Pound for Pound - Lowell General Hospital
Transcripción
Pound for Pound - Lowell General Hospital
Pound for Pound The Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery at Lowell General Hospital Patient Newsletter • Vol.5 - 2012-2013 Nari Sabeti, MD, Roy R. Shen, MD, Rebecca Shore, MD and Michael Jiser, MD of Lowell Surgical Associates New North Andover Office Opening in 2013! We are pleased to announce that the Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery at Lowell General Hospital will be opening a second office at 203 Turnpike Street in North Andover in 2013. Our new space will feature the same comprehensive approach to life-changing weight loss that you have experienced at our Chelmsford location. Patients will find a multidisciplinary team of bariatric surgeons, nurse practitioners, dietitians, behavioral therapists, medical interpreters and patient advocates dedicated to providing exemplary service in a comfortable and handicapped-accessible setting. The clinic will offer support groups, laboratory testing, counseling, new patient and follow-up medical appointments. Our new North Andover office is ready to help area residents on their journey to health and wellness. The Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery at Lowell General Hospital 20 Research Place, North Chelmsford, MA 01863 978.788.7200 | TTY: 978.937.6889 | www.lowellgeneral.org To learn more about how to become a patient at the Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery at Lowell General attend our informational session on January 10, 2013 at 6:00pm in the North Andover office. To register please visit www.lowellgeneral.org or call 1-877-LGHWELL. You’re Ready! Estás Lista! You have made the decision to go forward with bypass surgery. It has been a very difficult one for you to make. But never forget why you are doing this. You are mildly diabetic, you sweat profusely, you have a fatty liver which may be contributing to your digestive problem, you have fat on your back that is contributing to your round shoulders, your hip is often out – carrying 100 pounds extra cannot be good – your ankles and legs swell, you have gout, and you have an overactive bladder. Haz tomado la decisión de hacerte la cirugía de Bypass Gástrico. Ha sido una decisión muy difícil de tomar. Pero nunca olvides porqué estás haciendo esto. Tú sufres de una leve diabetes, traspiras profusamente, tienes el hígado cubierto de grasa, lo que puede contribuir a tus problemas digestivos, tienes grasa en la espalda superior, lo que hace que tus hombros se vean redondos, te molesta la cadera, (no puede ser bueno cargar con 100 libras de más), tus tobillos y tus piernas se hinchan, tienes gota y una vejiga muy activa. Although you can be grateful for general good health and energy, these problems loom large as possible serious health concerns that will grow as you age. Remember, old age is nothing more than unsolved health issues. Finally, you are embarrassed about your appearance so much that it has undermined your self-confidence in a big way. Remember, no matter how your physical appearance changes, it will be a welcom change, as you are doing this for your health, for your future, and for your family. When temptation arrives, and we know it will, use this new tool to support you. Remember your goal is health. Remember that we are lifting off old layers so the real you can shine through with health, joy and confidence. No matter what others may say or think, you know why you are doing this, and may that guide you and strengthen you with God’s help. Good luck sweet girl – be brave – you can do this. And remember to seek help if you need it. With love, respect and affection, Me Aunque puedas estar agradecida por tener energía, y salud relativamente buena, los problemas de ahora pueden volverse serios con el correr de los años. Recuerda: la vejez no es más que problemas no resueltos. Finalmente, te sientes avergonzada por tu aspecto, tanto así, que esto ha afectado profundamente tu autoestima. Pero siempre recuerda, aunque tu apariencia física cambie mucho, (un bienvenido cambio), que tú haces esto por tu salud, para tu futuro y para tu familia. Cuando llegue la tentación, y sabemos que vendrá, ayúdate con esta nueva herramienta: Recuerda que tu meta es tu salud. Recuerda que estamos levantando las viejas “capas” para que el “verdadero yo” pueda brillar con salud, seguridad y alegría. No importa lo que los demás digan o piensen, tú sabes por qué estás haciendo esto, y que este pensamiento te guíe y fortalezca; con la ayuda de Dios. Buena suerte, dulce muchacha, ten valor, tú puedes hacer esto. Y recuerda de buscar ayuda si la necesitas. Con amor, respeto y cariño, Yo Meet the New Ambassadors In April, the Center for Weight Management welcomed six new Ambassadors to our ranks. Janet Haouchine, Maggie Marshall, Jennifer Simons, Bob Teperow, Mary Towse, and Denise Woodard have graciously volunteered to help support our pre- and post-op patients as they go through their individual journeys. All of our Ambassadors are carefully screened and receive Volunteer Training in accordance with Lowell General Hospital’s rigorous standards. When training is complete, each new Ambassador receives a Lowell General Hospital photo ID and can begin supporting patients. In addition to making visits to patients after surgery and providing real-time support in the classroom, our Ambassadors are the key to making the FIT activities a success. As you come through the center for appointments, activities, or support meetings, please welcome our new Ambassadors. We couldn’t do it without them! If interested in becoming an Ambassador, applications are available at the Center for Weight Management after January 1, 2013. Ambassador Orientation will be held in the Spring. 