Posted on April 14, 2011 in Post Op Diet, Uncategorized, Vitamins and Supplements, Weight loss Support Group
Success after Weight Loss Surgery!
Question: How do you spell Success?
Answer:
1.) Eat by the Clock: Letting your body know when it can expect food , allows it to take what it needs and get rid of the rest. In turn, your body will then turn to fat stores for energy. Thus, burning fat for fuel! (** Additional resource: Post Operative Diet instructions for after Weight Loss Surgery)
2.) Just say NO to Drinking at Mealtime: You and your pouch need to feel full and satisfied! So don’t wash away all that hard work by flushing your food out of your pouch with liquids! Let your pouch empty on its own and this will keep hunger and grazing far from the equation!
3.)Take Vitamin-Calcium Supplements Daily: – Two (2) Flintstones Chewable with iron—Three (3) Tums daily for calcium—Two (2) Feosol if female until reaching menopause
4.) Annual Weight and Labs Contact Dr. Champion’s office for more about your annual tests
5.) Your Daily Dose of Water and Exercise
6.) Attend Your Local Support Group: Some of our most successful patients attend support groups on a regular basis.
Posted on January 1, 2011 in Uncategorized
What one single personality trait most makes you popular, attractive and sexy?
It’s nothing to do with being tall, slim and beautiful.
It has everything to do with being confident.
Countless studies show that people are attracted to people with high self-esteem. If a person genuinely believes in themselves – not with the arrogance of uncertainty, but with a calm inner security – people are drawn to them like a magnet.
What happened to my confidence?
What stops you being confident?
- Negative messages (Verbal and Nonverbal)
- Childhood trauma, abuse, illnesses.
- A major shake-up in adult life, Good or Bad. –Bad- a relationship break-up, career setback, etc. Good-becoming a Mom or turning another year older – can dent your normal confidence and spiral you into self doubt.
- Depression, which can be caused by imbalanced brain chemicals, can also result in low self-esteem. This is a vicious circle – because lowered self-esteem can then be caused by depression.
To start to turn this around and become self secure, you first need to alter the basics, the way you approach life in general.
- Learn to think differently. When you fall into self-criticism and unconfident thoughts, note them – and change them to positive thoughts.
- Learn to speak differently. If you pepper your talk with self put-downs, you’ll not only convince yourself you’re not capable – you’ll convince others as well. Use ‘I can’ instead of ‘I can’t', ‘Next time I will’ instead of ‘If only I had’.
- Try to stop judging yourself by what happens to you in life, so you’re not basing your confidence on outside events. It’s tempting to feel confident only when you do well or feel popular. Confident people take the rough with the smooth, so that when things go wrong in their lives they can rise above and deal with the situation.
- If you suspect that your lack of confidence is down to some trauma or disaster in your life, get support from a counselor to work through the problem.
- Be aware of when you are succeeding. So when you do something well, be friendly to yourself and give yourself a pat on the back! And when failure knocks at your door, remember that there is a tomorrow! (Another chance to SUCCEED!)
What is a Serving Size?
What’s a recommended serving size for meat?
- Experts suggest 3 oz of cooked meat which is the size of: a deck of cards; or a hamburger bun.
What’s a recommended serving size for cheese?
One ounce of cheese equals:
- 1 cube of hard cheese
- 3 tablespoons of grated cheese
- 1 1/2 slices of wrapped cheese
Remember that brands may differ, so check the label!
What counts towards servings of fruits and vegetables a day?
- One medium-sized fruit (ex. apple, orange, banana, pear)
- 1/2 cup of raw, cooked, canned or frozen fruits or vegetables
- 3/4 cup (6 oz.) of 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice
- 1/2 cup cut-up fruit
- 1/2 cup cooked or canned legumes (beans and peas)
- 1 cup of raw, leafy vegetables (ex. lettuce, spinach)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (ex. raisins, apricots, mango)
Posted on March 9, 2010 in Uncategorized
Ingredients
18 each fresh asparagus, peeled
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
6 thin lean ham slices
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, low fat, grated
1 tablespoon margarine
1/2 cup nonfat milk
3 tablespoons almonds, slivered
Directions
1. In a non-stick saute pan saute asparagus until just tender. (Nonstick spray can be used to coat the pan first)
2. Melt margarine in heavy saucepan
3. Stir in flour, salt and mustard. Gradually stir in skim milk. Cook, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Add cheese and continue stirring until cheese is melted
5. Divide asparagus into 6 portions
6. Place asparagus portions on and parallel to narrow end of each ham slice
7. Roll as for jelly roll with asparagus in the center of each roll-up
8. Arrange roll-ups in a baking dish with seam side down
9. Pour sauce over roll-ups
10. Bake at 350 degrees until sauce is bubbly, about 20 minutes
Nutrition
Per serving: 110 calories, 10 grams protein, 5 grams fat (1 gram saturated),
15 mg cholesterol, 6 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 420 mg sodium
Posted on January 28, 2010 in Latest News, Uncategorized
We are looking for a stellar patient to become our new Support Group Facilitator for our Winder Group. If you are interested, please contact the office for more information.
