Scripps Health - All News for Weight Management

The Not-So-Sweet Health Effects of Drinking Soda

2012-05-07T11:07:30-07:00

Over the past few decades, soda has become a staple of the American diet. Every restaurant offers a variety of flavors, vending machines fill the lunch rooms of office buildings and schools, and every convenience store sells it by the bucket-sized cup. In fact, it’s hard to grab a quick meal without a soda being added as part of the price.

What most people don’t consider as they crack open a can of their favorite sweetened beverage is that this daily habit could be wreaking havoc on their health.

“The problem is high level of sugars in soda and consuming them every day,” notes Ken Fuijoka, MD, director of the Center for Weight Management at Scripps Clinic in San Diego.

Drinking beverages such as regular soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, juices and sweetened teas and coffee drinks could mean consuming anywhere between 90 to over 500 calories in simple sugars. Unlike more complex dietary carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables, simple sugars are metabolized quickly and stimulate the production of insulin. The continued production of high levels of insulin can lead to weight gain and obesity, which is linked to numerous medical problems including heart disease, diabetes, degenerative joint disease, asthma, fatty liver disease and reproductive cancers.

Weight gain may not be the only hazard associated with drinking soda or sugary beverages daily. Recent studies have found that these drinks may have an impact on heart health. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that drinking just one of sugary beverage per day may increase the risk for heart disease in men by 20 percent.

Sugar-coated youth

“Sugary drinks can do a lot of damage to your health. And there is one group that drinking soda is becoming an increasing problem for: kids,” says Dr. Fujioka. “The number of kids that are becoming obese has increased dramatically over the past two decades and one of the biggest changes to their diet has been the amount of soda that they drink.”

Today, approximately 12.5 million American children are classified as obese. A report from the Centers of Disease Control noted that almost 25 percent of high school students drank a serving of soda at least once per day and 15 percent drank two or more per day. The study also found that as many as 62 percent of high school students drink some type of sugar-sweetened beverage at least once per day.

“Parents may need to deny their kids soda sometimes,” says Dr. Fujioka. “They should make sure it’s truly a treat, not an everyday thing.”

Alternatives to drinking soda

For many people, that daily soda is part of their routine and not having one every day may be difficult.

“People need to be aware how much sugar is in what they drink as well as what they eat,” notes Dr. Fujioka. “If they are getting more than 25 calories per serving, then it’s too high in sugar.”

Checking the label for serving sizes is also important since many containers contain 2 or more servings per bottle or can.

Water and low-fat or non-fat milk are both healthy ways to stay hydrated. For people who love the fizziness of soda, mineral water can be a good alternative. However, Dr. Fujioka doesn’t recommend switching to regular juice, since the high sugar content requires a lot of insulin to metabolize, just like soda. Juice without added sugars watered down to a quarter of the strength may help with the sugary drink cravings without being too high in calories.

“The best way for someone to get sugar is in fruit,” adds Dr. Fujioka. “People shouldn’t juice it though, they should just eat it. In that form, it’s a very safe and healthy thing to have.”

Learn more about weight management

If you’re looking for a doctor to help losing weight, contact the Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management. Call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to get a physician referral from a member of our call center.

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Get Fit and Stay Trim

2012-02-13T12:41:45-08:00

If you’re determined to make this your year for better health and fitness, Scripps Health can make it easier, providing tips and tools to help you create a plan and get started on the road to success.

“Don’t center your fitness goals on a number on the scale,” says Lisa Carpenter, fitness manager, Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. “Instead of focusing on weight loss, focus on healthy living. If you do, weight loss will come.”

For more fitness success

Set personal goals
“We recommend SMART goals (see below), which are specific, measurable, achievable and timely,” says Carpenter. For example, set a goal that 6 weeks from now, you’ll be able to swim 10 laps without stopping.

Focus on fun
Concentrate on activities you like or something new you’d like to try. Carpenter calls these “exciting” goals. If you like to hike, aim to hike a certain mountain or distance. “If you enjoy it, you’ll be successful,” she says. “Success breeds more success.”

Find a workout partner and get family and friends involved
“When you find like-minded people and incorporate a social component, you’re more committed,” Carpenter points out.

Schedule fitness like any other appointment
“Put it on your calendar, work your schedule around it and ask others to respect that,” she says.