2 Stay connected with the Center for Weight Management at www.lowellgeneral.org Find information on the workshops, events, support groups, the “Heal Faster” Program, the Patient Ambassador Program and much more! A New You – 2012 to highlight the best looks for everyone. Brook and Bridgette have provided each participant with full licensing rights to have the pictures printed as they desire. Please visit their websites to see the pictures and how much fun we had at the photo sessions: www.brookmariephotography.com and www.bridgettebraleyphotography.com/ Celebrations (password LGH). Toward the end of the event, raffles were held by many of the merchants. For those who signed up for the makeovers, CABi raffled $100 gift certificates to five lucky winners! Gift bags were raffled for all attendees by Arbonne and Mary Kay cosmetics while One-to-One BodyScapes gave away a free consultation and session at their facility. This year’s event was a smashing success! We had a great turnout, with more than 20 clients taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity along with several other attendees who came to see the vendors and enjoy the camaraderie. Merchants participating in the event included Mary Kay, CABi, Lia Sofia, Arbonne, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, and One-to-One BodyScapes of Westford. Cathy Coker, DPM, from New England Foot and Ankle was also on hand to advise people about the importance of properly fitting shoes and recommended consultations for those having concerns about their feet. Meaghan LaBrecque and Samantha Mullin skillfully managed the makeup sitting for each of the participants. Using a color palette specially prepared by Mary Kay, Meaghan and Samantha began the transformation of each participant for their photo session, focusing on the natural beauty of the individual. From there clients were treated to hairstyling by the wonderful people from Salon Apryl of Nashua, NH. April Bohaker and her team completed the makeover transformation, styling each participant’s hair to beautifully frame their face and enhance their features. Participants were not limited to their own wardrobes for the shoot. Cathy Lipson of CABi opened her line of clothes and Barbara Bilo offered her line of Lia Sophia jewelry for makeover participants to use in their photo sessions. In addition, there were other clothes and fun retro accessories available through donations made by volunteers at the event. There were lots of opportunities to make the most of the photo sessions and to play with personal presentation. New for this year’s event was a serenity spa, masterfully choreographed by Grace Conlon, our own Christine LaBrecque’s mother. Makeover participants were treated to a soothing, aroma-filled session complete with a foot soak and a heated neck and shoulder wrap. The candlelit room with the peaceful meditative music allowed participants to reflect and unwind before going in front of the cameras. Just as important as the makeover participants were to the success of the event, so are all the people who volunteered their time and talents to make everyone who attended A New You 2012 feel special – we thank you! Professional photographers Brook Conard and Bridgette Braley took hundreds of pictures of the participants in a number of flattering poses Join us next year on May 4 for A New You – 2013 and celebrate your journey! 3 A SMART Way to Exercise Certified Personal Trainer Answers Your Questions If you haven’t been to a post-op support group in a while, you’re missing out! On July 17, guest speaker and Certified Personal Trainer Bob Dandaraw came to the group to talk about exercise. In an engaging, informative, and motivating hour, Bob answered audience questions about the “how to’s” of exercise and how to get the most out of exercise in the least amount of time. Even if you have a mere 20 minutes a couple times a week, he said, you can get in shape and improve your fitness and physique if you have the proper guidance. The hardest part, he admitted, is getting started. Everyone learned a lot and all were motivated to get moving! Here are some of the questions Bob answered: What exercise is the best? The best exercise is the one you’ll do. Never start a program that you don’t intend to maintain; in other words, a temporary program will give you temporary results. What’s the most important factor in exercise? One