LIOS Monthly Newsletter

Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

Richard J. Strauss, MD FACS FACRS David Buchin, MD

LIOS Newsletter Archives

January 2008 Volume 2, Issue 1

December 2007 Volume 1, Issue 1

SAVE THE DATE:

Support Group Meetings

· February 12th at 5:30pm

· March 11th at 5:30 pm

Guest Speaker:

Nicolette Pace MS, RD, CDE, CDN, CFCS

Dietician / Nutritionist

Free Informational Seminars for New Patients

· February 12th at 4:30 pm

· February 27th 5:30 pm

· March 11, 2008 at 4:30pm

IN THIS ISSUE

Text Box: Excessive alcohol intake resulting in inebriation could lower sexual inhibitions and impair good judgment, increasing the risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. Gastric bypass may not only cause emotional and hormonal changes that raise sexual desires but also increases the risk of inebriation when drinking alcohol. Even years after surgery, the gastric bypass patient has higher blood alcohol levels after consuming an alcoholic beverage than does someone who has not had the surgery. This is because the procedure bypasses most of the stomach (where some alcohol is normally broken down) and the first part of the gut. Alcohol consumed rapidly passes through the stomach pouch and dumps directly into the portion of the gut (jejunum) that has the largest surface area available for absorption. The heightened absorption of alcohol increases the risk of intoxication, which could have serious ramifications when operating an automobile, performing a skilled task, or using clear judgment in making decisions, including the decision to engage in sex. During the early postoperative period or any time while on a protein-only diet, use of alcohol may have far more detrimental consequences than intoxication, including memory loss, brain damage, coma and even death. How is this possible? The brain and nervous tissue require sugar as fuel to function. To avoid low levels, the body stores sugar in the form of glycogen. However, glycogen stores can be depleted in a short period of time with starvation or when consuming a diet low in carbohydrate. When sugar supply declines, the body has two back-up mechanisms that help to provide the brain and nervous system the fuel required to function. One of these mechanisms involves a chemical pathway that produces sugar, a process known as gluconeogenesis. With a protein-only diet, energy needed to run this pathway is supplied by incomplete breakdown of fat into ketones, a process known as ketosis. Ketones can be used by all tissue (including the brain) for fuel, and can also be converted into sugar by gluconeogenesis. The production of ketones is what causes the sweet or distinct smell in the urine and on the breath during the rapid weight loss period following gastric bypass. And, during this period, it is extremely important that alcohol NOT be consumed. Why? Alcohol inhibits ketosis and, thereby, gluconeogenesis. This means the brain and nerves are depleted of the fuel needed to function. The effects of fuel depletion include disorientation, confusion, semi-consciousness, coma and even death. Drinking alcohol after surgery, therefore, could have far more serious consequences than a loss of sexual inhibition. Based on this information, should the gastric bypass patient totally refrain from drinking alcohol? Alcohol should NOT be consumed during the rapid weight loss period or while on an all-protein diet. After this time, however, there is no reason an occasional drink should not be enjoyed, provided the consumer is aware that a small amount of alcohol can produce an inebriating effect and, having such knowledge, takes the appropriate steps to assure their safety, including having available protection in the event of heightened sexual desire.

February 2008

Volume 2, Issue 2

L.I.O.S. - SUPPORT THROUGH THE JOURNEY WWW.LIOBESITYSURGEY.COM

Helping you on Your Journey to a healthier and happier life

Alcohol Use in the Bariatric Patient

by Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D.

By Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D.

Text Box: At last month’s support group we had as our guest speaker Dr Michael Brickman, Plastic Surgeon. He spoke about the realistic expectations of having reconstructive surgery and how to prepare physically and financially for surgery. Dr Brickman showed before and after pictures and answered questions from our attendees. He answered questions such as: When will you be ready? What should you expect on your first consultation? How do you document hygiene issues caused by excess skin? What is the recovery time? What about the scars? Plastic / Reconstructive surgery is definitely not for everyone. This is a personal choice. Dr Brickman will make himself available to answer questions if you still have them. Contact our office for his information. You may also post questions and comment on the ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP—Support Group Rundown on our website. Next meeting: Tues. February 12th, 2008 at 5:30pm at 1999 Marcus Ave. Suite 106C— Everyone is asked to write down what they have accomplished and their goals for themselves for the coming year New and lightly used clothing available—FREE

Light and Cheesy Fish Fillet

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY RECIPE

Light & Cheesy Fish Fillet

ALMOND MACAROONS

2 lb. Fish fillets
2 large Tomatoes, diced
½ c. part-skim Mozzarella cheese
1 small Onion, diced
Oregano (to taste)
Lemon Pepper seasoning (to taste)

Thaw and rinse fillets. Pat dry. Cut into serving portions. Place fillet pieces in a lightly greased baking dish. Season with lemon pepper seasoning. Sprinkle onion over fish. Cover with tomatoes and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until

fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Top with oregano and mozzarella cheese and place under broiler until cheese is fully melted. www.Bariatriceating.com

Text Box: TIP OF THE MONTH: TAKE YOUR VITAMINS and SUPPLEMENTS. We have disrupted our digestive system and cannot eat enough food to run our body. We must take a special multivitamin, B's, specialty calcium, and iron... for life! Reduced calorie intake plus malabsorption with weight loss surgery can produce vitamin/mineral deficiencies. Such deficiencies, if left unattended, may cause health problems including bone loss, anemia, neurological defects, crippling, depression, confusion, loss of memory, and even death. When was the last time you had your vitamin levels checked?

L.I.O.S - SUPPORT THROUGH THE JOURNEY WWW.LIOBESITYSURGERY.COM

Alcohol Use In The Bariatric Patient	1
January Support Group Minutes	2
Tip of the Month: Taking Vitamins and Minerals	2
Recipe Of The Month: Light and Cheesy Fish Fillet	2