Bariatric Surgery & Its Impact On Gut Bacteria by Kevin Angileri

September 30, 2015
Kevin Angileri
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Bariatric Surgery & Gut Bacteria

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing event, but it may alter you in some ways that you don’t even realize.

Swedish Research on Bariatric Surgery:

A new Swedish study is suggesting that bariatric surgery may lead to long-term changes in the patient’s gut bacteria that help with weight loss after the procedure. Researchers analyzed the gut bacteria in 14 women who had bariatric surgery nearly 10 years after their procedure.

Half of the women underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a surgery that involved the doctor creating a small pouch from the top of the stomach, connecting it directly to the small intestine. The other half of the patients had vertical banded gastroplasty, where the stomach becomes smaller by using a band and staples.

Those who underwent the gastric bypass surgery saw a greater change in their gut bacteria than the women who were severely obese, but didn’t have surgery. The women who had vertical banded gastroplasty also saw more of a change than the non-surgery group, but the differences were not deemed statistically significant.

The women who underwent gastric bypass surgery had significantly more bacteria that belongs to the genuses Escherichia, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas

“Our results suggest that the gut microbiota may play a direct role in the reduction of adiposity [body fat] observed after bariatric surgery,” wrote researchers in a recent issue of the journal Cell Metabolism.

This wasn’t the first study to connect bariatric surgery to changes in gut bacteria, but the researchers say it was the first to examine its long-term impact. Maybe the most fascinating aspect of their findings was that they took patient body mass index (BMI) into account, which suggested that the surgery itself, not the weight loss, was related to the gut bacteria change.

The researchers transplanted bacteria from obese women and those who had the surgeries into mice that did not have gut microbes. Those mice that got gut bacteria from the surgery group gained less body fat than the mice with microbes from the non-surgery group.

The health implications of gut bacteria are best known by the general public when discussing the term “probiotics,” live bacteria and yeasts that help with the digestive system. It’s a relatively new world being explored by experts and health conscious people alike.

Our GI tract has over 500 species of bacteria that help break down food, strengthen our immune system, and fight against pathogens. It’s when the ratio of good to bad bacteria is skewed that health issues may arise.

Guest Post By Dr.Samuel Bledsoe

About Samuel Bledsoe, MD, FACS

Dr. Samuel Bledsoe is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the  American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He has been performing weight loss surgery for over 10 years and is currently practicing at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.  He is the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery and past Section Chief of Surgery. Dr. Bledsoe is available for presentations and interviews upon request.

by Kevin Angileri

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Bariatric Surgery For Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes by Kevin Angileri

October 4, 2015
Kevin Angileri
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obesity & type 2 diabetes surgery

Research Study About Bariatric Surgery And Type 2 Diabetes

A new study is once again showing that bariatric surgery results in greater remission rates of diabetes over lifestyle changes alone.

Dr. Anita Courcoulas of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, who led the research, studied 61 people with type 2 diabetes (between 25 and 55 years old). About half of them had class 1 obesity (a BMI between 30 and 35) and the rest were heavier.

Participants were randomly placed into three groups, with different courses of action. One group participated in a lifestyle intervention, including diet, exercise and behavior changes. The other two groups had either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).

After three years, no one in the lifestyle intervention group had even a partial remission of their diabetes. However, 40 percent of the RYGB group and 29 percent of the LAGB group did have at least a partial remission. Three of the patients who underwent a gastric bypass and one who had the adjustable gastric banding had a total resolution of their diabetes.

The surgery groups also saw more improvement in blood sugar levels and were more likely to not need their medications anymore.

Dr. Samuel Bledsoe, a Bariatric Surgeon in Alexandria, Louisiana, agrees with the findings of this study.  “This adds to the evidence that weight loss surgery is superior to medical therapy and lifestyle changes in the treatment of diabetes.  It is common for patients to see improvement or complete remission in their diabetes before they even leave the hospital after their procedure.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to 29 million Americans have diabetes (and about 30 percent of them haven’t even been diagnosed yet). Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition.

These findings should not be construed as an endorsement for anyone struggling with their weight to drop their lifestyle changing efforts and schedule an appointment for weight loss surgery. All reputable bariatric surgeons will tell you that weight loss surgery is meant to be utilized only as a last resort. If you have tried everything, and your doctor feels you make a good candidate, then surgery can be a life-saving event in many cases.