word: Consistency. Stick to it consistently and you’ll get results. What’s Bob’s workout routine? As a triathlete Bob has designated days for strength (weight training), cardio, and rest. He usually works out two days then rests on the third. For example, on Monday he might do 4 a strength routine, then on Tuesday a cardio workout (a swim or run or bike ride). He would rest on Wednesday. On Thursday, it’s strength and Friday cardio, with a rest day on Saturday. On Sunday, it’s strength, Monday cardio… etc. Days off are important to rest and heal muscles. How can one stay motivated? Set goals! Bob uses the SMART approach for both long- and short-term goals. S The goal is Specific: For example, I will walk in the Tufts 10K (6.2 miles) in Boston in October. M The goal is Measureable: I will complete the 10K in under 2 hrs. A The goal is Attainable: I have time to train and I already walk 6K (3-4 miles) every other day. R The goal is realistic: I will gradually increase my walking distance by 1/2 K (1/3-1/2 mile) each week. T The goal has a timeline: I have 8 weeks to complete my goal. When’s the best time to exercise for weight loss? Whatever time will have you doing it consistently. You burn the same amount of calories whether you exercise in the morning, noon, or at night. It can help to schedule your exercise time like a doctor’s appointment, or plan to meet your exercise buddy (or trainer) at a set time on set days. That way, you have to be there! Is walking good enough for exercise? If you’re just walking you may want to incorporate some strength training like dumbbells, squats, lunges, or weight machines to build muscle. All exercise programs should have 3 components: cardio (like brisk walking), strength (weight training), and stretching. You’ll get better results more quickly and be much more fit than with walking alone. Join us at a support group! Bob Dandaraw, CPT is managing partner at One2One Bodyscapes in Westford. He is a personal trainer to both athletes and beginners of all ages, shapes, and sizes. He has clients who have had weight loss surgery and is an approachable and knowledgeable trainer who can get you on the road to better fitness, and better health. He can be reached at: bodyscapesfitness.com/location/westford-ma. Post-operative support groups occur on the third Tuesday of every month from 6-7pm in the classroom. It is open to all CWMB patients who have had weight loss surgery. You do not need to register — just show up. We have other exciting topics scheduled for the year and we always welcome your suggestions. We hope to see you there! My “A-ha!” Moment For all of us who have struggled all our lives with obesity, we all had our own “final straw” that helped us decide to proceed with weight loss surgery. Mine was my soccer star son, Noah. I had many of the classic signs of a patient who had to do something; high blood pressure and cholesterol, sleep apnea, asthma, shortness of breath, back and knee pain, etc. But it wasn’t until I realized that I could no longer attend Noah’s soccer camps before I finally knew it was time. Noah has been playing soccer since he was 4 years old and made the State team when he was only 11. My wife and I have been chaperones at many of his events, including grueling summer camps each year in New Jersey. It was our job to monitor the boys at all times which included long walks in the heat, games in 100 degree weather, and staying in non-air conditioned By Bob Teperow dorm rooms. At over 330 pounds, I just couldn’t do it anymore. I vividly remember thinking “I can’t be with my son because I’m too fat”. That was the moment I decided to take control of my life and do something about my obesity. With the help and support of the staff at the Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery at Lowell General Hospital, I had successful gastric bypass surgery in 2009 and have lost 120 pounds. All of my health issues are gone and I truly look and feel like a new person. I just returned from another soccer camp with my son, and had no problems enduring all the walking and the heat of summer. And Noah was once again selected to the US Soccer Regional Team! Thank you to Noah for being my inspiration and thank you Center for Weight Management for my new life. Finding Inspiration Together Activities Throughout the year our Ambassadors facilitate many different activities. These activities offer an opportunity for many people to try something new, or maybe something that they have not done in years. The support and renewed sense of accomplishment participating in these activities provide inspiration to conquer the hurdles that are presented during a person’s weight loss journey. Below Mary describes her kayaking adventure. We hope you will join us for one or all of the upcoming F.I.T. activities over the next year. Our group was full of friendly faces, several I knew from our meetings, so that was one worry put to rest. We all piled into a van and traveled to the Amesbury boat ramp. We chose kayaks from several laid out on the shore. I put my dibs on the one with the