Keep a fitness diary
Recording progress can be especially helpful when starting a new fitness plan and it discourages you from making excuses.

Start a fitness plan and get guidance to reach your goals

Download (PDF, 713.6 KB) our SMART goals worksheet, fitness diary and sample fitness calendar.

To find a fitness professional who can help you set personal fitness goals and create safe workouts, call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777).

How a Food Diary Could Help You Lose Weight

2012-02-13T12:43:59-08:00

Did you know that people who keep food journals lose more weight and keep more weight off in the long run? A food diary helps you confront the truth about how much, when and why you eat. Once armed with that information, you can start setting goals and making changes.

Cathy Garvey, registered dietitian at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, says this “bite it and write it” strategy can also be helpful to:

Control overeating
You are less likely to go for that second helping if you know you have to write it down.

Track progress
It can be motivating to look back and see that you are eating better today than you did weeks or months ago.

Connect eating to emotions
Certain feelings may trigger eating when you’re not even hungry. Only once you identify the causes can you start to do something about them.

Point out nutrition imbalances
Seeing food choices in black and white helps to uncover food and nutrient gaps you may have been neglecting.

Monitor eating patterns
Keeping tabs on your meals and snacks helps reveal things like that seven-hour gap between lunch and dinner, or the fact that you’re hungry only one hour after eating breakfast.

Garvey uses food diaries less as a calorie counter and more as a tool to help her clients work healthier foods into their meal plans.

Her mantra? “Once you are eating better, the weight loss (and health benefits) will follow.”

Start a food diary and get guidance

Download (PDF, 656.9 KB) our food diary worksheets.

Call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to find a dietitian.

6 Ways to Salvage a Broken New Year’s Resolution

2012-01-11T11:07:54-08:00

If you rang in the New Year full of good intentions but quickly slipped back into old habits, you certainly aren’t alone. According to research conducted
in 2003 at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, just 19 percent of people manage to keep their New Year’s resolutions for two years.

Yet, every year on January 1, millions of people still swear this is the year they’ll lose weight, go vegan, run a marathon, pay down credit cards, learn Mandarin, read a book a month, volunteer more and clean out the attic, too.

“A lot of resolutions are huge, like ‘This year I will go out and swim the Pacific!’” says Tarane Sondoozi, Ph.D., a Scripps psychologist. “In that case, resolutions can be counterproductive. You set yourself up for failure, get intimidated, stumble once and ultimately give up. It’s much better to set your sights on something smaller, like, ‘I will get my toes wet.’”

Scripps psychologist Jonathan Gale, Ph.D., says making all-or-nothing, all-at-once, arbitrarily timed resolutions is not necessarily the best way to approach healthy lifestyle changes. “Unfortunately, real change takes more than a single resolution for most people. Complex change usually involves a few steps forward and a couple back,” says Dr. Gale. “When we try to break destructive habits or build healthier new ones, failure is a part of success. The secret is not January 1 – it’s stepping on the road to change and staying there. The critical thing is to keep moving, despite setbacks.”

Six practices to support self-improvement in the long term

Accentuate the positive
Framing a resolution as giving up something you enjoy may undermine your efforts. Focus instead on positive outcomes. “I will feel great and look ravishing in a smaller swimsuit” sounds a lot more motivating than “I will lose 15 pounds by summertime,” doesn’t it?
Be clear about the reason for your goal
If you’re in danger of being crushed by falling canned goods every time you open a cabinet, a resolution to reduce clutter makes perfect sense. But some people take on the wrong goals for the wrong reasons. If you’re doing something to please other people or to live up to some arbitrary standard, you’re less likely to achieve your goal. Do you really want to run a competitive 10K or half-marathon? Or would working your way up to daily 30-minute walks be more sustainable?
Break big goals into smaller goals
Subgoals reinforce change by creating frequent milestones on the road to change. If you’re trying to stick to a healthier way of eating, celebrate each week that you’ve eaten a salad before your main course, for example. Look for quick, easy wins and use those to build momentum.
Remove obstacles and temptations
If you resolved to drink less alcohol, you shouldn’t keep a liquor cabinet stocked with all the ingredients for a pitcher of fruity-tinis. The same logic works with almost all resolutions. Look for ways re-arrange your schedule and environment to support – not sabotage – your goals. .
Use outside support if it’s available
Whatever your goals – from reducing weight or alcohol consumption to cutting back on overspending or anger management, there are online and face-to-face resources to help you change. Your primary care physician can point you in the direction of groups, counselors and community-based support, both professional and peer-led, to help you navigate slips and setbacks on your way to success.
Schedule regular check-ins
Whether you gauge your progress once a week or once a month, regular assessment will will help you stay the course.

