgical Specialist of LA can help change your life, learn more at www.whyweight.com, or or call 1-877-691-3001.

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Apples and Apricots… are good for you!

Apples can be traced back to the Romans and Egyptians who introduced them to Britain and America. Apricot in Latin means “precious” because this fruit ripens earlier than other summer fruits. The Chinese associate the apricot with education and medicine. Apricots are members of the peach family, only smaller.

Try this Veggie Delight Smoothie:

2 cups apple juice
1 cup sliced apple
1 cup applesauce
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup peeled & sliced cucumber
2.5 cups of ice

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana is committed to helping you lose weight and obtain a healthy lifestyle. Our nutritionists are available for one-on-one consultations. Whether you need to lose 15, 50 or 150 pounds, SSL can help you. Our medically supervised weight loss program, MyWeight, combines nutrition therapy, physical activity and physician prescribed medication, if necessary. Minimally invasive weight loss surgery (gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy) and the new incisionless procedure, POSE, are options for those who need to lose 50 or more pounds. Schedule your free weight-loss surgery seminar today to learn more!

Contact the Surgical Specialists of LA for more information at 1-877-691-3001 or www.whyweight.com.

Protein Through Nuts and Seeds

• They are nutritious, high in protein and healthy fats.
• Store them in the freezer and they’ll last longer
• For a great snack grab a small handful of Macadamia nuts, almonds, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin seeds. 4-6 nuts is about 1 ounce.

Sweet Items

• Sugar substitute in granular form, Splenda, can be used for cooking and baking. Don’t ever use Equal in cooking!
• ThickenThinNot/Starch is an excellent substitute for cornstarch, with only a fraction of the carbs. Use this for thickening sauces and gravies.
• Use pure Vanilla, Lemon, and Chocolate extract.
• If you’re curious about sugar alcohols and how they matter, read our recent blog entry on this topic!

For more healthy information visit our website. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana’s estore offers a variety of items to help with your meal planning. Call 1-877-691-3001 or send an email to info@whyweight.com for more information.  Also, check out the website’s MyWeight estore to place orders for products.

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.

On March 26, 2010, a resolution was unanimously passed in the Senate to designate September 2010 as “National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month”, bringing national attention to a growing epidemic among youth in the United States. The resolution requests that the president issue a proclamation calling on the federal government, states, tribes and localities to observe September with programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Activities planned in September are important steps to improving kids’ wellness and educating families on how to live healthier.

The obesity crisis and unhealthy lifestyles are contributing to the growth of health care costs in America. First Lady Michelle Obama is making childhood obesity one of her top priorities.  Since the mid-1970s, obesity rates in the U.S. have increased dramatically for both children and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate the annual expenditures related to overweight individuals and obesity to be more than $264 billion.  This is greater than the cost of tobacco-related illnesses!  In 2007, spending on health care in the U.S. reached $2.2 trillion or $7,421/person, or 16.2% spending share of gross domestic product.

Facts of appalling proportion:

•    31.8% or 23,000,000 children and teenagers 2-19 are obese or overweight.  This is a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic.

•    The financial implications of childhood obesity pose a tremendous threat to our economy and health care system, carrying up to $14,000,000,000 per year in direct health care cost.

•    People in the U.S. spend about 9% of their total medical costs on obesity-related illnesses.

•    Obese young children have an 80% chance of being obese adults and are more at risk for associated adult health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.

•    In part due to the childhood obesity epidemic, 1 in 3 children born in the year 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes at some point in their lifetime if the current trend continues.

Source: Read The Bill: S. Res. 412 – GovTrack.us.  Text of S. Res. 412: A resolution designating September 2010 as “National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month”.
Source: Senate Passes Resolution to Designate September “National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month”.  http://gillibrand.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=C6CC2288-3D15-4856-8E70-982

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.

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.