If you’re ever up late watching TV, you’ve probably heard of Lipozene. The diet pill seems to have singlehandedly added the term “belly fat” to our collective vocabulary by claiming it is designed specifically to empty that beer belly and detach those love handles. All you have to do is plunk down $29.95, pop the pills, and continue on your supposedly weight-losing way without so much as a nod to the importance of getting exercise or a healthy diet.

Diet pills have been around a long time. But as America’s waistline continues to increase, more and more brands of pills seem to throw their hat into the weight loss arena to see if they can get the crowd on their side.

So far, it’s pretty much been all boos for Lipozene.

The maker of the would-be wonder pill is actually the same outfit that, in 2005, was ordered by Federal Trade Commission to stop making claims that two other products, Fiberthin and Propolene (the same product as Lipozene but with different names), would cause rapid, substantial weight loss (more than 2 pounds per week) for everyone who took it without regard to diet or exercise.

It’s now 2008, and without fail—if I’m up late enough—I see the same claims in the ads for Lipozene cloaked in the spiel about belly fat. Where’ the FTC now?

Lipozene is nothing more than a fiber called glucomannan. And while the substance offers health benefits beyond that of simple dietary fiber, there are much easier and cheaper ways to get the fiber you need (fruits, veggies, whole grains, etc.)—and it’s on the function of such fiber that Lipozene bases its wild claims.

But are all such diet pills saturated in snake oil? I’m not sure.

Consumer Health Digest took on the task of rating the effectiveness of diet pills. Not sure of the methods used to conduct that study, but at least they admit in the accompanying article that “if you’re overweight, you probably eat too much.”

Chances are, if you can finally swallow THAT pill, it’s your first significant step toward a leaner you.

Wheaties may own the slogan, but what about three fried egg sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, and mayonnaise, an omelet, a bowl of grits, three slices of French toast with powdered sugar, and count ‘em THREE chocolate chip pancakes?

Now, that’s a “Breakfast of Champions.” Well, at least it is for the most decorated Olympic champion in history, Michael Phelps.

The morning spread likely clocks in at about 3,000 calories…1,000 calories more than the typical recommended daily caloric intake. How does he eat like that day in and day out? Training. Serious training…the kind where you’re burning about 1,000 calories an hour, three hours each day. When you consistently log those kinds of workout numbers, the math starts to make a lot more sense when contrasted to Phelps’ lean 6-foot-4-inch, 190-pound frame.

But for the rest of us mere mortals, what’s a good “Breakfast of Champions” look like?

Surprisingly, it’s not as different as you may think. A recent study by Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz, a clinical professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and endocrinologist at Hospital de Clinicas Caracas in Venezuela, reports that a sizable breakfast packed with carbs, lean protein, and even a little chocolate can help reduce cravings and hunger the rest of the day, which can lead to weight loss.

She says that your body is most ready for food in the morning, even if you don’t feel hungry and that if you don’t eat or eat too little, your body begins to harvest energy from muscles tissue, which destroys it.

During the study, Jakubowicz and her researchers designed the “Big Breakfast” diet in which breakfast accounts for nearly half of your daily calories. The study’s “Big Breakfast” included milk, 3 ounces of lean meat, two slices of cheese, two servings of whole grain, one fat serving and an ounce of milk chocolate or candy.

The result? The group who ate “Big Breakfasts” every morning lost nearly four times as much weight as those who ate more restrictive breakfasts. They also reported feeling less hungry throughout the rest of the day.

OK, so it’s fair to say that those of us considering LAP-BAND® surgery probably don’t get the kind of exercise that Phelps does, and that eating a 3,000-calorie breakfast probably isn’t a good idea. But the concept of a hearty breakfast isn’t one I think we should leave on the table, especially considering the findings of the study—that the group that ate big breakfasts lost more weight and also reported feeling less hungry. It really makes a lot of sense, and perhaps making breakfast the largest meal of the day isn’t such a bad idea…as long we keep the portions relative to the number of calories we should be eating everyday.

In past blogs, I’ve discussed a few exercise options, and offered some tips on starting an exercise program at a fitness center, a gym, or your local YMCA, and some things to look for if you were considering using a personal trainer. I talked about starting a “walking club” with some friends. Well, maybe none of these are an option for you right now. If so, you may want to look into a pedal exerciser, sometimes called a “portable peddler.”