widest opening, which proved to be more than big and comfortable enough for my cooler and me, as they all were. George gave us some paddling lessons and sage safety advice: if you tip over just blow the whistle on your life vest, stay with the kayak, and he and Ted would be right there to get you back inside. Of course, I had no whistle on my vest and got a bit panicky. George reassured me that no one had ever tipped before, but I knew there always had to be a first person. Off we went into the river, launched one by one like baby ducklings by George and Ted. Yikes! As hot as the day turned out, it was measurably cooler on the river, so I was glad to be there. Our first trial was to get across the river, but again we were skillfully guided like baby ducklings; look both ways for boat and jet ski traffic, find a clear opening, and paddle, paddle, paddle, to the other side. After gathering safely on the opposite side of the river, we began our very easy paddle, with the current, down the river. I was beginning to enjoy this! I fit, my stuff fit, the paddling was easily doable, and our guides were very attentive and knowledgeable. Around 1:00pm, we stopped for a picnic lunch in Maudsley State Park. After a leisurely riparian feast (to quote Mrs. Bucket), bathroom break, and water bottle refills we got back on the river. We paddled and floated onward navigating boats and jet skis successfully. Around 3:00pm we stopped at a sandy beach and took a refreshing dip in the river. Ahh...it felt so good! I was really enjoying myself and disappointed that it would soon end. Who knew? Soon we were at the boat ramp beside the Black Cow restaurant, right on schedule. I met some new friends, spent a beautiful day with them, learned a new skill, enjoyed the river thoroughly, and survived in spite of my long list of worries. I want to do it again next year, so I hope George plans a return trip. On my way home all I could think was, “Why didn’t more people try this?” FAitZ from Sunday, July 1st dawned sunny and hot, and once again I was having second thoughts about kayaking for the very first time. As I drove to Newburyport alone, I kept worrying: could I actually fit into those small openings kayaks have? Would I have the upper body strength and endurance for a day of paddling on the Merrimack River? Would my cooler would fit? Would I have enough water to drink? Would I get lost getting to the shop? Would I know anyone else besides George in the group? By the time I arrived, read and signed the legal release, and got my life jacket (which I was also sure would never fit) I was questioning the sanity of my decision to risk my life in one of those small plastic boats that looked too fragile to support me. Why would anyone do this? to See pages 6 and 7 for all our F.I.T. Activities, including the 2013 kayaking trip on June 23! 5 2012 and 2013 Finding Inspiration Together Recipe Contest November 13, 2012, 5:00–7:00pm Center for Weight Management Classroom 20 Research Place, Chelmsford, MA 01863 Make your favorite bariatric friendly recipes for shakes and meals and bring some copies of your recipe to share. You will have the opportunity to taste and vote on your favorites. Annual Holiday Party and Yankee Swap December 11, 2012, 5:00–7:00pm Center for Weight Management Classroom 20 Research Place, Chelmsford, MA 01863 Get in the holiday spirit by taking part in our party. You can’t go wrong with an atmosphere filled with joy and laughter. Enjoy great music, food, people, and take part in our Yankee Swap. Families are welcome! Movie Night for Food Pantry February 8, 2013, 7:00–9:00pm Center for Weight Management Classroom 20 Research Place, Chelmsford, MA 01863 Come enjoy a family movie and healthy snacks. Bring your pillow and blanket to get comfortable for a wonderful family night. Bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to a local food pantry. Snow Tubing & Winter Family Fun January 17, 2013, 6:00–8:00pm Nashoba Valley Ski Area 79 Powers Road, Westford, MA Please join the F.I.T. Group in an evening of family fun and activity at Nashoba Valley Park! There are fifteen lanes and you will be given an opportunity to ride one of four lifts to the top of the hill. Spring Fling – Easter Egg Hunt, Face Painting and More March 23, 2013, 10:00am–12:00pm Center for Weight Management 20 Research Place, Chelmsford, MA Enjoy a morning of games, face painting, egg hunting and more. Shake off those winter blues and join us for some fresh air and friendship. To register for these and other events or programs at the Center for 6 (F.I.T.) Calendar of Activities Kite Flying for the Whole Family May 18, 2013, 9:00–11:00am Center for Weight Management 20 Research Place, Chelmsford, MA 01863 Come and make your own kite, then let it soar to the sky! Be creative, have fun, meet some new friends. Kayak Paddle at Plum Island June 23, 2013, 10:00am–4:00pm (depending on the tides) Plum Island Kayak Newburyport, MA Bowling – Family Fun and Exercise, too! April 13, 2013, 1:00pm Brunswick Bowling Alley 647 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA This activity has hidden benefits for good health. It focuses on your entire body. Your biceps, waistline, back, abs, legs, and chest will all be challenged in this fun sport. A New You – A Day of Beauty and Fashion May 4, 2013, 11:00am – 4:00pm Center for Weight Management 20 Research Place, Chelmsford, MA 01863 Join us for A New You! Come celebrate your accomplishments, big and small, and embrace the new you. A New You will feature mini makeovers, providing hairstyling and make-up for participants, followed by a photo session with professional photographers. This paddle is designed specifically for weight loss patients. Plum Island Kayak provides a private, guided tour down the Merrimack River from Rocks Village to downtown Newburyport. We’ll paddle down river with the current, view several species of wildlife and explore several creeks and estuaries. BBQ – Family Fun in the Sun July 21, 2013, 10:00am–1:00pm Near Sampus Pavillion Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA Join us for a fun day of outdoor activities and a bariatric friendly barbecue. Bring your Frisbees, balls, jump ropes, or any other outdoor fun equipment. Spinners Baseball Game August 26, 2013, 7:05pm LaLacheur Park, Lowell, MA Join us for a fun day at the ballpark. Families are welcome to join us. Weight Management, please call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355) 7 Relax, Refocus, Reenergize The Center for Weight Management’s April retreat provided an opportunity for post-op clients to gather and share their experiences while finding the inspiration to recommit to their individual goals. The day began with movement and meditation in a yoga class led by Samantha Baker, BA, LMT, RYT. The class was geared to all ability levels and received positive comments from all who participated. Following the yoga, retreat participants were treated to a tea bar, presented by MaryBeth Sherrin, with a wonderful assortment of loose teas to explore and savor. During this time, Ms. Baker offered chair massage for those interested in a bit of deeper relaxation. Once everyone was refreshed, participants divided into two groups to discuss the road ahead and how to refocus our energies on our health 1. Turkey Rollups (2 servings, 2 rollups each) • 4 slices deli turkey breast • 8 teaspoons honey mustard, or mango chutney • Freshly ground pepper, to taste • 8 sesame breadsticks Preparation Spread each slice of turkey with 2 teaspoons mustard (or mango chutney) and season with pepper. Wrap each prepared turkey slice around 2 breadsticks. Nutrition per serving : 82 Calories; 4g Fat; 1g Sat; 1g Mono; 10mg Cholesterol; 10g Carbohydrates; 3g Protein; 0g Fiber; 238mg Sodium; 47mg Potassium 2. Tomato-Basil Skewers • 16 small fresh mozzarella balls • 16 fresh basil leaves • 16 cherry tomatoes • Extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle • Coarse salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste Preparation Thread mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on small skewers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Try a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar, too. Nutrition per piece : 46 Calories; 3g Fat; 2g Sat; 0g Mono; 8mg Cholesterol; 1g Carbohydrates; 3g Protein; 0g Fiber; 217mg Sodium; 34mg Potassium Find more great recipes at www.eatingwell.com 8 goals. Christine LaBrecque facilitated the group of post-op participants less than two years out while MaryBeth Sherrin led those more than two years out. Each group discussed their achievements, expectations, and challenges. Conversations were lively and everyone benefitted from the experiences shared by others. The retreat wrapped up with a session on reenergizing with real snacks, a quick lesson in making bariatric-friendly and protein-packed snacks presented by MaryBeth Sherrin. For bariatric patients, snacks are more than an opportunity to nibble, they provide a boost of energy and an important protein source. These simple recipes, selected from www.eatingwell.com, show how to easily get more protein while satisfying cravings: 3. Apricot Canapés • 16 dried apricots • 8 teaspoons crumbled blue cheese • 2 ounces chopped shelled pistachios • 1/2 teaspoon honey • Freshly ground pepper Preparation Top each apricot with 1/2 teaspoon cheese. Sprinkle with pistachios and drizzle with honey; sprinkle with pepper. Nutrition per piece : 64 Calories; 4g Fat; 1g Sat; 2g Mono; 1mg Cholesterol; 7g Carbohydrates; 2g Protein; 1g Fiber; 20mg Sodium; 170 mg Potassium 4. Quick Kebabs (1 serving) • 1/2 ounce cubed roasted deli turkey • 1/2 ounce cubed Cheddar cheese • 1/4 cup grapes • 6 dried apricots Preparation Thread turkey, cheese, grapes and apricots onto a wooden skewer. Nutrition per serving : 218 Calories; 5g Fat; 3g Sat; 1g Mono; 20mg Cholesterol; 37g Carbohydrates; 7g Protein; 5g Fiber; 247mg Sodium; 714mg Potassium WLS Cheeseburger Delight I love these for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Perfect when I need a cheeseburger fix. • • • • • • 1 yellow onion - diced small ½ lb. ground beef ½ c. shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) 