1.

VOLUME 17 March 2016 NUMBER 3

Editorial Notice

Editorial Staff:

Melissa Grant

Bariatric Coordinator.

Items for the newsletter must be submitted by the 1

st of the month

for consideration for publication in the upcoming issue!

submit items to: melissa@morasurgicalclinic.com

If you no longer wish to

receive Bariatric Bulletin, contact:

melissa@morasurgicalclinic.com

Bariatric Bulletin,

This newsletter is published

monthly for Dr. Parham Mora 645 McQueen Smith Road.

Suite 205 Prattville, Alabama 36066

The Emotional Health Risks of Bariatric Surgery

By Beth W. Orenstein | Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Studies have found that weight-loss surgery can increase the risk for suicide

and substance abuse. Find out how to head off these

bariatric surgery complications.

When you undergo weight-loss surgery, you give up one risky behavior —

overeating. But now there's new evidence that other risky behaviors such

as abusing drugs, alcohol, and smoking may take its place.

Researchers at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City

studied 155 men and women who underwent weight-loss surgery and

found that, within three years, a significant number of them had problems

with substance abuse, and the greatest risk was among those who had gastric bypass surgery.

Another study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that bariatric surgery patients had a

much higher rate of suicide than the general population. Over a 10-year period, these patients

committed suicide at an overall rate of 6.6 out of 10,000. That's nearly three times the suicide rate (2.4

per 10,000) of American men aged 34 to 65 and 9 times the suicide rate of American women (0.7 per

10,000) who had not had bariatric surgery.

"More research is needed on emotional health and bariatric surgery," says Stacy Brethauer, MD, a

surgeon at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. For instance, Dr. Brethauer

wonders if the number of these types of bariatric surgery complications would be different if the studies

had control groups — researchers have only been able to compare patients who underwent bypass

surgery to the general population and not to others of similar body mass index, age, and sex. Those who

are obese may be at greater risk for substance abuse and depression than the general population

anyway, Brethauer says, "but what the evidence tells us right now is that this is an area we need to pay

attention to."

Emotional Health and Bariatric Surgery

Brian B. Quebbemann, MD, a bariatric surgeon at the N.E.W. Program in Orange County, Calif., believes

the risks to emotional health from bariatric surgery may be overplayed. The studies have been well

publicized but are limited, he says.

Still, he says it's not surprising that a small number of patients could find a new "crutch" after

undergoing weight-loss surgery. Those who used food as a coping mechanism for depression, anxiety, or

stress before surgery may look for something else to use in excess when food can no longer serve that

role. For some, that substitute could be a bad choice, such as alcohol or drugs.

Weight-loss surgery also can leave some people feeling isolated and depressed. As Dr. Quebbemann

explains, "food is a big part of their social networking and how they relate to people socially," but

essentially taking food away after weight-loss surgery also takes away the social support. "They could

become lonely, and that could be a red flag for someone who is going to end up with a depression that

would result in suicide," he says.

John Morton, MD, director of bariatric surgery at Stanford Hospital and Clinics at Stanford University

and secretary/treasurer of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, says there could be

a physical explanation for why some people who have weight-loss surgery are at higher risk for alcohol

abuse. After weight-loss surgery, particularly gastric bypass, he says, your sensitivity to alcohol changes:

The alcohol goes through your stomach and into your small intestine more quickly, so you feel the

effects of even small amounts more rapidly.

The Role of Counseling With Bariatric Surgery

The potential for emotional complications is one of the reasons why everyone who considers bariatric

surgery is carefully screened. Prospective patients undergo testing to assess their ability to cope with

stress, respond to medical treatment, and handle changes to their lifestyle and eating habits.

If the psychological evaluation shows any reason why someone should not have the surgery, it won't be

done. Only a very small number can't have the surgery for emotional reasons, "but we try to identify

them," Quebbemann says.

Counseling before and after the surgery can help patients protect their emotional health. People also

are encouraged to join support groups, which can help you learn coping skills and share successes and

struggles with those who are going through or who have gone through the surgery. Many programs also

get families and friends involved so that patients have their own built-in support groups.