Pedal exercisers come in a variety of styles, from simple to sophisticated, and they start at about $30. Think of a bicycle without the wheels, handlebars, or seat. If you suffer from obesity, they’re more versatile and much easier to use than a stationary bike, and are small enough to be used sitting in a chair or even on your bed. The basic design is a set of pedals mounted on a sturdy frame. Some can be placed on a table to work your upper body, then on the floor to work your lower body. You can begin slowly, and then slowly increase your workout. One of the best things about them is that you’re not at the mercy of the weather. If it’s hot, cold, or otherwise inclement outside, you can use them in the comfort of your home without worrying. So, you can eliminate any weather-related excuse.

Again, it’s important to check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine, especially if you have an ongoing respiratory, cardiovascular or other ongoing health condition. But, pedal exercisers provide a low-impact workout that you can tailor to your schedule and your fitness level.

To get more information, go on the Web to any of the popular search engines (most browsers now have a built-in window that connects you to one), and type in “pedal exercisers”; “cycle exercisers”; or “exercise pedal.”  There are a lot of different suppliers and different types, but check them out, and you can have a low-impact, convenient way to help you with your weight-loss goals.

A big question that a lot of people have when they’re considering LAP-BAND surgery is how it will affect their eating habits and what kind of restrictions, if any, they have to follow. The answer is, yes, there will be some changes. Your new, smaller stomach requires less food to get the sensation of being full. And, there are certain foods that you will have to eat in moderation, and some that will be have to be limited or eliminated to reach your weight-loss goals and avoid irritating your stomach. It’s especially important to carefully follow the advice of your surgeon or dietician. And, it’s a reason that I recommend looking into the NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers. Their staff and team of affiliated surgeons are among the most experienced in the industry, and will tailor a nutritious and safe diet following your surgery.

One of the best features of the LAP-BAND system is that it’s adjustable to for optimum results with a minimum of discomfort. Because of this, your food intake in the weeks immediately after your surgery will be adjusted to allow your stomach structure to heal in the right position and protect the smaller stomach pouch created by the operation.

The first day after the surgery, you should limit your intake to occasional sips of water, or sucking on an ice cube. From there on, here’s a typical diet regimen you can expect:

• 1—2 weeks after surgery: These first weeks after surgery, you should only drink thin liquids, supplemented by sips of water to keep hydrated. Recommended liquids include clear broth or soup, with no vegetables or meat; skim milk; fruit juice; and sugar-free popsicles.

 

• 3—4 weeks after surgery: During this time, you can begin eating pureed foods with the consistency of baby foods. Following this regimen will help you progress to solid foods. Foods can include pureed skinless chicken or fish; mashed potatoes; peas; and low-fat yogurt or pudding. In this phase you may be eating foods that might not be allowed in you diet later because they’re high in calories.

 

• 5 weeks and beyond: Your meals can now include foods that are cooked tenderly, such as fish and ground turkey, but they don’t have to be pureed. Get into the habit of chewing your foods well. Cutting food into smaller pieces helps. One of main reasons for chewing your foods completely is to help digestion and to avoid irritating your stomach or causing nausea and vomiting, which can affect how the LAP-BAND adjusts.

So now you might be thinking that after undergoing the surgery, you diet is going to be pretty bland and limited. Not true at all. In a future blog, I’ll introduce you to Chef Dave. He’s a chef who underwent weight-loss surgery, and his recipes and tips will open up a whole new world of tasty and nutritious meals. Stay tuned! 

If you’re considering weight-loss surgery, there are some important questions to ask your surgeon. If you do some research and speak with the surgeons and support personnel at a bariatric surgery center, it will help you decide if the procedure and facility is right for you. One option I’d like to suggest is looking into the NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers and their network of surgical partners. They’ve created a private, sensitive and supportive environment to help you before, during, and after surgery. And here are ten of the most important questions that you can ask your weight loss surgeon to help you in your decision.

1.  Are you board certified?
After the FDA approved the LAP-BAND procedure six years ago, a number of comprehensive training programs have been developed for surgeons and their support personnel. When you meet with a weight loss surgeon, ask if they have received certification from the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). Because the ASBS has established rigorous guidelines for all surgeons performing the Lap-Band procedure, it is critical that the staff of your bariatric surgery center has received certification from ASBS. Again, the surgical staff at the NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers all have certification from the ASBS.

2. What is your success rate?
This simple question can often help you decide between bariatric surgery centers and determine which weight loss surgeon is best for you. You should ask about both the success rates of surgery and long-term weight loss statistics for past patients. By analyzing both short-term and long-term success rates, you will gain valuable information about not only the surgical ability of the surgeon, but also the quality of ongoing care and support offered by the bariatric surgery center.