5 eggs (large or extra large) ½ tsp. salt pepper to your taste Preparation Cook ground beef until done. Sauté onions until translucent and add to ground beef. Set aside to cool. While that is cooling warm oven to 350˚. Grease two small mini muffins tins. Combine all other ingredients and when cool add beef mixture. Spoon into mini muffin tins and bake about 25 minutes until cooked. I usually get 25-30 per batch. These freeze really well for quick snack anytime or just eat two or three as a meal! The “Elvis” Protein Shake I’m all shook up after drinking this bad boy! • • • • • 8 oz. lactose free milk (or regular, skim, or Soy) 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 3 Tbsp. peanut butter 1/2 banana 1 Tbsp. SF Vanilla Torani Preparation Add everything to your blender (I use my trusty Ninja) and blend away! I like mine over ice and typically add a squirt of sugar-free whipped topping. I liked it, but am not in love with the peanut butter banana combo, but others really love it! Chocolate Chocolate Peppermint Protein Shake This is my favorite shake! • • • • • 8 oz. milk (I use lactose & fat free) 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Tbsp. SF Chocolate Torani 1 Tbsp. SF Peppermint Torani Few ice cubes Preparation Add everything to your blender (I use my trusty Ninja) and blend away! I like mine over ice and typically add a squirt of sugar-free whipped topping. Blend really well. Pour into a fancy glass and I like to top with sugar-free whipped topping… Hood® makes a good one in a can. Protein Sugar-Free Banana Muffins I have a ton of bananas on my counter that have just about seen their last day. I would hate to just throw them out so I have created a sugar free banana muffin with no flour and added protein powder! • • • • • • • 3/4 c. old fashioned oats 2 scoops protein powder (banana or vanilla) 1/2 c. Splenda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. cinnamon dash salt Add ingredients in food processor and blend. Once combined add in: • 3 bananas • 2 eggs • 1/2 c. Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain) • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract (I use vanilla bean paste) Preparation Combine until well mixed. Pour mix into well sprayed muffin tins. Do not use paper liners. Using paper liners with recipes with oats will cause the muffins to stick to the liners. Bake at 350˚ for 15-18 minutes, remove from oven and place on cooling rack One of these will find its way to my belly for dessert tonight… and maybe one for breakfast tomorrow! These muffins have about 90 calories, 8 grams of sugar and 9 grams of protein if you make full size muffins and get 9 out of your mix. Usually I make mini muffins and freeze them. Counts will vary depending on your yogurt and protein powder! These would also be really great with some nuts or blueberries mixed in! If you try these let me know! I always love feedback :) 9 Providing Complete connected care ! SM As you enter the Center for Weight Management office you will be welcomed by Sue and Darlene at the front desk. These are caring, wellinformed professionals whose job is to ensure that appointments are friendly, yet professional experiences. They will assist you with the completion of necessary paperwork prior to your appointment. They are trained to answer questions pertaining to referrals, support groups, insurance coverage, letters of absence from and return to work, and other non-medical issues. They are here to help and encourage patients through the weight loss surgery process. To make your check-in quick and efficient, Darlene and Sue would like to remind you that: • Everyone must pre-register with Lowell General Hospital for every appointment • Arrive in our office 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time • All new patients must have the two Initial Questionnaires completed It is important to the staff that you feel welcome, well informed and have all of your needs met when you come for an appointment; please let us know if there is anything we can do for you! Proveemos Atención Completa y Personalizada Cuando entre a la oficina del Centro de Control de Peso, Darlene y Sue, en el mostrador de entrada, le darán la bienvenida. Ambas son profesionales dedicadas y bien informadas, cuyo trabajo consiste en asegurar que las citas sean experiencias agradables y profesionales. Ellas le ayudarán a completar los papeles necesarios antes de su cita relacionados con remisiones, grupos de apoyo, cobertura de seguros médicos, cartas para ausencia y/ó regreso al trabajo, y otras cuestiones no médicas. Están aquí para ayudar y alentar a los pacientes, a lo largo del proceso de la cirugía de pérdida de peso. Ellas hacen que su proceso de registración sea rápido e eficiente; Darlene y Sue necesitan recordarle lo siguiente: Free Info Sessions The Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery offers FREE information sessions on surgical weight loss options and how they could help you change your life! Friends and family can find out more about our weight loss surgery