"We educate our bariatric surgery patients and give them the tools that not only help their health down

the road, but also make them stronger psychologically," says Dr. Morton.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/the-emotional-health-risks-of-bariatric-surgery.aspx

Seven Steps to Improving Emotional Adjustments Post-Surgery

1. Follow your doctor’s orders and recommendations. This means following the dietary changes

from the start. Get lots of rest and take care of your physical needs.

2. Journal. I know what you are thinking. Journaling is boring and tedious

and we don’t like it, right? By keeping track of the foods you eat and how

you feel will truly help you feel more in control emotionally and

physically. This is especially helpful if you find that you are emotionally

eating.

3. Set realistic goals and expectations. For many, goals may be getting off

their medication(s), walking without getting winded or the ability to cross

their legs. So whatever your goals are make sure that you write them

down and modify them as needed.

4. Reflect on the past. Although it is important to move on, it’s also important for patients to

remember the moment when they decided to have weight-loss surgery. It’s sort of like we have

to hit our “low or bottom” to realize that we have to change.

5.Take lots of pictures, measurements and keep your pants. It is

important that we take pre-op pictures and post-op pictures

regularly. This reminds us about our success. Measurements and

pre-op clothing are important especially during the dreaded

plateaus. We may be losing inches and it’s important that we have

visual aids to help us realize our success. Although you may be a

smaller size, you may still view yourself as the larger you. It’s

important to have a visual reference point to remind us that we are

losing weight.

6.Seek help. It is

important to ask for help if you find that you are

having difficulty adjusting to the many changes after

surgery. Seek support via support groups, family,

friends and/or professional counseling. Support groups

and counseling are especially rewarding and helpful

because we realize that many patients often experience

the same adjustment issues and it makes us feel less

isolated and alone while we travel our journey.

7.Live life to the fullest. You deserve to be healthy, happy and have fun! Enjoy and savor every

moment of your weight-loss journey. You deserve it.

http://www.obesityaction.org/educational-resources/resource-articles-2/weight-loss-surgery/baby-steps-emotional-adjustments-after-weight-

loss-surgery

Lap Band Fills

One of the benefits of the Lap Band is that it can be adjusted to optimize satiety

(feeling of fullness after a meal) and maximize weight loss for each patient on an

individual basis. Adjustments made to tighten the band are often referred to as

Lap Band Fills, a term which describes the process of adding fluid to the band in

order to further restrict digestion of solid foods.

When the Lap Band is implanted into the body, the inner saline tube is usually

left unfilled. This allows the body time to heal from surgery and become adjusted

to the band before the first fill is done. The first fill is usually scheduled for approximately 4 to 6

weeks after surgery, depending on how healing is progressing. After the first fill, additional

adjustments are scheduled by the doctor as deemed necessary, often at 4 to 6 week intervals.

Lap Band Fill Factors

After surgery, follow-up visits are usually scheduled for every 6 weeks during the first year and

then every three months for the next two years. During the appointment, the doctor will monitor

your health and rate of weight loss as well as adjust the Lap Band if necessary.

There are several factors which help determine whether or not an adjustment is needed:

degree of hunger

amount of restriction

amount of weight loss

It takes time to find just the right fill amount, and even that level can change based on many

fluctuating elements, such as weight loss, hydration, foods eaten, eating habits, and

metabolism. Lap Band adjustments should be made slowly and gradually and not too much at

one time. A good fill will satisfy your hunger for about 3 to 4 hours after eating a meal consisting

of solid foods.