3. How much experience do you have with the Lap-Band procedure?
When trying to select a bariatric surgery center, you should ask the surgeons how many Lap-Band procedures they have performed. Ideally, the bariatric center you choose will be staffed by surgeons that focus exclusively on weight loss surgery, rather than acting of general surgeons. Additionally, as the LAP-BAND procedure represents a relatively new advancement in the field of weight loss surgery, you will want to find a surgeon that is well versed in the required technology. At NewHope Bariatrics®, their surgical centers are entirely dedicated to performing LAP-BAND procedure exclusively.

4. What kind of post-operative care will I receive?
One of the most important factors in for your long-term success is the post-operative care offered by the bariatric surgery center – it’s just as important as the initial success of the surgery. You should ask your weight loss surgeon specific questions about the type of care and support you will receive after surgery. To ensure that you receive the best possible care, be sure your bariatric surgery center offers both physical support immediately after surgery and ongoing guidance for successful weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. At NewHope Bariatrics®, for example, they offer a comprehensive aftercare program, designed to nurture your overall well-being and support optimal weight loss following LAP-BAND surgery. Many of their staff has personal experience with the LAP-BAND, which is why they provide some of the most compassionate and understanding aftercare available.

5. Does the bariatric surgery program offer evaluation and treatment for conditions associated with obesity?
Because obesity is often responsible for other health conditions, you should ask your weight loss surgeon about the types of care offered for secondary conditions. If you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or any other condition related to obesity, be sure that the bariatric surgery center has the expertise to treat the conditions as part of your ongoing weight loss regimen.

6. Does the program offer support services for psychological needs?
In some cases, higher rates of depression can go along with obesity. Also, since undergoing any type of surgery can be taxing, you should ask your surgeon about the mental health elements of the weight loss program. A bariatric surgery center such as NewHope Bariatrics® provides compassionate counseling leading up to surgery, and also ongoing psychological support after the surgery and throughout your weight-loss program.

7. What input will my primary care doctor have in the process?
Because your primary care doctor has an in-depth knowledge of your medical history and any ongoing conditions, you will want to make sure that your weight loss surgeon is able to work with your regular physicians. While your bariatric surgery center will help you track your weight loss progress, it is important for your primary care doctor to be a part of the process, especially for the diet and fitness programs after surgery.

8. Can you assist me in getting insurance approval?
Insurance coverage and funding are one of the main concerns for many weight-loss surgery candidates. Fortunately, many insurance companies now recognize that obesity can contribute to the development of serious health conditions and cover the costs of the LAP-BAND procedure. However, it’s important to work with a bariatric surgery center that is experienced in working with insurance companies and can help you determine if your policy covers the surgery, and offer assistance filling out the necessary paperwork.
 
In a past blog, “Will my insurance cover the cost of weight-loss surgery?” I wrote about how an experienced staff like the one at NewHope Bariatrics®, can help you navigate through the approval process, and help support you through each step along the way.
 
9. If insurance refused to cover the surgery, do you offer other payment options?
If your insurance company refuses to cover your weight-loss surgery, you should ask the bariatric surgeon about other payment options. Look for a center like NewHope, which can design a plan that allows you to pay over time, or can put you in touch with financial institutions that specialize in financing weight-loss surgery.

10. Does your program offer support groups following weight-loss surgery?
Ongoing support after your surgery is one of the most important components for success as you continue your weight-loss journey. Meeting and talking with other patients who have gone through the same procedure as you have can provide motivation to keep focused on your goals. Sharing day-to-day living experiences with others can help assure you that you’re not alone. Be sure to ask your bariatric surgeon about what type of support groups are available, how often they meet, and where they meet. Find out if they have an online forum. Knowing that there are others that you can sit and talk with, especially after a difficult week, can make all the difference.

Finally, when you do talk with your weight-loss surgeon, don’t be afraid to ask these, and any other questions you might have. Deciding on weight-loss surgery is one of the biggest steps you can take in you life. These questions are a good start. I’d also suggest do a lot of research so you can jot down any other questions you may have. And, you may want to visit some websites. Again, I’d suggest taking a look at the NewHope Bariatrics® site (www.newhopetoday.com). It’s full of valuable information on all the above topics, and can help you ask the right questions when talking to your weight-loss surgeon. Making an informed decision on doctor and weight-loss center that’s right for you will make all the difference in the world when you take that first step to a new life.

Most health experts agree that walking is a great, low-impact way to exercise. It burns calories, raises your level of “good” (HDL) cholesterol, reduces stress, helps to control high blood pressure, and lowers the risk of heart attack, breast cancer and Type 2 diabetes, and a number of other health concerns. And, you don’t need any practice or special equipment to do it.