Posted on November 20, 2009 in Uncategorized
Many people fail to lose weight, or may even gain weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Don’t be one of them. Following your Bariatric surgery, it is important to continue to follow the recommended eating pattern: meats first, vegetables and fruits second, followed by other foods.
First of all it is important to eat. DON’T SKIP MEALS. Regular meals help to keep your metabolism high, thus burning calories. For best results, eat three meals and a snack. Eat within an hour of rising and every four to five hours thereafter. It is especially important to eat breakfast. Also, don’t forget to eat when you are busy. Many people eat too fast or too much when they have skipped a meal, resulting in nausea and vomiting.
Remember, that even if you don’t feel hunger, your body needs the protein and other nutrients that the meal provides, so take time out from work or shopping to eat.
Second, remember the recommended meal pattern: meat first, 2-3 ounces of meat for protein and to promote satiety. The pouch will empty too quickly if you aren’t eating enough meat. Then you get hungry too soon and start snacking.
Next, eat your vegetables. Vegetables that are lower in carbohydrates are best. The fiber in vegetables helps to make you feel fuller on fewer calories. Next, eat fruit. Fresh is best, since it is higher in fiber. Sweeten with a sugar substitute if needed. Garnish with cinnamon, nutmeg or a sprinkle of sugar free flavored gelatin.
A lot of favorite foods are served at holiday meals. Many of these foods are high in sugar, fat, and calories so they are often poorly tolerated. Plan ahead for holiday meals. For foods high in fat, limit your portion to one or two bites. For foods high in sugar, prepare using an artificial sweetener.
So give yourself a holiday gift of continuing to follow the dietary guidelines. They don’t change with the seasons. Don’t forget to exercise!
Posted on November 5, 2009 in Uncategorized
When:
November 6, 02:00 pm – November 7, Midnight 2009
Where:
Atlanta Airport Marriott
4711 Best Road
Atlanta, GA
Hotel Website
404-766-7900
Announcements:
We’re kicking off our 2009 Regional Event Season with professional and dynamic speakers, such as Dr. Garth Davis and Mary Jo Rapini, stars of TLC’s BIG MEDICINE! In addition to the tremendous insight that they offer, we will have breakout speakers in the areas of bariatric surgery and plastic surgery who are at the top of their fields, along with related professionals. Breakout sessions include Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Henderson, Dr. Connie Stapleton, Dr. Stephen Ritz, Support Group Leader Ginger Rock, and more to be announced very soon! Come meet Piedmont Hospital in their breakout session.
We are pleased to have joining us from Brazil, Dr. Fabio Zamprogno, a plastic surgeon at the top of his field. Ethicon Endo-Surgery has invited Dr. Titus Duncan to speak in their breakout sessions, along with a patient speaker.
**Special Announcement: For the first 50 people who register online for and attend the Friday November 6th meet and greet at this event, your name will be put into a drawing for a $100 gift card. You must be present to win and be on our registration list. This registration list is electronically pulled from our online purchase system. Attendees can win only one prize per event. Walk-ups do not qualify for the Friday night drawing, but are still welcome to attend.
However…there are more drawings on Saturday, including more $100 gift cards!
Be sure to join us on Friday from 2pm-5pm for a clothing exchange! Bring your gently used, washed clothing that you no longer wear and go home with new clothing items from our exchange! Be sure to bring bags to transport your valuable finds! It’s all free..you don’t have to bring clothes to take some home.
If you would like to be involved in our member fashion show, please contact kim@obesityhelp.com for information! High resolution “Before” pictures to be sent in for presentation and show on Saturday at the beginning of our dance and social time!!
Join us for healty cooking tips, demonstrated on our main stage by Chef Dave Fouts, the World’s First Bariatric Chef!
Be sure to join our Zumba class in a breakout session! Dress in comfortable clothing.
Support group members, be sure to check with your leaders for their purchase codes. Others..email events@obesityhelp.com to see if your surgeon has a discount code!
For more information, please visit: http://www.obesityhelp.com/events/uzone,events/action,event_details/?pkid=3004&key=81de0985b23d191c38c9110b8a2c4fd9
Posted on August 26, 2009 in Uncategorized
Ready to make a personal change towards a better future?
If you are a registered Walk from Obesity participant, send us your story and tell us why you are ready to make the change to a health, fit lifestyle. One grand prize winner will receive free personal training session for 8 weeks with Certified Personal Trainer Daryl Madison of Lifestyle Fitness in Decatur!
Submit stories to contest@drchampion.com by Sunday, September 20, 2009.
Rules for Participation:
- Personal training session(s) with certified personal trainer, one day a week for eight weeks in Decatur, GA
- One phone consultation per week
- E-mail access to personal trainer
- One Chair-A-Cise DVD
- One e-book “6 Tips to Getting Maximum Results in Minimum Time with Your Home Exercise Equipment”
- Includes healthy eating plan
- Includes body composition analysis
- Winner must be willing to go to Decatur
- Winner must sign a waiver stating they are healthy enough to begin an exercise program & get a permission from their physician if required
- Start of personal training sessions expire December 31, 2009
Posted on August 25, 2009 in Uncategorized
SIXTH ANNUAL WALK FROM OBESITY
The Sixth Annual Walk from Obesity is a National Event to increase awareness of morbid obesity as a medical condition. On September 26th, 2009 hundreds of people all over America will be participating in this event to support research and education for new, effective solutions for this condition.
