A 2008 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that adults should aim to perform 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week, plus include two or more days of muscle-strengthening activities for optimal health. For patients that habve had bariatric surgery and working on weight-loss goals, these activities can be done in 10-minute segments broken out throughout the day. As part of our Facebook Fitness Friday series, we wanted to highlight a few activities to help burn the most calories this time of year.
Let's step back and consider what activities will you likely be doing this time of the year. The season for lawnmowers is almost at an end, however you are likely cleaning up your snowblower or snow shovel. At my household, it's time to get the car in the garage which requires a lot of organizing and "shoveling out". We alos have a lot of gardens around the yeard that need fall-clean-up. While these activities often take longer than 10 minutes, stop to consider how many calories you are burning even for a short period of time. You'll be surprised!
Let's take for example a 240-pound adult raking leaves. Ten minutes minutes raking burns approximately 78 calories. While that might not be many calories, most lawns with even the smallest tree would likley require 30 minutes of raking. That's a total of approximately 234 calories burned! Here are a few activities that you can do this fall that will help burn calories.
- Raking Leaves = 477/hour
- Leaf Blowing = 381/hour
- Cleaning out the Garage = 327/hour
- General Gardening = 435/hour
- Winterizing Your Lawn (Fertilizing) = 272/hour
- Mow Lawn = 599/hour
Want to know how many calories you burned doing an activity? The Mayo Clinic activity list is a great place to start. It is a nice-size list of activities with corresponding calories burned. Discovery Health also has a customizable calorie calculator with even more activities listed and you can enter your current weight for a more accurate estimate!
Each Monday on the Poplawski Bariatric Facebook Page we will be posting words of encouragement for your weight loss journey. Quotes may be inspirational and uplifting, but will always be thoughful. We hope you join us there, and look forward to reading the many snippets about bariatric surgery, weight-loss tips, trends or even items shared from the walls of those we are linked with.
Do you have words that have helped to motivate you in your surgical weight-loss journey?
Doc Pop chats about Bariatric Surgery in a recently filmed episode for the Ask Dr. Nandi show. Detroit area viewers can catch the segment at 11:00 a.m. on WADL which is channel 38 for Comcast and Uverse subscribers.
In this ongoing Q&A video series, Doc Pop answers bariatric surgery questions. In this video he discusses reasons why the Lap Band may be losing popularity among bariatric surgeons and patients looking to have bariatric surgery operations.
It seems that the number of patients requesting placement of an adjustable gastric band is decreasing, even though by far it is by far the safest bariatric surgery. The mortality rate for placement of a band is the lowest of any bariatric surgery to treat obesity.
Some patients say, “I understand the risks of the band. That’s the risk I am going to accept, and I won’t accept the risk of any other operation.” And that’s OK. When that patient requests a gastric band, we’ll help them.
So why does the band seem to be falling in popularity?
I think the main reason the gastric band is losing popularity is in part due to the long-term complications with the bands. The frequency of slips and erosions, can be alarming, and has discouraged many bariatric surgeons from putting in bands. But probably the thing that discourages most bariatric surgeons from putting in bands is the weight-loss failures.
Gastric bands need to be put in correctly. They need to be adjusted correctly. And they need to be maintained. Patients also have a responsibility to practice good eating habits after gastric band surgery. A properly placed band will make patients turn away seconds, and they seem to take away the feasts by reducing appetite. But it sure is easy to defeat the band! Patients can graze on high calorie liquids and soft, easily digested highly-refined carbs, and then fail with weight-loss.
Often, when adjusting the band, patients fall into one of three categories. In a third of surgeries, it is easy to find that sweet spot, the spot where the band is adjusted correctly the first time so that it helps the patient control their appetite. Another third of patients it is more difficult to find that spot. The band is too loose then too tight. This patient can’t eat healthy foods, so we continue to adjust the band until we finally find success. Finally there is a third of patients where we are never able to find the sweet spot. We never hear, this is great, this is working or I’m happy. Those patients often go away because they get discouraged or they ask us to convert their surgery to another bariatric operation like a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrostomy.
The strategy of “I’ll have a band surgery because it’s the safest bariatric surgery option. If it works, that’s great, and if it doesn’t work I’ll have the surgery converted” though is not a good strategy. Conversion of a band to another bariatric surgery is technically very challenging and can be dangerous. It’s certainly something I do for patients, but it is not something I encourage. Instead I encourage patients to attend one of my bariatric surgery informational seminars to find the surgery that is right for them.
