As a nurse, Cindy Snook witnessed first-hand the impact COVID-19 had on patients. So, when she did test positive with the virus, Snook was thankful for a decision she had already made. “You saw the virus and would see obese people not doing so well,” Snook said. “I thought this is not going to be…

An array of sports and various other activities constantly keeps Cassie Smith, a mother of eight children, on the go. Whether it’s jogging with her high school son during his cross-country workouts or coaching her daughter’s cheer squad, Smith is thankful she can keep up with a busy schedule. “I’m very active,” Smith said. “I…

Let’s face it – sometimes your taste buds want something that crunches. Before surgery, we see lots of snack foods (chips, crackers, etc.) listed on food logs. These types of foods fall under the carbohydrate food category and are limited after surgery. Thankfully, there are some protein-rich chips on the market. For a whey-based chip,…

Protein, protein, protein! That’s the first nutrient we emphasize as you go through our program. Do you know if your protein is measuring up? Protein is important in preserving muscle mass, a healthy immune system and hundreds of other important functions in our bodies. Your protein goal is provided to you during your first visit…

A fair number of bariatric patients end up with lactose intolerance after surgery. Lactose is the sugar found in milk from cows and goats. During the rapid weight loss phase, you do lose some muscle mass. The digestive system is a muscle. Think of the small intestine like a roll of shag carpet, with the…

Once upon a time, fat was considered bad for you. The low fat craze of the 1990s ushered in countless food products low in fat, but high in carbohydrates. People started seeing blood sugars go up. People were also hungry! Fat helps you stay fuller longer because it takes longer to digest. What we know…

We are born with a preference for sweet tastes. However, sugar carries calories without any fiber, protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. Sugar is basically empty calories. Reading the Nutrition Facts Label can be confusing. Sugar can be found in a wide range of foods. In 2018, the Nutrition Facts Label was updated to include “added…

How did it feel to sip that first ounce of water after surgery? For some of you, it was fine. For others, it may have felt like you were being tortured. Plain water can feel heavy in your stomach pouch. If you aren’t tolerating water after surgery, that’s called water nausea. It’s not really clear…