Finally, Dr. Sondoozi stresses that your approach to your resolutions should include humor, fun and being kind to yourself. “This year, I’m giving myself a break,” she says. “I resolved to enjoy myself, to live as fully as I can, to free myself from unreasonable and unrealistic goals, to celebrate who and where and what I am, where I’ve been and where I’m going. This was also my resolution last year, and I kept it!”

Find support at Scripps

If you’re looking for a doctor, psychologist or support group to help you reach a health-related goal, call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to get a referral from a member of our call center.

Get a regular dose of health news and information from Scripps

How Small Steps Mean Big Success for Diabetes Management

2012-01-11T11:14:11-08:00

Scripps endocrinologist Dr. Matthew Levine knows that the key to helping his patients improve their health is by setting realistic goals. From the first consultation with someone who has Type 2 diabetes, he starts each patient off with a roadmap of baby steps toward a healthier future.

“I try to give them small things they can do immediately that will yield results,” he says. “Small wins can be very encouraging. The patient can see progress, which motivates them to take the next step.”

To encourage these small wins, Dr. Levine starts with an attainable weight loss goal. “If I can get patients to commit to losing 5 percent of their body weight and succeed — that’s great,” he says. “They see weight come off and blood sugar levels decrease. Some can reduce their medication.”

A 5-10 percent reduction of body weight can also lower a person’s risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and other adverse health conditions that go hand-in-hand with obesity. Studies indicate that that amount of weight loss may be enough to keep people with prediabetes from developing overt diabetes. That’s because slimming down makes the body better at using insulin and processing glucose — and so does working out.

In fact, The Diabetes Prevention Program — a large, federally-funded research study — found that people who followed a diet plan and exercised were able to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.

Getting started

The biggest obstacle for many people with diabetes is motivation. To get started on an exercise program, Dr. Levine encourages his patients to take daily 10-minute walks. If they are able to stick to that regimen, they can increase the duration. A bump to 30-minutes of exercise, five times per week is a great goal.

When it comes to making dietary changes, old habits can be hard to break. So Dr. Levine, again, focuses on setting realistic objectives. “Try reducing your starch servings to only one or two portions per day or reduce your fat intake to 30 grams per day,” he says. “The important thing is to make small, measurable changes that can be achieved.”

Dr. Levine says that people with diabetes initially have a lot of questions about managing the disease: they’re not sure how to make nutritional changes, how to start exercising, or how and when to check their blood sugar levels. They’re also somewhat fearful of taking medications. Doctors and clinical experts can help.

Scripps offers supervised programs in diabetes and weight management, which include elements of nutrition, exercise, medical management of disease, surgery and more.

“The important thing is to try to catch prediabetes and diabetes early,” says Dr. Levine. “The sooner you make positive lifestyle changes that result in weight loss, the better results you have managing diabetes, heart disease and a host of other health challenges.”

Find a doctor

If you have diabetes, lifestyle changes, such as modifications to diet and physical activity, are best when monitored by clinical professionals with special training. It’s important that care plans are tailored to each individual patient’s needs and overall health profile. If you are looking for a doctor who specializes in diabetes or weight management, visit the Doctor Finder or call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to get a physician referral from a member of our call center.

Get a regular dose of health news and information from Scripps

Healthy Advice for Holiday Eating

2011-12-08T12:10:38-08:00

For most people, dieting is difficult – regardless of the season. But the holidays pose unique challenges for people who are trying to maintain or lose weight. Food is frequently the centerpiece of celebrations. Temptation and unhealthy eating triggers are plentiful.

“In addition to being surrounded by big meals and high calorie treats, family dynamics and financial pressure can make the season stressful. People often turn to food for comfort,” says Cathy Garvey, a registered dietitian at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in La Jolla, California. “If you have negative eating behaviors, they can be exacerbated during the holidays – which can add to the potential for weight gain.”

In addition to emotional eating, many unhealthy eating habits can be attributed to mindless eating – the unconscious munching people do while at their desks, in the car or in front of the television.