Preparing for a Lap Band Fill

There are several steps you can do to increase the likelihood of a good fill outcome:

Make sure you are properly hydrated on the day of your fill (you should be drinking water

every day, but especially important in the 2 to 3 days before a fill)

Do not eat a big, late night dinner the night before a fill (it sometimes takes 12 hours for

all food to move through the stomach pouch)

Do not eat any solid foods for at least 6 hours before the fill (the stomach pouch should

be completely empty for a fill)

Avoid COLD fluids for an hour before the fill (cold can temporarily shrink the stoma)

Avoid getting a fill either during or a few days before your menstrual period (fluid

retention affects fill level)

If possible, hang around the doctor’s office for a few hours after a fill to make sure you

feel okay with the adjustment

If traveling from out of town, plan on staying in the area at least overnight, just in case

there is a problem with the amount of fill

After a fill, limit eating to a full liquid diet for 24 hours, then to soft foods for a day, before

resuming a solid food diet (to help the stoma rest and heal)

The above guidelines are some of the recommendations that will help achieve a good

fluoroscopy and good fill level. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any other specific

preparations you should make before a fill appointment. If you are having any trouble with the

Lap Band, it may be best not to get a fill at this time.

During your exam, it is also important to talk about any concerns or problems you may have in

regards to the Lap Band, including eating habits, diet and nutrition, physical activity, and other

health issues.

http://www.lapbandsurgery.net/lap-band-fills.html

What to eat after lap-band surgery

By Dr. Manny Alvarez

I know everybody is very excited about Gov. Chris

Christie’s new effort to lose weight. Christie has

reportedly lost 40 pounds so far, but it is important to

remember that maintaining that weight loss will have a

lot to do with adopting the proper diet and lifestyle.

We talked to Rebecca Soloman, clinical nutrition

coordinator at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City,

for the best diet tips to follow after lap-band surgery.

Eat small portions

In the weeks and months after surgery, it is essential

for patients to focus on limiting their portion sizes. Lap-

band surgery decreases the size of the stomach, making it very difficult, and even painful, to ingest large

quantities of food.

“Most patients are full after a quarter to a maximum of half a cup of food at one sitting,” Soloman said.

Consuming more than that will cause discomfort and could lead to vomiting, Soloman noted. She

recommends that patients eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to avoid discomfort.

Focus on high protein foods

“We found, especially in bariatric weight-loss patients, that protein is the food group from which they

derive their greatest sense of fullness or satiety,” Soloman said. In the first three to four weeks after

surgery, Soloman recommends focusing on soft proteins like Greek yogurt, pureed chicken, soups or

cottage cheese. This will also help patients avoid becoming protein deficient.

After the first month, patients can begin experimenting with non-pureed foods, focusing on softer flaky

fishes, the dark meat of chicken or lean ground beef. “We increase the texture but not necessarily the

quantity,” Soloman noted. “We like to focus on the term ‘gentle satiety,’ you want to be mindful of not

overeating.”

Avoid drinking and eating at the same time

One of the most important rules to follow after lap-band surgery: Avoid eating and drinking

simultaneously. While staying hydrated is important, Soloman advises patients to stop drinking 10

minutes prior to eating, and then avoid drinking until 45 minutes after they’ve finished their meal.

In the first few weeks after surgery, the stomach is so tiny that consuming a liquid and solid at the same

time could cause vomiting. Furthermore, “just a few swigs of water could push food out of the stomach,

causing a premature sense of emptiness,” Soloman said.

Limit pasta, rice, bread

While eating a little bit of fiber is fine, most patients do not tolerate rice, pasta or bread very well.

“They all expand when they absorb more fluids, like gastric juices,” Solman said. This can cause

discomfort in patients, and they typically learn to avoid these types of foods, or eat them only in very

limited qualities.

Consume soft fruits and vegetables

In the first weeks after surgery, all fruits and vegetables need to be pureed.

“You could do a natural applesauce or make your own, pureed carrots, broccoli. You can use seasonings,

herbs, spices to the extent that you tolerate them. Make it flavorable, so that it is enjoyable,” Soloman

said.

Later, patients can introduce whole fruits and vegetables, avoiding fruit skins (like apple skins) or

stringier vegetables.

Overall, it is important to remember that while lap-band surgery will help you lose weight, it will only

work if you monitor your diet, too.

“It’s a tool, not a solution in and of itself,” Soloman said. “It’s effectiveness is related to what you put in

your mouth.”

