Steps To Healthy Living
Childhood Obesity On the Rise - Kentucky Ranks #4 in Nation
One of our goals in providing weight loss surgery to our patients, in combination with achieving healthier lifestyle habits, is to break the cycle of family obesity. Kentucky ranks #4 in having overweight children. While weight loss surgery is rarely the solution to childhood obesity, creating healthy habits can be.
Walking Works is a program that helps parents and children learn more about the effects of lifestyle choices and offers a free 6-month membership to the YMCA and 2 free sessions with personal trainers. The family also gets one free session with a nutritionist.
This program is only available to children who meet certain guidelines, so visit the website to learn more.
To read the entire article by Merlene Davis of The Lexington Herald-Leader, click here.
By incorporating the following good-health habits, you are taking the necessary steps to reach and maintain your weight loss goals.
— Wean caffeinated, carbonated beverages.
— Eat planned, nutritionally balanced meals each day, shifting to lean protein (1/2 plate), more vegetables and fruit (1/2 plate); and decreasing fats and sugars.
— Eat solid, chunky foods to help fullness last longer; and remember—protein first!
— Sample protein supplements (see list in packet)
— Aim for three balanced meals (including protein), and 1-2 small, healthy snacks daily
— Sip 64 oz. (8 cups) of low-calorie, non-carbonated fluids (preferably water) daily.
— Don’t drink during meals, and wait for 30 minutes after a meal before drinking.
— Ensure you take 1-2 multivitamins daily, and calcium citrate (women only)
— Begin tracking your behaviors (see sample Nutrition and Exercise Journal in packet, and online tools)
— Begin to add physical activity; start moving more, and become more functionally active
— Check with your doctor prior to beginning any new exercise routine
— Walking is a great choice to build the habit of routine activity: Try using a pedometer to count steps
— Investigate other physical activity options if joint and/or mobility challenged, such as water fitness, elliptical or low-impact exercise equipment
Don't forget that we are here for you. If you find yourself struggling, don't go through it alone, call us! We can help you get through the tough times by encourging you to come to a support group, or getting online to talk with other weight loss surgery patients, or by making follow-up appointments with Dr. West-Smith, our Executive Director of Bariatric Services and Behavioral Health or Cindy Caywood, MS, RD, LD, our Dietitian. Maybe we just need to remind you of how far you've come and what you've already accomplished.
We are so proud of our patients.