“Basically, mindless eating occurs when people are preoccupied with other tasks – mentally or physically. It can sabotage efforts to lose weight,” Garvey explains.

For more healthful eating over the holidays and beyond, Garvey suggests using mindfulness. The mind-body technique involves bringing your complete attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way.

“When applied to diet, mindfulness is about enhancing awareness of food choices and eating behaviors. With regular practice, it can help people change the way they relate to food,” says Garvey. “By becoming more aware of their internal environment, they can break bad eating habits and develop healthier ones.”

To help you tune in so you don’t check out while eating, Garvey has the following tips:

1. Eat in a designated eating spot

Turn off the music and the television. Find an area that is free of distractions. If you find yourself in social settings, sit down with your food rather than walk around the room with a plate in one hand and a drink in the other.

2. Slow down and listen

Chew your food thoroughly. Really savor every bite. When you eat slowly, you can enjoy the flavor of food and its texture. Listen to your body cues. Before you feel so full you can’t eat another bite, stop.

3. Start journaling

Write down what you eat and when. It can help you increase awareness of your daily consumption. If you want to quit logging your food intake after a couple of days – don’t. Keeping a diet journal can be insightful, allowing you to identify which foods and situations lead to mindless or emotional eating. Once you find the triggers in your internal or external environment, you can work on reducing them.

4. Be thankful

Express gratitude for the nourishment being provided. Appreciate where your food comes from and acknowledge the energy that goes into its creation. From harvesting to preparation, there are likely many people who have helped to bring it to your table.

5. Have compassion

Be kind to yourself. Before you indulge, ask yourself if the food you are about to eat is really supportive of your health. If you do overindulge at a celebration, forgive yourself. Let the experience go. Release you thoughts about that meal. Don’t dwell in the past. Move forward and think of other ways to take care of yourself.

In addition to the mindfulness approaches above, Garvey stresses the importance of moving your body while watching your weight.

“There is no sustained weight loss success without exercise.” she says. “When time is in short supply, think small. Take a short walk. Do something to get your heart rate up and your limbs in motion. It’s a healthy habit that can help you lose weight and keep it off for good.”

Learn how to eat mindfully

Hone your ability to be present at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. Call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to sign up for an 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course or register for the 12-week Lifestyle Change Program. Both could help you put the kibosh on mindless eating and help you change the way you relate to food.

Get a regular dose of health news and information from Scripps

Sign up to have health-related information from Scripps delivered to your inbox, including our monthly email newsletter. Designed to help you and your family get healthy and stay well, the publication contains timely and relevant consumer health news along with notices about classes, events and exclusive offers.

7 Easy Ways to Lighten Your Holiday Meal

2011-11-08T14:12:44-08:00

You may already know that heaping helpings of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner can add a full pound to your frame all by itself. That’s because a pound of fat is roughly 3,500 calories, and nutrition experts clock the traditional turkey plate with all the sides at a whopping 3,000–4,500 calories.

That may not sound so bad, until you realize that most people’s daily caloric requirements fall right around 2,000 or less. And a 160-lb. person would need to walk 45 miles to work off 4,500 calories.

However, just because you’re trying to stay healthy this holiday season, you don’t have to forego flavor or satisfaction. A few simple substitutions and tips can help you trim fat and calories from your holiday spread and let you enjoy the bounty of tasty holiday fare.

1. Use low-fat and nonfat ingredients

Most recipes that call for whole milk, such as mashed potatoes, can be made with skim milk or low-fat milk instead. Low-fat and no-fat versions of cream soups, cheeses, sour cream can substantially slash the calorie load of beloved side dishes like green bean casserole. With a bit of planning, you can cut both calories and fat without cutting taste or serving sizes.

2. Make your own cranberry relish

Fresh cranberries are packed with vitamin C and germ-fighting phytochemicals. These healthy little bacteria-busters can add a lot of flavor without many calories, but canned cranberry sauce is loaded with sugar and preservatives. By making your own relish from scratch, you can control the sugar content.

3. Un-stuff your stuffing

Try swapping whole grain breads for the plain white or cornbreads many recipes call for, or add a few cups of wild rice for more nutritious and chewy side dish. You can also replace some of the bread with a hearty squash or sweet potatoes to lighten the calories and enhance the fall flavors. Also, use egg whites or egg substitute instead of whole eggs, and forego nuts and bacon.