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/07/what-to-eat-after-lap-band-surgery.html

Melissa's Corner

Well spring has sprung and so has seasonal allergies. This week has been awful thatl I can't breathe at

all. I finally broke down and bought some allergy medicine. I hope they kick in soon. I hate not being able

to breathe.

I can't belive this school year is almost over. We are going to have to say good bye to our exchange son,

Gabriel and to our own son, Kody all within a week of each other. This year has flown by. It seems like

Gabriel just got here and, now it's time for him to go home. It has been really fun having him. He is so

sweet, quiet and funny. I am going to miss him alot. Maybe one day we will be able to go to Brazil to see

him. Then, a week after Gabriel leaves, Kody leaves for the Army. I have mixed emotions on this. I am

glad he knows what he wants to do after graduation, but then I have the fear he will be sent over seas

into battle. So if I am a little crazy after June, please forgive me.

One last thing before we highlight our new weight loss story. I can not stress the importance of

following up with Dr. Mora after surgery. You may think that since you are feeling great you don't need

to come back and see him. That couldn't be futher from the truth! Follow up care is the most important

thing in helping you obtain the highest level of weight loss. So please keep those follow up

appointments! Until next month....

This month's story is featuring Alexander Branham

Where can I start!! This has been an awesome journey of ups and down and trials and errors but it’s the

best decision that I have ever made. My journey actually started back in 2002 when my doctor approved

me for gastric bypass surgery but I chickened out and didn’t go through with it. So I played to weight yo-

yo game as we all do. In 2003, I decided to lose the weight on my own and I started going to the gym

every day after I dropped my then 3 year old daughter off at daycare. I went religiously even though I

didn’t want to. After about 6 months of exercising people started telling me that I was losing weight and

toning up. I was proud of myself and continued on but then my daughter became sick and was

hospitalized so I was not able to attend the gym like I wanted. Of course I relapsed and went back to my

old habits which continued on until 2011 when I decided again to get serious about my health. I hired a

personal trainer and so I started my workout and eating healthy journey again. I was truly in for a shock

because he was unforgiving and worked me like a Marine. LOL! When I thought that I had a handle on

the exercising situation he would switch it up and so the hard journey started all over again. He never

would let me give up and pushed me on to achieve my goals of slimming down and becoming healthier.

I was doing good until I sprained my back and couldn’t exercise for 3 months, I was truly miserable and

became depressed and started eating all the wrong foods not doing the exercises that I was allowed to

do and it went downhill afterwards….AGAIN. So you see I did the yo-yo dieting and exercise things like

everyone has in their life. My true and complete change came when I looked at myself in the mirror and

my daughter stood next to me and I saw that she was heading down the same path as I was with

excessive weight gain. How could I expect her to be healthy when I wasn’t healthy? I tipped the scales at

370 pounds and that was my wake up call. I didn’t have any ailments that came with being obese so I

decided then before it became an issue I needed to do something about it and quickly. I made an

appointment with the bariatric at UAB and went to my first appointment on August 12, 2013. I was

excited but was somewhat saddened when I was told that I would have to wait 6 months to go through

all of the steps in order to have the surgery. My husband reminded me that 6 months was not that long

and it took me longer than 6 months to gain the weight so be patient. I turned to my family and friends

with renewed strength and excitement about my life change. Of course I had the negative comments

and along with the positive but I pushed on. Well along my journey my high school classmate April

Deavers contacted me and told me about Dr. Mora. I had no idea that there was a bariatric physician in

my hometown. I was excited and relieved because I was dreading driving back and forth to Birmingham

once a month. I met with Dr. Mora on December 31, 2013, and my life changed drastically afterwards. It

was like a world wind romance sort to speak. LOL! Dr. Mora and his staff were AWESOME SAUCE!!!! Dr.