Guest Post By Dr.Samuel Bledsoe

About Samuel Bledsoe, MD, FACS

Dr. Samuel Bledsoe is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the  American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He has been performing weight loss surgery for over 10 years and is currently practicing at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.  He is the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery and past Section Chief of Surgery. Dr. Bledsoe is available for presentations and interviews upon request.

by Kevin Angileri

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How Can Diabetes Be Prevented And Controlled by Kevin Angileri

October 7, 2015
Kevin Angileri
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How to prevent or control diabetes

Diabetes: One of the most serious health Problems in USA

Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems in America. There are several types of Diabetes, but the most common is Type 2 Diabetes. Almost 25 million Americans are diabetic and many don’t even know they have it. By 2035, researchers believe, that number will jump to approx. 25 million.

Reasons For Developing Type 2 Diabetes

There are many reasons why people develop Type 2 Diabetes. Eating the wrong foods, lack of exercise, obesity, and even getting older. That is the bad news, but, there is good news for those with Diabetes and those, who have pre-diabetes.

Diabetes is not curable,yet. There are thing that a Type 2 diabetic or pre-diabetic can do, to prevent and better manage their diabetes. It is a matter of making small changes in your lifestyle and pro-active.

How Can Diabetes Be Prevented And Controlled

Here is a list of things, you can do. Small changes can make differences in your life. Remember first and foremost, discuss these things with your doctor or health care provider.

Now is the time to start your journey to preventing diabetes(if pre-diabetic) or keeping your diabetes under control.

1. Be pro-active about your health. Learn as much as you can, so you will know your condition on a daily basis.

2. Eat less Carbs. I am Italian and pasta and bread has been a staple in my family for years. Lots of bread and pasta !!! Well, besides adding weight, they can help develop into Diabetes. I love potatoes and white rice and lots of other bad carbs. Check and article on this site “Good Carbs Vs Bad Carbs”. Carbs are known as comfort food and with some easy changes, you don’t have to give up your comfort food.

3. Get off your “you know what”. You know what I mean. Get active and start walking. 15 minutes of walking each day will change your life for the better. Start off slow and add speed a little at a time. Maybe you will even drop an inch or two.

4. Diet. What a disgusting word, but it does not have to be bad. Visit your local pharmacy in you grocery store. Not the place, where you buy pills and medicines. Go to the Fruit and Vegetable department. This is where you will find some of the greatest medicines available. You don’t even need a prescription. Learn, which fruits and veggies are ok for your condition. With a little hard work, on your part and your doctor’s OK, you may be able to get off some of your meds. Trust me, the fruit and veggies are cheaper than most of your meds and no side effects.

5. Salads. When we think of dieting, we usually start thinking salads, and that’s good. It is the salad dressing that will wreak havoc and and way too many calories. Instead, use good old vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. I generally add a few spices to my dressing. The vinegar is especially good for lowering sugar spikes.

6. Coffee. There have been so many studies about coffee. Some say,too much coffee is bad for you. Others say, drinking 5 or even 6 cups of coffee per day could reduce the risk of getting diabetes. Life would not be worth living, without coffee.

7. Vitamin D. Get some. Research says, it may prevent or delay the onset of Diabetes. You can get Vitamin D free, by getting sunlight. If you are not a sun worshiper, you can it from some fish and low-fat milk or cheese

8. Soda. This is a doozy. From small children to elderly adults, we have had a love affair with sodas. Uneqivacly, it is some of the most terrible things to drink. This is the short version: It is loaded with large amounts of sugar and other chemicals, THAT ARE JUST BAD FOR YOU. Check out “Sugar is not my friend” on this site. Water will save your life. Say it to yourself, “Water will SAVE my life” and say it when you reach for a soda.

9. Meat. Most of us have grown up on meat and most of us have eaten some type of meat 3 times a day, 7 days a week. Here are some thing to remember. All meats are produces that feed them things that are not natural to their natural environment. Chicken and turkey are not supposed to eat meat, Most meat products are feed Antibiotics and many other chemicals. Those chemicals wind up in our bodies. Go to your local farm and buy grass feed beef and naturally fed fowl. Ask questions.

10. Spices. We all add salt to our food. We know it’s bad for us, but it makes the food taste better. There are so many spices that can make your food taste better and they won’t swell up your ankles and raise your blood pressure. Try some different spices every few weeks.

11. Quit smoking. Enough said?????????

These are just a few and REALLY east things you can do to have a healthier and happier life. We hope you enjoyed this article and any others you read. Tell your friends about us.