4. Bake with applesauce

For many baked goods, you can substitute unsweetened applesauce for oil. It maintains the moist texture of muffins and sweet breads without all the saturated fat, while leaving the flavor virtually the same.

5. Don’t fry your turkey

In addition to being a fire hazard, deep-frying turkey adds a lot of fat to an otherwise lean protein. Roasting in a specially made plastic bag helps to keep natural juices inside the bird. Choose a natural turkey rather than a “butter-basted” variety. And when you’re creating your plate, stick with white meat, which is lower in fat than dark meat. Avoid the skin if you can, or limit yourself to just a bite.

6. Use vegetables to add color and heft your buffet

Try adding substantial salads, broccoli or Brussels sprouts, and some colorful oven-roasted squash. Vegetables that are high in fiber are naturally filling and high in vitamins. They also have a great deal of eye appeal of your plate. Just be sure to keep added salt, butter and oil to a minimum. And skip the marshmallow fluff when you’re making yams or sweet potatoes—a light drizzle of honey or natural maple syrup can highlight the natural sweetness, not drown it.

7. Perk up your water

While dinner is cooking, infuse some water with cucumbers, lemon, apples or oranges. Not only does infused water taste great, but it’s a healthy alternative to some high-calorie, high-sugar beverages like beer, wine, soda and juice.

Try our light and tasty mashed potato recipe, or whip up these healthy sides and sweets from our recipe library.

Get a regular dose of health news and information from Scripps

Treating Diabetes With Bariatric Surgery

2011-11-08T14:41:39-08:00

Though clinicians often start with diet, exercise and lifestyle modification as a treatment course for people with diabetes, mounting evidence suggests that bariatric surgery can be a very effective intervention as well, especially for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

More than 30 years of outcomes suggests that gastric bypass surgery in particular can reduce or eliminate the health complications that come with diabetes. It also reduces health issues associated with diseases that often accompany morbid obesity, including:

Cardiovascular disease
Obstructive sleep apnea
Dyslipidemia
Hypertension

How does surgery reduce diabetic conditions?

“Weight loss surgery appears to set in motion certain chemical changes in the patient’s body that help set up better control of blood sugar levels,” explains Dr. William Fuller, bariatric surgeon with the Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management in San Diego, California. He has performed more than 1,000 bariatric surgeries, with an emphasis on minimally invasive and laparoscopic approaches. “After the procedure, gut hormones involved in appetite and weight reduction are altered.”

About 30–40 percent of Dr. Fuller’s patients have diabetes. “We’ve seen blood sugar control start to improve in the weeks to months after surgery, even before large amounts of weight loss,” he says. “As a result, diabetes goes into remission or patients are able to scale back medications. There is often a positive change to the cardiovascular system and an extended lifespan.”

Who is a good candidate for weight loss surgery?

The National Institutes of Health guidelines state that weight loss surgery may be an option for patients who have:

A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
A BMI of 35–40 with a serious weight-related health problem such as diabetes

As the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes increases and more research emerges about the safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery, criteria for selecting appropriate patients for weight loss procedures are evolving. In 2011, the FDA expanded the indication for gastric banding to include people with a BMI of 30–34, who also suffer from a severe obesity-related illness and who have tried other non-surgical options. Also, the International Diabetes Federation called for earlier consideration of weight loss surgery for some patients with the disease.

“All obese diabetic patients should be considered for surgery,” says Dr. Fuller. “We look at each patient’s individual appropriateness for it.”

As a surgeon who works within a multidisciplinary care team, Dr. Fuller and his colleagues carefully consult with each other to determine if surgery is right for a particular patient. Because having surgery to produce weight loss is a serious decision, risks and expectations are always discussed.

“Outcomes vary, so we want our patients to have reasonable expectations after surgery,” he says.

Post-surgical considerations

After surgery, Dr. Fuller and the care team continue to closely monitor patients. Due to his use of minimally invasive surgical procedures — which emphasize smaller incisions — wound healing doesn’t typically pose a more difficult challenge for diabetic patients. Perhaps the biggest concern is adjusting medication requirements after the procedure, to account for the body’s changing needs.

The importance of patient choice

In deciding whether or not surgery is a good option, Dr. Athena Philis-Tsimikas of the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute emphasizes patient choice. “It’s important that patients understand how limiting calories is essential to diabetes treatment, and that there is a full spectrum of options to achieve this.”

