Virginia's lost the weight
using the Gastric Balloon
Let me tell you about one of our patients, named Virginia, who is in our Gastric Balloon Program.
Over the course of several years, Virginia had been dealing with some serious health issues for which she had been prescribed a number of medications. These medications contributed to an increasing weight problem and once she was off the medications, she found that the weight gain persisted. Virginia had tried dieting but did not have success with achieving satisfactory weight loss so she decided to explore an innovative new approach. Virginia joined our Gastric Balloon Program earlier this year and with the help of the Gastric Balloon and the support of our comprehensive team of specially trained weight loss experts, she has now lost over 40 lbs. She is confident, that armed with the new lifestyle and eating habits that she has learned she will be able to keep the weight off for good. The Gastric Balloon is a unique solution for those people who have struggled to achieve and maintain significant weight loss.
top
The Gastric Balloon is here
We are pleased to update you on what’s new at our clinic. SWLC has now performed over 1800 Lap-Band procedures and recently introduced a Gastric Balloon Program.
This new program is for individuals with 30-50 lb. to lose, who are frustrated with dieting and want to try something more effective. The Gastric Balloon is a non-surgical aid for weight loss. It consists of a soft, expandable balloon, which is inserted in the stomach and then filled with sterile water. The Gastric Balloon gives patients a sense of fullness and satiety, which helps them to reduce their food intake. It can be left in the stomach for a period of up to six months before it must be removed. The Gastric Balloon Program at SWLC is a one-year intensive program that involves a team of specially trained weight loss experts, including doctors, nurses, dietitian, wellness coach and patient coordinators. We customize your program to help you succeed in achieving significant and sustained weight loss.
top
What causes food cravings and
how can you curb them?
A craving can be defined as an intense desire for a particular thing; in this case, food. There are many possible reasons for why cravings develop. These can include:
Irregular eating and missed meals and snacks. If you don't eat enough food, you can create a feeling of intense hunger. Be sure to eat healthy meals and snacks regularly throughout the day.
Lack of specific nutrients. Some theories suggest you can crave what you lack, and most of the time your body doesn't have an easy way of telling you what nutrients you may need.
Avoiding foods. Avoiding your favourite foods for long periods of time can make you crave something so much that you may end up over-indulging in it. Avoid "all or none" thinking and allow yourself occasional indulgences in your eating choices.
Readily available snacks. Just knowing the chocolate or potato chips are nearby can make you want them more. "Out of sight, out of mind" is often the best strategy. Manage your environment and keep your fridge and cupboards stocked with easy and healthy snack options, like a handful of trail mix, fresh fruit with some cheese, yogurt or a glass of milk or raw vegetables and hummus.
Emotions! Have you ever craved a treat because you had a bad day? Eating carbohydrate-rich foods like grains, starches and sweets can increase serotonin production and help you to feel calm and relaxed. Fill up mostly on healthy carbohydrates like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
top
To help prevent cravings, try to find out what is really causing them and then look at changing those factors. If you still end up needing to satisfy a craving, take the following steps:
Find out why you're hungry. Are you eating in response to an emotion such as anger or frustration? If so, try to remember that eating likely won't fill the "hunger" void you're feeling. Instead, try listening to your favourite feel-good song, calling an old friend or getting some physical activity or fresh air.
If it is true hunger, ask yourself why. Did you miss a meal? Is it time for a healthy snack? Try to eat something nutritious first. If you are still craving more, try to identify exactly what will satisfy the craving. Think about whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy, savoury, hot or cold. This strategy might help to address your craving better the next time.
Pour yourself a glass of water first. This may reduce the craving, since sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger.
Allow yourself to indulge in a craving once in a while without feeling guilty. There's nothing wrong with the occasional treat – all foods can fit. At the same time, make it harder to get at your favourite treats by managing your environment and not stocking your house or workplace with foods you're likely to overeat. This will help set you up for success.
Comfort yourself without food. Try going for a walk, taking a bath, getting some fresh air, reading a book, doing a hobby or calling a friend. Keeping physically active is one of the best ways to lessen cravings and boost your mood.
top
SWLC welcomes our new
Wellness Coach
Kelly Gibson-Luchich has moved into her new role as a full time SWLC Wellness Coach. Kelly will help our patients put their vision of their ideal self into words, making their weight management target clear and attainable. Wellness coaching can help people to develop an ever-evolving set of goals and the skills to bring about lasting change.
Kelly has an Honours B.Sc. in Psychology and has completed the professional Wellness Coaching and Master Coaching program through Wellcoaches Corporation of Boston. Wellcoaches Corporation is setting the standard for professional coaches in healthcare and has built the largest community of coaches in healthcare worldwide. This new position also gives Kelly the opportunity to share her passion for fitness, health and wellness with SWLC patients.
Kelly's role will be to provide wellness coaching for Lap-Band and Gastric Balloon patients to help them make the changes necessary to achieve their weight loss goals. As a Wellness Coach, Kelly listens attentively, offers steadfast support, empathy and encouragement. She acts as a cheerleader and confidant. She aspires to motivate and challenge. Kelly desires to make the coaching dynamic comfortable, friendly and fun.
The purpose of SWLC wellness coaching is to assist our patients in identifying priorities, motivators and obstacles in an effort to find their own solutions on the journey to realizing their ultimate weight loss vision.
top
For further information on wellness coaching please contact the SWLC.