New data presented at the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior annual meeting indicates that dieters may be able to control their food consumption by manipulating their minds.
The study found that test subjects felt “fuller” and more satisfied after eating portions that seemed larger than they were. For example, in one experiment, participants were provided with a list of smoothie ingredients. 1/2 were shown pictures small fruit portions, while the others were shown images of larger fruit portion. Participants were then asked to rate their hunger before and after smoothie consumption. Participants who viewed the larger fruit portion reported feeling satiated for longer, though both groups consumed the same actual smoothie size and ingredient ratio.
According to study author Dr. Jeff Brunstrom of the UK’s University of Bristol, the study may also translate into food labels and packaging techniques. “Labels on ‘light’ and ‘diet’ foods might lead us to think we will not be satisfied by such foods, possibly leading us to eat more afterwards,” added Dr. Brunstrom. “One way to militate against this … might be to emphasize the satiating properties of a food using labels such as ’satisfying’ or ‘hunger relieving’.”
And while labeling foods as “satisfying” or “hunger relieving” may sound good to those attempting to lose weight, chances are it will be harder to get food manufacturers on-board when “light” and “lowfat” labels are driving sales. So, what mind tricks can you try on your own brain? Weight loss experts suggest abandoning large plates for smaller ones, so it looks and feels like you’re eating more than you are. In addition, try setting a timer after you eat. It takes 20 minutes to feel satiated after a meal, so it’s important to wait before returning for seconds. After 20 minutes, you may decide you’re full after all! While you’re waiting on the timer, put away the leftovers. If you have to hassle with getting everything out again, you may avoid seconds and opt for a simple piece of fruit, instead.
Struggling with weight loss? Visit Barker Bariatric Clinic to discuss surgical options that can help.
During adjustable gastric banding, the surgeon places an inflatable band around the top of the stomach to create a “stoma,” or small pocket for food. The pocket fills quickly, sending a message to the brain that you’re full. The procedure allows patients to (1) feel hungry less often, (2) eat smaller portions, and (3) lose weight over time. Once implanted, Realize and Lap-Bands can be adjusted to allow the patient to consume more or less, depending on caloric needs and weight loss goals.
Am I a Candidate for Gastric Banding?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have established the following requirements for both Realize and Lap-Band surgeries:
- BMI (body mass index) of greater than 40: This typically means that women are at least 80 pounds overweight, and men are at least 100 pounds overweight. Gastric banding does not have a maximum weight limit.
- BMI of at least 35 with obesity-related health problems: If you’re currently experiencing hypertension, dangerously high cholesterol, heart problems, sleep apnea or diabetes, your physician may recommend adjustable gastric banding at lower weights.
- History of weight loss failure: Those who have undergone physician-supervised diets, exercise programs and behavior modification therapy may still be unable to lose weight. Gastric banding is often a viable option in these cases.
- Age 18 or older: While the NIH recommends that gastric banding candidates be at least 18, obese adolescents may be eligible for the surgery. If a teen’s life is at risk due to obesity-related conditions, a qualified weight loss physician may recommend surgery at an earlier age.
Who is Not a Good Candidate?
Weight loss surgery is a serious decision, and you should weigh surgical options with a bariatric specialist. Adjustable gastric banding may not be recommended in all situations—especially for patients with the following conditions/concerns:
- Severe stomach or intestinal inflammation and/or bleeding due to ulcers or Crohn’s disease
- Cardiac or respiratory disease
- Abnormal gastrointestinal anatomy
- Liver cirrhosis
- Ongoing infection
- Current or anticipated pregnancy
- Lack of desire to alter eating and exercise habits
- Long-term steroid use
The best way to determine whether you’re a candidate for Realize or Lap-Band surgery is to consult with a bariatric specialist. After reviewing medical history and meeting with you during an initial visit, Dr. Wade Barker will decide whether adjustable gastric banding is for you. Having performed over 2500 weight loss surgeries, Dr. Barker is an expert in determining what procedures will help patients meet their weight loss goals and improve their health. Call today (1-888-OneDrBarker) to schedule your personalized consultation today.