Any method that significantly reduces caloric intake, she says, can yield positive results.

“A patient that sticks to a monitored diet that is very low in calories can experience similar results to surgery,” she says.

Find a doctor

If you are looking for a doctor who specializes in diabetes management or bariatric surgery, visit the Doctor Finder or call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to get a physician referral from a member of our call center.

Get a regular dose of health news and information from Scripps

Scripps Helps Law Enforcement Commander Take Control of His Weight

2010-09-29T10:52:50-07:00

After pounding 26.2 miles of pavement, Eric Swanson flew across the finish line at the San Diego 2010 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon with some tough competition on his heels. He completed the race in 3 hours, 14 minutes and 41 seconds—a time that would fill many seasoned distance runners with a great sense of pride. For Swanson, the numbers symbolize something more. They are one measure of success in a lifelong battle he’s waged with his weight.

“I was fat as a kid and I got teased,” he said. “I came from a family of overeaters and developed bad habits early. They were hard to break later in life. Basically, if I saw food, I would eat it.”

The fat kid eventually became a thinner, stronger man. In 1988, Swanson joined the United States Border Patrol. He now holds the position of Commander for the agency’s Special Operations Group. He’s never been a stranger to physically demanding work and discipline, and when it came to controlling his weight, the married father of two fought hard—but failed at keeping the pounds off his 5-foot 6-inch frame.

“I would diet, lose weight and then gain it all back again. It wasn’t sustainable for me,” said Swanson. “I eventually reached 261 pounds. I was completely miserable.”

Facing the Challenges

Swanson’s weight created both physical and professional challenges. During the hot summer months in San Diego, he would go on patrols in the rough, hilly terrain of the Otay Mountains—and suffer.

“I couldn’t hack what I was packing. I would get the mission done, but while gaining and losing elevation, I would be out of breath and my knees would ache,” said Swanson. “I am a member of the Border Patrol’s Tactical Unit and committed to my job. Because of my weight, I felt ashamed to wear the special pin on my uniform that identified my affiliation. I thought, because of my weight problem, I didn’t deserve the honor.”

Swanson’s health deteriorated over the years. He developed hypertension and sleep apnea.

“I snored like a bear,” he said. “It drove my wife nuts.”

Addressing the Problem

Tired of being unhealthy and feeling embarrassed about his appearance, Swanson took action. On his 41st birthday, he made an appointment at Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management in Del Mar, Calif. to see if bariatric surgery was an option. He proceeded with caution.

“Twenty years prior, my sister had bariatric surgery and suffered a complication. After undergoing gastric bypass with another surgeon, she got an infection and almost died,” said Swanson. “She’s fine now, but that experience left a lasting impression. I wanted to make sure I got the best and safest care possible. I did my research and chose Scripps.”

Swanson’s doctor, Mark Takata, recommended adjustable gastric banding. Also known as the Lap-Band, the device reduces the amount of food a stomach can hold at one time. It makes people feel full faster and stay full longer, so they wind up eating less. Swanson decided to have the surgery, and spent the next six months preparing for the lifestyle changes he needed to make in order to achieve and maintain weight loss following the procedure.

“I was probably the thinnest guy in the room at those support group meetings, but we all had a similar problem. I was so tired of the roller coaster ride,” said Swanson. “It wasn’t good for my self-esteem or my health. I didn’t want to die early because of my weight—that’s not how I was going to go.”

Swanson had surgery at Scripps Green Hospital in December of 2008. During the laparoscopic procedure, an adjustable silicone elastic band was placed around the upper part of his stomach creating a small pouch and restricting the passage of food. The band is connected to a port that sits underneath Swanson’s skin. Whenever he reaches a plateau in weight loss, the band can be inflated with saline, causing increased restriction of the stomach. Swanson has had five adjustments since the operation, and the weight loss that followed came with a learning curve.

“I had to figure out, through trial-and-error, how much I could eat and when. I get a full belly fast,” he explained. “It can be painful if I’m not careful, but I would do it all over again if I had to.”

Reaping the Bounty

The Commander is now in control. He’s lost 110 pounds, reduced the size of his waist by more than 10 inches, and is planning to run the Boston Marathon—which he qualified for during his Rock ‘n’ Roll race in 2010. At work, he’s wearing small uniforms instead of the extra-large ones that previously hugged his frame. Even more important than his appearance, he is healthy and happy.