procedures: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Gastric Band. SessionswillfeatureMichaelE.Jiser,MD,RoyR.Shen,MD, NariSabeti,MD,andRebeccaC.Shore,MD First Tuesday of the month from 6:00-8:00pm Third Friday of the month from 12:00-1:00pm To register call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355) Latin Corner/Esquina Latina Spanish Support Group meets the second Saturday of every month at 11:00am. If you are interested in joining, please call 978-788-7200. El grupo de ayuda español resuelve el segundo sábado de cada mes en 11am. Si usted está interesado en ensamblar el email español o árbol del teléfono para los acontecimientos que vienen ascendentessatisface el contacto el centro de la gerencia del peso en 978-788-7200 y proveeremos de usted la información del contacto de Cindy Marcano. 10 • Deberá registrarse con el Hospital Lowell General antes cada cita. • Procure llegar 15 minutos antes de la hora de su cita. • Los pacientes nuevos deberán traer los dos cuestionarios completamente llenados a la cita inicial. Es importante para nosotros que se sienta bienvenido; por favor háganos saber si hay algo que podemos hacer por usted. Ten Years of Weight Loss Surgery: We Want to Hear From you! The first Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y surgery was performed in Lowell, Massachusetts on February 5, 2003. Dr. Jiser arrived in the operating room with his lucky Yankees surgical cap as all of us Red Sox fans enthusiastically awaited this monumental event. In May of that same year, Dr. Shen joined our Weight Management team, and by the end of the year the two surgeons had performed 104 Gastric Bypass surgeries. Dr. Shore joined the team in 2005 and Dr. Sabeti in 2010. To date, these four surgeons have performed more than 3000 weight loss surgeries. Healthy results It is important to everyone here at the Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery that weight loss surgery has helped improve the overall health of our patients. That’s why what matters most to surgeon and staff, is seeing a patient for his/her annual post-operative visit and hearing from them about the results. Tell us your story Having weight loss surgery is a huge decision and whether you feel you have been successful with it or not, we want to know. We have created two surveys we’d like you to participate in, which are posted on the Lowell General Hospital website. 1. The first survey - 10 Years of Weight Loss Surgery - is anonymous and provides an opportunity for all of our weight loss surgery patients to describe his/her respective journey. We want to know about your experiences, both good and bad. It’s your chance to be brutally honest with yourself and with us! Visit: www.lowellgeneral.org/yoursurgeryresults 2. The second survey – Place me on your celebration list - lets us know if you are interested in attending the10 year celebration we are planning to hold in early 2013. A chance to kick up your heels and share your victory with others! Visit: www.lowellgeneral.org/10yrcelebration 11 Want to Join our Email Community? Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers! The Center for Weight Management’s email group is a safe, private, and convenient way to stay in touch with happenings at the Center,to give and receive helpful advice, and find supportive friends who share your experiences of weight loss surgery. This group is only available to our active patients and it is not open to the public. Currently over 200 members have participated in various topics such as: Quiere unirse al correo electrónico de la comunidad? Si tiene preguntas, nosotros tenemos las respuestas! “Hair loss” El correo electrónico del Centro De Control de Peso es un grupo seguro, privado y conveniente para mantenerse al tanto de lo que sucede en la Clínica, dar y recibir consejos útiles, y encontrar apoyo entre amigos que están pasando por las mismas experiencias de la cirugía para bajar de peso. Este grupo está disponible a nuestros pacientes activos y no está abierto al público. Actualmente han participado más de 200 miembros en varios temas como: “What happens during surgery” “Esperar, pacientemente, la fecha de la cirugía” Plus there’s information about support groups, products, recipes, FIT activities, and more. “Perdida del cabello” If you’d like to join the list, send an email to [email protected] that includes your full name (so we can verify you are a patient) and email address. You will receive an invitation and link to join. Además, hay información sobre los grupos de apoyo, productos, recetas, actividades físicas y más. “Patiently waiting for surgery date” “Que sucede durante la cirugía” Si desea unirse al grupo, mande un correo electrónico a [email protected] e incluya su nombre completo (para identificarlo como paciente nuestro) y dirección de correo electrónico. Usted recibirá una invitación y la pagina de web para unirse al grupo. The Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery at Lowell General Hospital 20 Research Place, North Chelmsford, MA 01863 I 978.788.7200 TTY: 978.937.6889 I www.lowellgeneral.org