If you’ve been fighting irreversible weight gain and related health complications, it may be time to consider gastric bypass, REALIZE/LAP BAND surgery or sleeve gastrectomy. A weight loss surgery decision should not be taken lightly, however, and neither should your choice of physician.
Before deciding on a doctor, review his/her credentials. Inquire about training, surgical experience and success stories, and remember to address the following questions.
- Are you a member of the American Board of Bariatric Surgery (ABBS)?
- What types of procedures are you trained in? How many surgeries have you performed since beginning your practice?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of my surgery? How can I ensure that I achieve the best possible outcome?
- Do I have the option of having a laparoscopic procedure? Would you recommend this?
- What pre- and post-op procedures and testing need to be completed?
- Will my insurance cover my procedure? Can you help me deal with my insurance company?
- Will you recommend post-operative nutrition and supplements? Do you have a registered dietitian on staff?
- How much total weight loss can I expect? How will that affect my current health problems?
- Can I work with a weight-loss psychologist? Do you have mental health specialists on staff?
- Can you provide me with references from former patients? Can I speak with them on the phone or in person?
A reputable bariatric surgeon should be happy to answer all of your questions and provide you with the materials and resources you need to make an educated decision about your weight loss procedure.
To schedule an individual consultation with Dr. Wade Barker, call 1-888-OneDrBarker today. Dr. Barker has completed over 2500 bariatric procedures since 1996, and is one of a select few weight loss surgeons to perform both the LAP-BAND procedure and the Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y). Call today to become Barker Bariatric Center’s next success story.
While choosing to have weight loss surgery as a teenager is a difficult decision, waiting on gastric bypass may put obese teens at greater risk.
“Our new data show that when we intervene when a patient is between 100 percent and 150 percent over ideal weight, we can expect successful resolution of obesity,” said Dr. Thomas Inge, associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “But by the time the teen is 200 percent over their ideal weight for age, the surgery will reduce their weight substantially, but many of the patients will still remain morbidly obese.” (To read the full Cincinnati Children’s study, click here.)
In addition to feeling tired, uncomfortable and self-conscious, overweight teens can experience a variety of health problems. These include:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Blount’s disease
- Gallstones
- Fatty liver
If you’re concerned about your obese teen and would like to schedule a weight loss consultation, call Barker Bariatric Center in Dallas/Fort Worth today. While the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery should be carefully considered (no matter what the patient’s age), gastric bypass may prevent dangerous health complications where traditional weight loss methods have failed.
When you’re confronted with a serious decision about weight loss surgery, don’t allow misinformation to cloud your judgment. Read on to get the real facts on these all-too-common misconceptions.
- “Weight loss surgery is just too risky.” New technology and skilled surgeons make weight loss surgery a safe, viable option for many people. For those struggling with obesity and its related health conditions, opting out of surgery is often riskier than opting in.
- “Weight loss surgery requires a lengthy hospital stay and weeks of recovery.” Most weight loss surgeries require only 1-2 days of hospitalization, and you can return to work and your routine activities in 1-2 weeks—and sometimes sooner.
- “If I choose surgery, weight loss will be easy!” Post-op patients must work hard to lose weight and continue to keep it off. Weight loss surgery gives you a healthy start to achieving your goals, but it requires an ongoing commitment to lifestyle changes.
- “My insurance company will never cover weight loss surgery.” While we realize that coverage varies by provider, many companies cover at least a portion of weight loss procedures when they’re deemed medically necessary. At Barker Bariatric Center, our team can help you navigate the insurance process after determining which procedure is best for your body.
- “Weight loss surgery will solve all of my self-image problems.” While it’s our sincere hope that you’ll be more content with yourself after weight loss surgery, you’ll still have challenges to overcome. Many patients benefit from group or one-on-one therapy to help them settle into their new routine and healthier lifestyle.
If you have further questions or you’re frustrated by the misinformation you often hear about weight loss surgery, call the Barker Bariatric Center team to get the full story. In the meantime, contact us to set up your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Barker.