“I weigh less now than I did when I was in 5th grade. I am physically fit and I wear that Tactical Unit pin with pride. When I look in the mirror, I feel good about what I see. I get on the scale with a smile. I think, ‘wow—that’s me!’ It’s a great feeling.”

Swanson credits his faith in god for getting him through the tough times. With a transformed body and better health, he feels blessed. His wife of 18-years is pleased.

“She’s really happy that I’ll be around longer,” said Swanson. “I think I’ve made a wise investment in my own future and that of my family.”

To learn more about the bariatric surgery program at Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management, call 858-794-1250.

Man's Life is Transformed After Having Gastric Bypass Surgery

2010-08-02T11:35:45-07:00

Sam Hamood was once a self-described scrawny guy. After joining the Navy, he changed his physique through diligence and discipline, adding pounds of muscle to his 6-foot, 1-inch frame.

“When you are out to sea or in a foreign country, eating excessively and drinking all the time isn’t an option,” he said. “You have to stay in shape to do your job.”

When his military career ended, Hamood’s lifestyle changed. He went from being active and athletic to sedentary and social.

“I stopped exercising and started eating – a lot,” he explained.

Hamood’s new career didn’t help. He worked in sales, where free meals are part of the client courting ritual.

“I would schedule three lunches a day on sales calls and eat at every one of them,” he said. “I just got bigger.”

The health costs of being heavy

As Hamood’s weight ballooned, he developed sleep apnea, became pre-diabetic and his blood pressure skyrocketed.

“I couldn’t even walk across an air conditioned room without breaking a sweat,” he said. “I was miserable.”

At his heaviest, Hamood weighed 364 pounds. After learning his wife was expecting their first child in 2006, he dropped more than 80 pounds. Over the years, the weight returned. As his daughter grew older and became more aware of the world around her, she noticed her dad’s size – and so did her playmates at daycare.

“She would get teased by the other kids because of my weight. That just broke my heart,” he said. “I knew I wasn’t my best, but I didn’t want her to suffer because of it.”

Diets helped, but the weight loss he achieved didn’t last. Wanting to be healthy for himself and his growing family, Hamood looked for a long-term solution. In early 2009, he visited Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management in San Diego to explore surgical weight loss treatments. His doctor, Mark Takata, MD, recommended Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. During the procedure, the stomach is stapled to create a small pouch and a passage for food to go around a section of the small intestine. The surgery leads to a dramatic reduction in the volume of the stomach.

Prior to gastric bypass surgery, Hamood spent six months adapting to new diet and exercise habits that are essential to long-term success following surgery. Weighing in at more than 300 pounds, he underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery in August of 2009 at Scripps Green Hospital. Three days after he checked in, he went home to heal.

A dramatic transformation

One year after weight loss surgery, Hamood had lost more than 120 pounds and regained his health, dramatically reducing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. His svelte new frame has garnered lots of compliments and a little confusion.

“Most people who knew me when I was heavy don’t even recognize me anymore,” said the 38-year-old dad. “It’s been a long haul, but well worth it. I now have a new lease on life.”

The lease comes with terms. Hamood has had to change his lifestyle dramatically. He now eats a healthy diet and exercises every day.

“I find a way to incorporate physical activity into my life,” he said. “When the gym isn’t available, I’ll walk a few miles, park far from the front door or take the stairs instead of the elevator. I make it work.”

Hamood’s commitment to changing his life doesn’t waiver when he is on the road for work. Now a consultant in the wireless industry, he still travels on business, but eats just one lunch – not three. During meals at home with his family, he’ll excuse himself from the table and take a walk if he feels the urge to overeat.

“My family understands what I need to do and why,” he said. “Prior to surgery I was miserable. Every day, both my health and spirit suffered. I had a lot going for me but was merely surviving. Scripps truly partnered with me and provided the tools necessary for me to live my best life.”

Hamood’s desire to be present and healthy for his family provided the extra incentive he needed to push through the hard times.

“My wife and I are now expecting our second child. I look forward to playing with my kids and chasing after them on the playground without struggling to keep up,” he said. “I’ll make sure they live a healthy lifestyle from the start. I now feel like I can be a better role model.”