blog

My Surgery Saved Me from the Earthquake

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:41:17 +1200

The recent Christchurch earthquakes have given rise to many stories, mostly of fear and loss. So it was pleasing to hear that one of our patients not only survived the earthquake but credits her laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as the reason. Bianca (not real name) was sitting in her lounge when the February quake hit; she only had seconds to make it outside. Whilst running through the door she heard the roof collapse behind her and immediately knew how close she was to being crushed by the weight of the tiles falling through the ceiling. “There was no way I could have moved so quickly a year ago” she says. “I would have been crushed as I sat trapped on the couch. My surgery saved my life!” Bianca had a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy last May and has lost 65kg so far.

We’re still standing!

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:21:51 +1200

Thanks to all our patients who have offered their time and support to us in these difficult times. It is greatly appreciated. Southern Obesity Surgery has been largely unaffected by either the September or February earthquake. Our rooms are structurally sound and our clinics have been running throughout the period. Both St Georges Hospital and Southern Cross Hospital are working at full capacity and we have been continuing to offer LapBands, sleeve gastrectomies and gastric bypasses with no disruption. However, we have noted a drop in the number of follow-up appointments that have been attended. If you have relocated away from Christchurch please contact us and we can try to arrange alternative follow-up for you.

A new book that we like

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:44:26 +1300

A new book that we like…..
Many of you have been given a ‘gastric banding plate’ after your gastric banding surgery. The plate is designed and sold by Amanda Clark, a dietitian from Gold Coast, Australia.

Amanda has recently published a book which can accompany the plate called ‘Portion Perfection for bands and sleeves’.

Low on words and high on pictures - it's easy with Portion Perfection for Bands and Sleeves - seeing is understanding. This book has been designed for Australians and New Zealanders having undergone gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy surgery.

Amanda Clark has determined our most commonly prepared and bought meals and foods, and through careful analysis, determined exactly how much to have. She has added tips regarding specific foods that can be a problem for gastric banding.

This book is available separately or you can purchase the pack which includes The Portion Perfection bands and sleeves melamine plate and bowl to complete the concept.

The content has been thoroughly reviewed by bariatric surgeons and dietitians to ensure its practicality.

You can buy the book online from www.greatideas.net.au

We have a couple of copies at SOS if you want to look before you buy.

Vitamin and mineral supplements and Ready meals

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 16:44:26 +1300

From the research on long term progress after weight loss surgery, the message is clear that there is a real need to keep taking additional vitamins and minerals each day.

At SOS we usually recommend you take Clinicians Vitamin and mineral boost (1 heaped teaspoon of powder per day or 8 capsules). Ideally you split the dose between two meals.

A new product has arrived in New Zealand that is a good alternative if you are not so keen on the taste of Clinicians. It is called Nutrichew and is available to buy on line from Band Buddies.

www.bandbuddies.co.nz is a new website selling products designed for people who have had gastric band surgery.

Nutrichew is a chewable multivitamin-mineral that tastes similar to a vitamin C tablet. You take two each day.

Nutrichew has been specifically designed for lap band patients but is suitable for all who have had weight loss surgery.

If you have had a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, we still recommend you take extra calcium, B12 and iron.

Bandbuddies also sell ready to eat meals called Nutrimeals, for example a chicken tikka masala. The meals are packaged in a pouch and can be kept in a pantry. To use, you just heat it in the microwave for 2 minutes.

Each meal provides about 1035 kilojoules and 26.5 g Protein.

Incidental and Structured Exercise

Wed, 05 May 2010 16:33:14 +1200

By Vanessa Warren, SOS exercise consultant

When embarking on changes to your physical activity levels after any type of weight loss surgery, there are 2 main types of exercise for you to be aware of that will aid your weight loss. Incidental Exercise is exercise that you do on a daily basis such as gardening, playing with your children or cleaning the house. As your weight decreases and you feel more able to do more physical activity, increasing your incidental exercise is a great way to burn more calories without feeling you are doing exercise.

Ways of increasing your incidental exercise include –
• Parking your car an extra 5 minutes walk from work each day
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
• Parking your car on the other side of the supermarket car park and carrying your groceries rather than pushing them in a trolley
• Turn up the music and get moving or dancing while doing the housework!

Structured Exercise is when you follow some type of exercise regime, where you go to a facility, or workout at home, in a park, with friends and family or in a group exercise class.

Exercising at a certain time helps with motivation, and this is a concentrated effort on your part to participate in a fitness regime. Structured exercise should include exercises that increase your heart rate for improved cardiovascular fitness, as well as strengthening, flexibility and toning exercises your body.

Here are some types of structured exercise –
• An exercise programme with specific exercises you do at home or at a fitness centre
• Walking with someone or in a walking group at a certain regular time
• An exercise class eg. Zumba, step, aqua jogging or aquacise
• A dance class eg. Salsa

The main thing to remember is to do something you enjoy so you will be more likely to continue this activity long term. Don’t be afraid to try new activities – the aim is to just get moving!

Do get in touch with Vanessa for more ideas that work for you

Autumn Greetings

Sat, 01 May 2010 16:44:26 +1200

I am sure for those of you in Christchurch you agree Autumn this year is an absolute pleasure, making up for the lack of sun in January and February!

As the days shorten and we prepare for winter, we are mindful that staying active and exercising regularly needs to remain high on the priority list each week. This is the time to find ways of being active that can be done in all weathers, with indoor options and outdoor activities that can still be done (and enjoyed!) in the dark or rain.

This might be the time to get some friends or family on board, so that if it is dark or a bit gloomy outside and the sofa by the tv seems even more attractive than ever, you still go for the walk or aqua jog or other activity session.

Vanessa Warrren, our exercise consultant has some great ideas for how you can stay active.

There have been several recent shows and features on tv about weight loss surgery. They will certainly increase people’s knowledge of the different options and give an insight into how people progress after surgery.

We know from our own experiences at SOS and the research that one vital part of your long term success lies in having really good support.

Do make this a priority or you and seek out the people that help make this journey a successful one. You have support from all of us at SOS and we urge you to seek those family members and friends that can be there with a positive input. It is a great idea to share your weekly, monthly and annual goals with someone. Have an exercise buddy to do a couple of sessions with each week, especially in winter. Check out the different website groups and in person support group meetings. We have put a few in the SOS dietary information under ‘useful information and contacts’ page.

If you want someone to talk to in your local area, you can either contact the local support person (see the previous newsletter number 3) or do ask us here at SOS to put you in touch with someone who has had the same surgery.

Do write in with any questions or if you want to share your story, we would love to hear from you.

All the very best to you this Autumn from all the SOS team.