Yesterday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the diet drug Qsymia (Originally known as Qnexa) giving doctors and their patients additional tools in the fight against obesity. Preliminary testing by the company has indicated that the weight-loss drug helped patients lose approximately 10% of their body weight.
Qsymia, a combination of two other FDA-approved drug, suppresses the appetite, and increases weight-loss. It is suggested however that this new weight-loss drug should be used in conjunction with proper diet and exercise for optimal results.
Initially turned down for approval in 2010 due to concerns over potentially dangerous heart problems, birth defects and cognitive effects, the manufacture Vivus' has assured the FDA that it would provide detailed information to physicians about the risks of the drug and how to manage them.
With approximately one-third of America suffering from obesity and obesity related health risks, the new drug may give patients more weight-loss choices beyond diet, exercise and bariatric surgery. Only time will tell if the new drug will be helpful in the war against obesity.
If you are overweight or obese, you may be at a higher risk for heat-related illness, however that shouldn't prevent exercising during the summer months. The heat may sap some of your resolve and lower motivation, but there is no reason you shouldn't stick to your program. Just use more caution when working out in the heat. Here are several tips to keep you moving when the mercury rises!
Hydrate
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, before, during, and after exercising. If you are thirsty before exercising, you have already begun to dehydrate. Prevent this by drinkinf 1-2 glasses of water an hour before exercising, another large glass before you begin to exercise and then take frequent water-breaks during exercise. You should always finish off your workout with another big glass of water too! As a way to help my body stay hydrated, I like to start my morning by drinking a big glass of water as soon as I wake up - It's one way I can guarantee that I'm on the way to drinking 8 glasses a day.
Head Indoors
Instead of being outdoors in the heat, consider going to the gym, pool or mall; Swimming, walking the mall, climbing stairs in an air-conditioned building or using the facilities in an indoor gym are great options to keep your regime moving forward.
Avoid The Sun
If you have to be outdoors, try to avoid exercising between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. It's also best to stick to the shade and wear light-colored fabrics that reflect the sun’s rays. Wearing fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin can also help you stay dry and cool. If you're in the sun, don’t forget your sunscreen! It may be unpleasant to slather sunscreen onto already sticky skin, however sunburned skin heats up and does not allow the body acclimate to the heat. Apply sunscreen for an additional level of security. Being obese already puts you at risk for sun-related illness and heat-stroke, and heating up during hot-weather can exasperate that even more. So stay dry and in the shade for your comfort and peace of mind. I like to walk in the woods for a nice, gentle hike. It's a great hot-weather exercise tip. Stick to grass or dirt paths instead of blacktop and cement as the pavement absorbs the sun’s heat.
Take A Break
When it gets hot, reduce your work-out intensity and make sure to take frequent breaks. This means knowing your fitness level and understanding your medical risks too. Heat and humidity can affect you differently so make sure to stay aware of your body during hot-weather workouts and dial it down. Inviting a friend to walk is a great way to workout. Your friend can provide motivation as well as guage your well-being, so grab a partner and hit the road.
Know The Signs
It's very important to know the signs and symptoms of trouble. Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness, however overheating for long period of time can have serious consequences too. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you develop any of the warning signs and symptoms listed below, stop exercising, get out of the heat and get hydrated.
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
You may already be at risk for heat related illness if you suffer from obesity or other medical complications. By taking basic hot-weather precautions, your exercise routine doesn't have to be derailed though. If in doubt, talk to your doctor, but it is possible to keep moving your weight-loss efforts forward, even if it is at a less-intense level - In the long run, getting rid of the excess weight will make you AND your body happier and healthier!
On Friday June 13, Doc will be taping a segment about Bariatric Surgery for "Ask Dr. Nandi", a popular PBS show on Detroit Public Television and YOU can be part of the action. Do you have bariatric surgery questions you'd like answered? Maybe you have always wanted to appear on television? Sign up today to be part of the televised segment that will tape at 12:00 p.m.
Up to 50 individuals can be part of the free recording session, so there is lots of room for you. Reserve your seat now for the Bariatric Surgery segment of Ask Dr. Nandi with Doc Pop. The session lasts about 4-5 hrs each with filming taking place at the Detroit Public TV production facility (1 Clover Court, Wixom, MI). Ages 16 and over are welcome and business casual attire is preferred. Specific information about filming of the show is available on the reservation page or by calling the toll-free number for the show (855) 376.2634.
If you can not be part of the live studio audience during the taping, you can always come to one of Doc's free bariatric surgery seminar sessions or submit your question to be answered directly by Doc!
