The Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center offers a wide range of minimally invasive weight loss surgery options. “My aim is to provide those who have been struggling to successfully lose weight with minimally invasive surgical options that will help them reach their weight loss goals and resolve many of their related health issues, such as Type 2 Diabetes,” said Dr. Saber, Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Catherine Wong, MS, RD, CDN, nutritionist, offer their patients the following top-ten ways to keep the weight off after surgery. To learn more please call 973-926-7331 or 973-926-7402.
The program is led by Dr. Alan A. Saber and a multidisciplinary team of dietitians, primary care providers, psychiatrists and psychologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, radiologists and emergency medicine physicians, all working together to ensure a successful procedure and long-lasting results.
- Stay hydrated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water and/or sugar-free drinks a day.
- Avoid hidden calories. Beverages such as fruit juice, soda, cocktails, beer and wine often contain sugars that can sabotage an otherwise healthy diet.
- Stay active. Dr. Saber and Catherine Wong recommend exercising for 30-45 minutes every day for at least 5 days a week, to keep the weight off.
- Choose healthy cooking techniques. It’s always better to bake or broil foods rather than frying items in oils, which can add calories to your meal.
- Practice mindful eating. If you chew your food at least 20-30 times with each bite you will eat less.
- Write it down. Keep track of what you are eating by using a food diary. There are also many health apps available to help you keep track of your food intake, calories and activities.
- Cut calories. Before surgery, Dr. Saber and Catherine Wong recommend that the average woman consume about 1800 calories a day and the average man consume about 2,200 calories a day to prepare for life after the procedure when calorie intake is reduced even further.
- Be prepared. Preparing your meals ahead of time has been shown to improve portion control and help reduce calorie intake.
- Eat your veggies. No diet is complete without a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables. They recommend filling half of your plate with vegetables and eating at least two fruits a day.
- Be consistent. Maintaining a consistent diet and exercise plan is the most effective way to ensure a successful weight loss result.