By Kevin Angileri

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Top 7 Post Bariatric Surgery Tips by Kevin Angileri

October 10, 2015
Kevin Angileri
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Best Nutrition tips after bariatric surgery

Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery – Bariatric Bypass

After completing your weight loss surgery, your journey has really just begun. These are exciting and transformational times for you, but the procedure isn’t a free pass to slimming success. You still have to be proactive to ensure you successfully reach your goals. Here are some of the most important keys containing tips about what to eat after surgery:

1. Avoid sugar. Refined sugars are not only nutritionally empty, they are often not well-tolerated after gastric bypass, sometimes leading to dumping syndrome, which includes uncomfortable symptoms like sweating, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea.

2. Adjust your drinking habits. No, not just your alcohol intake, though that is also important since it will take less to impair you. Since the “real estate” in your stomach is much smaller, you need to reserve what you can for nutrient-dense food. If you drink before or during a meal you will lose your appetite too soon. Drinking right after may risk washing the food through your system too quickly. Drink fluids at least 30 minutes before and after your meal.

3. Avoid carbonated drinks. Another consideration with your fluid is to avoid carbonated drinks. Not only are you more susceptible to gas pain, but the increased stomach pressure can compromise staples and sutures after surgery.

4. Limit snacking. Again, due to the limited space in your stomach, snacking will make it more difficult to get the most important nutrients your body needs. Follow the advice of your doctor and nutritionist.

5. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly. You must learn to eat differently, and one way is to savor food. Eat it slowly and chew thoroughly to get your food to a pureed consistency before swallowing. This will help with proper digestion and avoid blockages.

6. Vitamins and supplements. Since you will be on a much more restricted diet, it’s important you avoid nutritional deficiencies. In order to do so, you will need to take daily multivitamins and supplements.

7. Go to a weight loss support group. Your surgeon will likely recommend one. Not everything you need to do after weight loss surgery is related to how you change your eating and exercise. You need to work on your mental state as well. Weight loss support groups that are dedicated to you and your fellow bariatric patients helps you share your struggles (and successes) with people who can directly relate to what you are going through.

Guest Post By Dr.Samuel Bledsoe

About Samuel Bledsoe, MD, FACS

Dr. Samuel Bledsoe is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the  American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He has been performing weight loss surgery for over 10 years and is currently practicing at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.  He is the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery and past Section Chief of Surgery. Dr. Bledsoe is available for presentations and interviews upon request.  By Kevin Angileri

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The Survivor Diet by Kevin Angileri

December 6, 2015
Kevin Angileri
Weightloss
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brown-rice-and-beans

If you have watched the tv show “Survivor”, You have seen how much weight a person can lose in a very short time.  It is sometimes very amazing to see men and women lose 1 to 2 1/2 pounds per day.  Obviously, that is not a diet, in any shape or form.  They are literally starving.  The odd thing, though, is what they are given to eat.  They receive beans and rice.  Sure, they may catch some fish or even some type of meat.  But, their main diet is beans and rice.  Not very appetizing, is it?  None the less, they survive on beans and rice.

About 25 or 30 years ago, I read an article, somewhere, that combining these two carbohydrates, when eaten together form a perfect protein.  I was perpetually on a diet and still am.  I saw something in that article, that made me take notice and then action.  I thought, maybe this would be a good diet to get on .  I did not intend to eat it every day at every meal, but decided to eat a cup or so, before lunch and dinner.  It’s healthy and very filling.  Almost immediately, I began to lose weight.  Not a pound a day, but like 3 to 4 pounds per week.

Beans and rice have been my mainstay for all these years.  I generally eat a cup or so about 6 times per week.  I sometimes, make it my entire course.  That is a lot of beans and rice.  I used a 10 bean dry soup mix, that I buy in bulk.  $1.69 per pound.  I always have beans and rice in my fridge or freezer.  Generally, I just add water and a few spices.

I have made many changes to the first recipe.  Sometime, I will add a hambone and little ham for taste.  Mostly, I add green vegetables, lots of vegetables.  I think the biggest change is that I only use brown rice.  I’m sure, you all know, how much healthier brown rice is over white rice.  This may sound boring to you at first, but trust me, you will soon learn to love it.  It is healthy and very inexpensive and very good for you.  Try it, you’ll like it.   FYI, if you are worried about getting the “toot”, add juice of 1/2 lemon and you will solve that problem.

By Kevin Angileri

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