Mora discussed with me my options for surgery and from there I my journey to a brand new life started

and I am so happy and proud of this decision. In the beginning I was okay but as my surgery date got

closer and closer I started to become nervous. It didn’t help that some of the people who knew about

my decision started telling me about the dangers of weight loss surgery but they have never had a

weight issue in their lives. I discovered then that people who know about 5% of information really

believe that know 100%. I had to pull myself together and listen to Dr. Mora, my support team and

others who have gone through the surgery. I had gotten to the point where I would tell people who

were being negative about the surgery to keep their opinions to themselves because just like every

pregnancy is different, so is every weight loss surgery and it’s journey. Well the day of my surgery came,

May 27, 2014, I was excited and super super nervous. As I was being prepped for surgery my daughter

and husband stood by my side with a look of fear on their faces. I had to reassure them that this was the

best decision that I have made in a long time and that I was nervous and happy at the same time. I was

rolled back and a few hours later I was on the loser’s bench. LOL! I was excited and ready to get this new

part of my journey started. My first few days at home were kind of hard because I really didn’t want to

eat anything and so my husband made sure that I stayed hydrated and forced me to drink my protein

shakes. It became better over time until I dumped the first time. I was in complete and total shock of

how I felt that my body had turned against me. I was eating a small piece of baked chicken and my

stomach politely and violently said “I DON’T THINK SO! WHERE IS THE PROTEIN SHAKES AND TUNA?” I

was excited when Dr. Mora stated that I could try baked or boiled chicken but became upset when my

stomach said no. It took me a few days but I finally got the chicken down and then progressed on to

other things. Like I said before, this was an up and down journey but well worth it. I started off at 367 on

December 30, 2013 and I am currently at 227. I did become discouraged when I would see others who

weighed as much as I did or more lose more weight than I did but I am blessed with the progress that I

have made thus far. During this journey, I have become a better cook and I exercise more but I’m

consistent with it now and I’m happy. Yes there have been some major changes in my life besides my

weight loss such as me now being single but all in all, I am so proud and happy to see that I am no longer

the depressed person who will eat to feel better. I have been able to do much more now with my life. I

have started back with my photography, writing, hanging out with friends, spending more time outside

the house with my now 16 year old daughter. I’m excited that I can now walk into stores and buy

clothing off the rack instead of having to order them from the catalog and praying that the clothes will

fit correctly. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have been my journal during this journey. My goal weight

is 190 or 180 but for now I am enjoying this journey and the progress that I have made thus far.

Quote of the Day

"We each need to let our intuition guide us, and then be

willing to follow that guidance directly and fearlessly." – Shakti Gawain

About Shakti Gawain

American New Age author Shakti Gawain was born on September 30, 1948. Raised by atheists

who taught her to question everything, she went through an existential crisis after a romantic

breakup, which led her on a pilgrimage to India. Her experiences inspired the book Creative

Visualization, which became an international best seller. She has been featured in Time

magazine and has appeared on such shows as Oprah, Good Morning Americav and The Larry

King Show. She currently lives in California with her husband Jim Burns.

Bruschetta Chicken w/Bacon

Ingredients

1 basket sweet cherry

tomatoes

1 1/2 TBS balsamic vinegar

1 TBS olive oil

2 TBS chopped basil

1 tsp dried parsley

1 TBS minced garlic

3 strips center cut bacon:

chopped

5 thin-sliced chicken

breasts

salt, pepper, and garlic

powder to taste

Directions

1.) Cut cherry tomatoes in half. In a medium bowl, mix in vinegar, olive oil, minced

garlic, and basil with salt and pepper to taste. Add the tomatoes and set aside for

at least 2 hours. Better over night. Even more better-er if left to marinate for 2

nights (but that's just because I didn't make it the night I planned too. Oops).

2.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

3.) Salt, pepper, and garlic powder the chicken breasts (both sides). Place them in

a large baking dish, lined with aluminum foil (unless you live for scrubbing dishes

then you don't need to line it). Dump brushetta mix over the chicken and stir it up

with your hands -- making sure to coat all the chicken in the splendiferous

marinade. Then sprinkle chopped bacon evenly over the chicken.