For the first time in 13-years, today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the weight-loss drug Belviq to combat the war on obesity.
Belviq has been approved for patients who are overweight and obese and and have one or more weight-related health problems, like diabetes, hight blood pressure and other illnesses that are the direct result of having too much body fat. The drug, Lorcaserin Hydrochloride affects the receptors in the brain to influence individuals to eat less and feel fuller.
"The approval of this drug, used responsibly in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, provides a treatment option for Americans who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition," said Janet Woodcock, director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research for the FDA.
- Individuals who took Belviq in clinical trials were twice as likely to lose 5 percent or more of their weight than people who took a placebo.
- Belviq has been also linked to improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Some of the adverse effects patients experienced when taking Belviq include headache, backache, sinus inflammation, and nausea.
- According to the World Health Organization, by 2015 2.3 billion adults worldwide will be overweight, with more than 700 million being obese.
As with any new drug however there are assocaited risks. Individuals should not take any medications untilt hey have discussed with their doctor the medical necessity to do so and weighed the associated risks and benefits.
Many of my bariatric surgery patients ask, "What do I do about the excess skin after I lose all of this weight?"
The bottom line is that about 25% of my patients, who have bariatric surgery, go on to have reconstructive surgery to their abdominal wall. Others may have surgery to address removal of the excess skin in their upper arms or legs. The other 75% of patients though don't undergo body contouring proceedures. Whether or not patients have or need plastic surgery really depends on the individual.
Ways to predict whether or not a patient will need excess skin removed depends on several factors. I take into consideration a persons build, where weight is carried, a persons age and their overall sun exposure. It's very difficult to predict an end result though.
I've had patients that have lost a great deal of weight who don't need body contouring surgery. I've also seen patients who have lost a small amount of weight, that could definetly use the help of a plastic surgeon.
Before having body contouring proceedures though, I always ask patients to carefully choose their plastic surgeon. There are some who have a great deal of experience in body contouring after weight loss and some plastic surgeons that work directly with bariatric programs. Experience is always helpful for the best results. Finding a board certified plastic surgeon is also important.
I tell may patients not to be in a rush though. Wait until baseline weight is reached before deciding if body countouring is the right option. Many of my patients are pleasantly surprised with their weight loss and how their skin has changed. Many never undergo body contouring proceedures are are very happy with their weight loss success!
This article is part of an ongoing Q&A video series that allows Doc Pop to discuss common bariatric surgery questions. The series is meant to be educational; always speak with your physician or medical care provider before going through any medical treatments. To see the entire video "Body Contouring After Weight Loss Surgery" and other helpful educational videos, please visit the DrPoplawski YouTube channel.
An ongoing Q&A video series allows Doc Pop to talk about common bariatric surgery questions. From questions about having bariatric surgery to what types of procedures are available to patients, revision surgery questions or questions commonly asked by patients. The series is meant to be educational; always speak with your physician or medical care provider before going through any medical treatments.
In this video, Doc Pop discusses how bariatric surgery can be effective in treating chronic statis ulcers of the lower legs.
Another common problem in the United States that we see as physicians is bad vericose veins in the lower extremeties. Thesy are sometimes caused by blood clots that have formed in your veins in the past. Although these clots can dissolve though, they cause injury to the valvues in the vein. Then after a series of injuries to these valvues, patients develop too much pressure in the venus compartment of the lower legs.
This can be refelected as vericose veins and sometimes and can get to the point of injury where patients experience damage to the skin in front of the lower calf or shin. It can evev get to the point where the skin breaks down and causes chronic non-healing ulcers. These non-healing ulcers are a tough problem to manage and often require extensive medical treatment and supervision.
What we have found in these patients, the patients who are morbidly obesity and have a history of deep vein thrombosis who are now struggling with these ulcers, is that the cause is likley their huge belly.
The size of their belly causes the blood from the legs to go through a high pressure zone in returning to return to the heart. After successful weight loss surgery though, often these patients with chronic stasis ulcers from venus hypertension of the lower extremeties actually heel fior the first time after their weight returns to normal.
When the belly begins to get smaller, the pressure in the belly cavity lowers and the blood flow to their legs improves. This allows the ulcers to heal. This is a reliable way of addressing this very serious probelm where other good solutions don't exist.
I think that morbidly obese patients who are candidates for bariatric surgery, and who have venus hypertension in their legs can expect these things to get markedly better after surgery and weight loss.