But what is good to have is a “walking club,” where you and several friends do it together. I see a group of women in my neighborhood every Saturday morning around 10 o’clock and they seem to be having a great time.

In an earlier blog, I wrote about how a workout partner can help keep you motivated, and make it a lot more difficult to come up with an excuse to skip. Well, imagine if you had three or four workout partners.

Before starting any exercise routine, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor, especially if you have an ongoing health condition such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or respiratory difficulties. 

If you suffer from obesity, you might be thinking, “no way I could ever do that.” But remember, we’re not talking about a 20-mile hike or a speed-walking stride. The key is to get together with three or four like-minded friends and set aside a time when you can all get together, pick a route, and then stick to it. Start out slowly – maybe 15 minutes or so, then gradually increase. It’s important that everyone is at about the same level of fitness, so you don’t have someone in the group who wants to speed up or slow down. This is meant to be fun, not a competition. The more times a week the group can meet, the better. But even if you can only make it a couple of days, it’s still better than not doing it.

As you progress, you’ll find it gets easier. And, having three or four friends turns it into as much of a social event as a workout. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the time passes when you’re not concentrating on the clock or the distance. So, if you’ve got a few friends who are looking for a way to mix improving their health and a bit of social time, take the incentive and make a few calls to suggested getting together. After a few walks when everyone starts noticing results, you just might wind up being the health hero in the neighborhood.

I recently read an article that contained what I feel is some pretty shocking information about some of the items on the menus of the more popular sit-down chain restaurants. The article, “16 Secrets The Restaurant Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know,” was written by David Zinczenko, editor-in-chief of Men’s Health magazine and co-author of the book, “Eat This, Not That.” You can read the article by going to msn.com, and doing a site search for the title.

What Zinczenko and his co-author, Matt Goulding, discovered is that while most of the popular sit-down chains position themselves as healthy alternatives to the well-known fast-food chains, their claims may not always be completely true. In some cases, their meals may be higher in calories, fats, and sodium that their fast-food counterparts. Plus, some of the menu items contain liberal amounts of artificial coloring and additives.

As Zinczenko and Goulding write, much of their research was hampered by the fact that many of the chains refused to divulge any on the nutrition information on their meals. There is a new law on the books in New York City that requires restaurants to list calorie counts, but it’s one of the few cities in the country with the rule.   

Again, I strongly encourage you to visit msn.com and read the whole article, but here are a few examples (all figures are courtesy of Zinczenko):

• A specialty hamburger in a popular chain had 1,440 calories and 95 grams of fat – more than you would find in 32 strips of bacon!

 

• A medium-sized fruit and yogurt smoothie from a popular donut chain have over 60 grams of sugar. That’s more than 7 times the sugar in a chocolate-frosted donut. 

 

• Synthetic food colorings in another popular chain’s pastries have been linked to irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbances in children. 

 

The recipe for one chain’s chicken wing sauce was primarily butter, sweet cream and partially hydrogenated margarine. Just six of the wings pack between 520 and 726 calories.

So, if any of that shocks you as much as it did me, you’ve got to check out the article. It will definitely make you think twice about what some sit-down chains consider “healthy” meals.

In upcoming blogs, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of the different types of home fitness equipment, exercise tapes, or DVD’s, but I’d like to talk about one thing that always bothers me when I see any ads on TV or in magazines for home fitness equipment, exercise tapes, or DVD’s. In almost every instance, the spokesperson, whether it’s a man or a woman, or both, are in absolutely incredible shape. Or maybe it’s a celebrity. They all have great bodies, and the promise of the ad is for X amount of time per week, you can have one, too.

The reality is that most of the time that spokesperson is a carefully chosen model. They’ve auditioned for the role for a casting or modeling agency in exactly the same way someone would for any other print ad, commercial, television show, or movie. The producers are going for a particular “look and feel,” depending on what they’re selling. If it’s a celebrity, remember they usually have a lot of time and money to spend on a personal trainer or in a gym, and their “endorsement” of a product may just be another paying job.

If you look carefully, you’ll see that at the end of the commercial they’ll be some kind of a disclaimer in very fine print that will say something like, “Individual results may vary”; “Results may not be typical”; or, “When used in conjunction with a diet plan.”

Well, yes, that’s the point. One of the important keys to weight loss is cutting down on the amount of calories you consume, and doing some form of exercise to help burn the calories. Again, in future blogs, I’ll also be discussing some types of safe and sane, low-impact exercise routines that you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle. In the meantime, don’t rush to buy that piece of equipment, or that tape or DVD. The one thing they say you can believe is that the results you see in the commercial are almost always “not typical” – except for models who specialize in appearing in fitness commercials.