4.) Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

5.) Enjoy!

http://meltingbeforeyoureyes.blogspot.com/2014/07/bruschetta-chicken-wbacon.html

Top 13 Exercises to Strengthen Your Back and Reduce Back Pain

To strengthen your back, try to perform some of the exercises listed below 2-3 times per day.

1. Cat stretch

This exercise is beneficial for the lower back. Arch your

back up towards the ceiling and relax your neck while

you deeply inhale. Hold for few seconds and then exhale,

drop your chest towards the floor while maintaining firm

abdominals and slightly raise your head. Repeat 10

times.

2. Bend knee to chest

This exercise is for the low back and stretches

your hip muscles. Lie down on the floor and

pull your knee towards your chest while

keeping your tailbone on the floor. Hold each

stretch for few seconds and repeat 3 times for

each side.

3. Ankle over knee

This exercise is for the lower back and your hips. Lie down on the floor with both knees bent

while keeping the tailbone on the floor. Place your left ankle the right leg’s knee and push your

left knee down with you left hand. Hold for few

seconds and repeat 3 times. Do the same

exercise with the other leg.

4. Press up

Lay on the floor leaning on your bent forearms. Then press your

hands to stretch your back. Try to tighten your abdominals while

doing this exercise. Keep your head and neck in line with the rest

of the spine. Hold for a few seconds, rest briefly and repeat 5-10

times.

5. Knee rolls

Lie on your back. Keep your knees bent and together. Your upper body should be relaxed and

your chin slightly tucked in. Roll your knees to one side, as well as your pelvis, but make sure to

keep both shoulders on the floor. Hold

the stretch for one deep breath and

return to the starting position. Repeat 5-

10 times, alternating sides.

6. Pelvic tilts

This exercise stretches and strengthens the lower back. Lie on your back, bend your knees and

keep your feet hip-width apart. Your upper body should be

relaxed and your chin slightly tucked in. Now flatten your

lower back on the floor and contract your stomach

muscles. You do it by tilting your pelvis towards your heels.

Hold for a few seconds then return to the starting

position. Repeat 10-15 times.

7. Raise your hips

Lie down on your back and place your hands

alongside your body. Bend your legs and keep your

feet flat on the floor. Your knees should be aligned

with your toes. Lift your hips and back until only the

base of your shoulder blades remains on the floor.

Try to hold this position for 3 deep breaths. Lower

your hips and repeat 5-10 times.

8. Kneeling lunge stretch

This exercise stretches the muscles between the front of your

thigh and the lumber vertebrae which are called hip flexor

muscles. These muscles can pull the spine out of alignment if

they are too tight. Position yourself as per the illustration while

keeping yourself upright and not leaning forward. Stretch the

front of your upper thigh but keep your hips even. Hold for few

seconds and repeat on the other side.

9. Quad opposite arm-leg raise

Balance your body on your

hands and knees, with

hands located shoulder-

width apart and slightly

forward, and knees below

your hips and slightly

apart. Lengthen your right

leg and left hand

simultaneously. Return to

the base position and do the

same with the other side (Lengthen your left leg and right hand simultaneously).

10. Side plank

Lie on your right side, with straight legs,

resting on your right forearm. Your

elbow should be directly under your

shoulder. Gently contract your

abdominals and lift your hips off the

floor, maintaining straight line. Keep

your neck in line with your spine. Hold

20 to 40 seconds and lower. Repeat two

to three times, alternating sides. If you find it too difficult, start with bent knees.

11. Front Bridge exercise

This exercise is great for

strengthening you core muscles.

Suck your belly button and keep

your body as straight as possible

without locking your knees.

Continue to breath and don’t hold

your breath. Hold yourself in this

position as long as you can, then rest. Repeat 2-3 times. Gradually extend the time of holding

yourself in the position.

12. Shoulder blade stretch

Sit on a chair or a stool while maintaining good

posture, then pull your shoulder blades backwards .

Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Repeat 5

times.

