Combating Obesity the Bariatric Way


Obesity has become a focus of mainstream media and organizations over the past decade as the average weight of Americans has increased. In 2010 reports showed that 36% of adults in the United States were obese, which is a drastic jump from the 13% reported in the 1960's. With an increase in overweight population comes a rise in the number of cases of health related issues that come from obesity, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Diets work for some in order to combat weight gain, but others have reached a point where they need more drastic help to achieve weight loss.
Bariatric surgery is an option for people who are very committed to obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. The procedure is not taken lightly and is only recommended and approved for people with a body mass index of 40 or higher or for people with a high BMI and very severe health issues, like diabetes. There are various methods for this surgery, but the end result is reducing the size of the patient's stomach so the feeling of being full is achieved much sooner, decreasing food intake and the number of calories consumed. This allows for long-term weight loss.
Bariatric surgery does prompt a change in food habits that can seem very drastic and rigorous, hence why it is only for those who are committed to changing their lifestyle and eating habits. Once the surgery is completed, patients generally go through phases of what types and amounts of food they are able to eat. For the first week only clear liquids are approved such as protein fruit drinks or clear broths. It is important to keep nutrition in the diet, hence broths or protein drinks being included in the liquid intake. During the second week liquids that are not see-through can be added to the diet. See-through liquids include creamy soups and puddings.
At this point it is still imperative to keep protein levels high, meaning recovering patients should look into special Bariatric soups and puddings made specifically to help their bodies recover from surgery and aid in a healthy reintegration of solid food. Phase three introduces pureed foods like mashed potatoes or cottage cheese. Finally at phase four patients are allowed soft solid foods. This gradual reintroduction of food to the diet will allow for proper recovery. Once these phases are complete, the patient then must adhere to a specific Bariatric diet approved by their doctor. As previously mentioned, Bariatric surgery is a life altering procedure that changes a person's food habits for life.
Thankfully there are companies committed to creating delicious gastric bypass foods designed specifically to be low in fat and high in protein. Some patients who have gone on the Bariatric diet before having the surgery to prepare for the procedure have lost enough weight that they no longer needed the operation, which is a testament to the balance of protein and low calorie foods offered by Bariatric diets.
Bariatric Diet Supplements,http://www.bariatricdietsupplements.com, has a wide selection of gastric bypass foods designed for patients both pre-op and post-op.
While obesity is a widespread problem in America, there are ways to combat the issue, such as Bariatric surgery or Bariatric diets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meg_Trahan 

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