Holiday weight gain is not limited to people who struggle with obesity. The average American gains between one and two pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, research shows. Not surprisingly, however, people who are overweight or obese tend to gain more – up to five pounds – during the holidays.

Packing on a couple of extra pounds after indulging in too much fruitcake and eggnog may not sound like a big deal, but those Christmas calories can add up over time. Consider a 30-year old who gains an additional five pounds each holiday season. Without taking action to curtail the trend, those extra calories will result in a 50-pound weight gain by the time he or she is 40 years old. Research also shows that it is harder to lose weight the older you get, particularly for women after menopause.

Weight loss surgery is a proven treatment for the management of obesity for people who are at least 80 to 100 pounds overweight. Weight loss surgery restricts the amount of food you can comfortably consume at one sitting, which in turn restricts your caloric intake. Most patients lose weight rapidly within the first 12 to 18 months – often a pound a day or more – and are much less likely to gain additional weight during the holidays.

Gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band) surgery are the most common forms of bariatric surgery. Each procedure has a track record of success and is effective for achieving significant weight loss for patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. Gastric bypass surgery can have the added effect of dumping syndrome, which can result in painful cramping, diarrhea or vomiting that is often triggered by eating foods high in sugar. Many patients actually consider this side effect a benefit, as it prevents them from consuming too many sweets during the holidays and throughout the year, helping them keep the weight off for the long term.

To have a lasting effect, weight loss surgery patients must stay mindful of their new eating habits even years after their procedure. Bariatric surgery can result in rapid and dramatic weight loss, but it is not a miracle cure. You still need to eat a healthy diet, keep portion sizes small, and follow the guidelines for pouch management to ensure you do not regain weight over time. Getting regular exercise – even walking for 30 minutes a day – can also help you maintain a normal BMI and increase your longevity after weight loss surgery.

If you gained a couple of extra pounds this holiday season, you need not be overly concerned. Cutting back on fatty foods and sweets for a few weeks and increasing your physical activity can help you shed the excess weight within a month or two. But, if you have struggled with obesity for several years and have not been able to lose the weight with diet and exercise alone, weight loss surgery may be your best option. We invite you to attend one of our upcoming informational sessions or call our office to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Provost to learn whether bariatric surgery is right for you.

Patients who undergo weight loss surgery frequently have a history of emotional eating. They eat to manage sometimes difficult feelings, such as loneliness, boredom, anger, grief and insecurity. For some, emotional eating is a habit; for others, it’s an addiction.

If this describes your past experience, then you should be aware of the changes that take place after weight loss surgery, both physically and psychologically. Read the full story

Weight loss surgery patients and those considering weight loss surgery – particularly gastric bypass surgery – are often concerned that they might “stretch” their pouch again after undergoing the procedure. Bariatric patients who are several years out from their surgery also wonder whether they may have stretched their stomach pouch, since they no longer have the same feeling of fullness as they did in the first 18 months after having weight loss surgery. Is it possible to stretch the stomach pouch created by a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve procedure? If so, what can be done to reverse the effects? Read the full story

As the summer months begin winding down and fall weather is just around the corner, seasonal weight gain can become an issue for those who have had weight loss surgery. For many, the fall kicks off a long succession of seasonal delights, like football parties, tailgating barbeques, and of course, Halloween candy.

So how can you avoid gaining weight as summer transitions into fall? It’s simple: you need to plan ahead. Just as the Boys Scouts’ motto is “always be prepared,” patients who have had Lap-Band, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery should be prepared, too. Following are six suggestions for staying fit during the shift to fall weather and the prospect of the holidays looming up ahead. Read the full story

Gastric sleeve surgery—also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy—is one of the newest forms of surgical weight loss. Although it is less commonly performed than other weight loss surgery procedures, it is gaining popularity because it is less invasive than a full gastric bypass and does not involve inserting a foreign body or require repeated follow-up appointments, like the adjustable gastric band. Read the full story

Having weight loss surgery is not a decision to be made impulsively, but the commitment to undergo bariatric surgery may be one of the best New Year’s Resolutions you can make if you are unable to manage your obesity. Read the full story

Common lore is that the average American gains between five and ten pounds during the winter holidays. The good news is that this statistic is inaccurate – Americans usually gain only one pound in the latter months of the year*. The bad news is, they don’t shed it, and over time the extra pounds can add up.

Whether you have had weight loss surgery or are trying to lose weight in preparation for your bariatric procedure, a little advanced planning can go a long way to helping you avoid an expanding waistline during the holidays. Here are some tips to keep the number on the scale from creeping upward as you make the social rounds: Read the full story

Weight loss surgery can address the physical aspects of obesity, but people who have struggled for years with their weight also experience significant psychological and spiritual damage, as well. To ensure his patients have lifelong success after weight loss surgery and a safe environment in which to address the emotional issues surrounding their eating habits and self-image, Dr. David Provost offers twice-monthly support group meetings at his office. Read the full story

Weight loss surgery can resolve Type 2 Diabetes, according to several studies. Learn about the positive impact that both the gastric bypass and Lap-Band® procedures can make on diabetes and other serious health conditions related to obesity. Read the full story

Weight loss surgery is proven to aleviate or resolve many associated medical problems, including high blood pressure, acid reflux, diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, and joint pain. However, to have long-term success and maintain a healthy weight, you need to be prepared to make several permanent lifestyle changes.  Read the full story