13. Chin Tuck Exercise

As many of us age, and due to medical conditions

such as Parkinson’s disease and osteoporosis, there is

a tendency to let the posture go. Our upper back begins to round forward, which then pushes our

neck and head forward and out of proper alignment. This can lead to

chronic neck and back pain. Do this exercise while sitting straight on

a chair without tipping your head in any direction, pull your chin and

head straight back. You will feel a stretch at the back of your neck.

Relax the chin back forward to a neutral position. Repeat for 8-10

repetitions. You can use this exercise throughout the day to maintain

good posture.

Start taking care of your back now as it needs to serve you for many

years to come. If you suffer from back pain, have a look at my article

on how to relieve back pain and muscle tension naturally:

http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/top-13-exercises-to-strengthen-your-back-and-reduce-back-pain

IMPORTANT!! IMPORTANT!! IMPORTANT!!

1. Maintain a healthy, low calorie diet that is

low in carbs and fat, but rich in protein. Your

water intake should be at least 64 oz. per day.

2. Exercise (walking, jogging, swimming, biking,

cardio, etc.) 1 hour per day, 5 days a week.

3. Take vitamins and prescribed minerals without fail.

4. Seek out help from a mental health care individual (psychiatrist, psychologist)

to learn new ways of coping with stress as needed.

5. If you are a lap band patient and you have had an adjustment to your band,

and start having problems keeping foods or liquids down that day, that night,

or the next day, CALL US IMMEDIATELY and let us know. Adjustments are

usually done on Mondays and Wednesdays when Dr. Mora is in clinic. You

MUST let us know by Friday if you are experiencing problems so Dr. Mora can

evaluate you before the weekend. Do not go over 24 hours without reporting

problems to us or you can damage your band.

6. If you are a gastric bypass patient, 3 months or more out from surgery,

have your lab-work done one week prior to your follow-up appointments.

7. Regularly attend support group meetings.

Please write a story of YOUR weight loss

story with pictures and submit to

Melissa @ Dr. Mora’s office for

publication in the newsletter. Submit

to melissa@morasurgicalclinic.com or

call the office @ 361-6126, ext 2

IS THERE A TOPIC YOU WANT TO SUGGEST FOR OUR NEWSLETTER OR SUPPORT

GROUP MEETING? IT’S A GREAT TIME TO LET US KNOW!!! WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

YOU! The support group meetings and newsletters are for you, our patients. We want

to make sure you’re getting the information you want from both the meetings and the monthly newsletters. Send your

suggestions to Melissa at Melissa@morasurgicalclinc.com or call the office

361-6126, ext 2

UPCOMING SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

**PLEASE NOTE! WE HAVE THE DATES LISTED BELOW FOR SEMINARS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2016

NOW, SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO ATTEND!

LOCATION:

Prattville Doster Community Center

424 South Northington Street, Prattville, AL.

TIME: 6:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M.

DATE: March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, August 22 and September 26

PLEASE note all dates are subject to change due to availability of Dr. Mora or other

extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to call to check that the date has not

been moved ahead of time each month, especially if you live out of town.

Search morasurgicalclinic

GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

Everything said and heard in the group will be treated with respect for the

participants’ privacy. What is said in the group stays in the group.

• Silence is acceptable. No one needs to say anything she/he does not wish to say. The

group is supportive rather than judgmental.

• The group offers respect for individual choices and experiences.

• Only one person talks at a time.

• Turn off all mobile phones and pagers.

• No one is allowed to dominate the conversation.

• The group facilitators’ roles must be respected.

• Begin and end meetings on time.

• The group is a safe place to share feelings, and to obtain and provide support,

information, reassurance and encouragement.

• The group is broadly defined. It is flexible; flowing with the participants’ needs and

interests, and provides an opportunity to reduce feelings of isolation.

• Bariatric surgery support groups are open to all persons going through the surgery

process, including family members and others in a supporting role.

• Although the results of going to the group can be therapeutic, the group is not meant to

replace individual behavior therapy.

• Every effort should be made within the group to resolve conflict arising from or during

group interaction.

If you have any concerns or questions after attending one of our meetings, please feel free to contact Melissa confidentially

by email at Melissa@morasurgicalclinic.com