Whether you walk or run, whether you have had the surgery or want to support someone who has been through it, now you have the chance to show your support!
The following sponsors have already made a commitment to increasing awareness of morbid obesity and pledged their support for education, research and treatment of obesity, through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Obesity Action Coalition.

JOIN US AT PIEDMONT PARK!
Come join us on September 26, 2009 for the Atlanta Walk/Run.
The walk/race will start at 9 am, to register go online to www.walkfromobesity.com.
Site registration will start at 8:30 am. We will meet at the Main Pavilion. This is a 3 mile course for both the 3 mile walk and run.
You can visit www.piedmonpark.org to access a map/directions to the location. Please be advised that you cannot park inside of Piedmont Park. You will need to park on the perimeter and take one of the park entrances into the park and follow pathway and signs to the Main Pavilion.
For directions from your home please click here to visit Google Maps.
There are many ways to participate:
1) Register online to walk/run at www.walkfromobesity.com
2) Find sponsors to support your participation.
3) Can’t walk, but want to help – send us a check to Walk from Obesity – Atlanta. If your employer has a matching gift program, mention the employer to double your giving power.
4) Know of sponsors who would like to support this cause? See if they can support us through a financial contribution or a gift-in-kind.
5) Own your company – you can be a sponsor.
6) Recruit friends to walk as a team. If you cannot be a corporate sponsor, sponsor a Team.
If you need more information please email me at drchampion@drchampion.com
Don’t wait go and register now !!!!!!
Thank you,
Susan Champion
Coordinator of the Atlanta Walk

Click here for printable copy
Posted on August 6, 2009 in Latest News, Uncategorized
Our patients often wonder if medications are absorbed differently after weight loss surgery, and do they need to adjust their dosage.
The answer is no!
Patients who undergo a Lap- Band procedure will not have any of the small intestines bypassed, so they shouldn’t worry about medication absorption. Many will ask why we place them on supplemental vitamins and calcium if the upper portion of the small bowel is not bypassed like after the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. The answer to that question is many patients don’t eat a balanced diet which is high in iron such as green leafy vegetables, or avoid some food groups such as milk products which are high in calcium. About one out of every three patients is found to have low iron, calcium or “B†vitamins before surgery. In addition 50% of women over age 50, who haven’t had weight loss surgery, will develop osteoporosis in their lifetime or have vitamin D deficiency, so taking supplements is a good idea.
Gastric Bypass patients do have around 20% of the small bowel bypassed along with the portion just beyond the stomach called the duodenum. This will decrease the absorption of iron, calcium and “B†vitamins, so they must take supplements to remain healthy. This bypassed intestine only represents around 20% of the bowel, so medications can be absorbed normally in the remaining 80% of the distal bowel. No medications, vitamins, or nutrients are absorbed in the stomach; it simply serves as a mixer to grind up the food particles into smaller pieces. This is why you must chew your food until it is almost liquid to make up for the bypassed stomach.
We are not aware of any medications that are absorbed better or worse after Gastric Bypass Surgery. We occasionally see a reduction in thyroid medication, but we believe this is due to a change in the patient’s metabolism and weight loss, not a change in absorption. Requirements for other medications like for diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol may also decrease after Gastric Bypass due to weight loss and changes in the body’s metabolism, but it is not due to a change in absorption. Birth control pills are absorbed normally as far as we are aware, but must be taken as prescribed. Fertility often increases with weight loss, so remember to be diligent with birth control methods the first 18 months. All methods of birth control including the pill have a known failure rate of at least 1%.
So remember, take your medication as prescribed and do not make adjustments or changes without clearance from either your Primary Care Provider or Dr. Champion. Please call our office at 770-425-5525 if you have any questions.
Posted on July 30, 2009 in Uncategorized
Prep 10 min Broil/Microwave 15 min Serves 4
1lb. ground skinless chicken breast
6 Tbsp low-fat Asian sesame salad dressing
3 Tbsp plain dried bread crumbs
2 scallions, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1 (12-oz) bag broccoli coleslaw mix
2 Tbsp water
Scallions and pickled ginger. for garnish (optional)
- Spray the broiler rack with non-stick spray; preheat the broiler.
- Mix the chicken, 3 Tbsp of the dressing, the crumbs, scallions, and 1/8 tsp of the salt. Form into 4 burgers. Broil 5 inches from the heat until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
- Microwave the coleslaw and water, covered, in a microwavable bowl on High until crisp-tender, 3 minutes. Drain. Toss with 1 Tbsp dressing and the remaining salt. Top the burgers with the remaining dressing and garnish (if using). Serve with the coleslaw.
Per Serving (1 burger with 3/4 coleslaw): 233 CAL, 6 G FAT, 1 G SAT FAT,
0 G TRANS FAT, 70 MG CHOL, 498 MG SOD, 17 G CARB, 2 G FIB, 28 G PROT,
65 MG CALC.