Things You Should and Shouldn’t Do After Bariatric Surgery

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure. Following your doctor’s post-operation instructions and making healthy lifestyle changes are essential to avoiding complications and achieving long-term weight loss success.

Patients should expect to have a new lifestyle that combines healthy eating, exercise, and attending regular visits with their healthcare providers. They should also consider these dos and don’ts after bariatric surgery:

What you should do after bariatric surgery:

- Eat slowly and chew food well

- Aim to drink 64oz of fluids daily, taking small sips

- Eat 60g or more of protein daily, starting every meal with it

- Make fruits and vegetables the priority of your diet

- Start walking for five minutes every hour after surgery

- Aim for a goal of 30 minutes of exercise daily after it is allowed to do so

- Take all medications and supplements as prescribed, they will need to be taken for the rest of your lifetime

What you shouldn’t do after bariatric surgery:

- Skip any meals

- Eat red meat early in recovery

- Engage in any strenuous activities

- Lift any objects over 10 lbs. for the first four to six weeks after surgery

- Eat fast food

- Eat or drink anything with natural sugar

- Drink liquids within 30 minutes after eating

- Eat bread, rice, pasta, bagels, or dumplings

- Allow yourself to get too hungry

- Take a bath or go swimming for two weeks after surgery

- Smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol

- Eat snacks loaded with empty calories

- Get pregnant for 12 to 18 months after surgery

- Stop taking medications as directed by your healthcare provider

Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing and life-altering event for those who are trying to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Making diet changes, modifying exercise routine, and following the guidelines set by your healthcare provider and surgical team can lead you to long-term success.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Losing Muscle As We Age

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As we age, we start to lose muscle mass gradually. This is called sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia, a type of atrophy, is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass, function, and strength.

Everyone loses muscle mass over time; however, people who have sarcopenia lose it more quickly. Sarcopenia usually begins around the age of 35 and accelerates between the ages of 65 and 80. Rates of this acceleration vary; however, as much as 8% of muscle mass is lost each decade.

The natural aging process is usually the main cause of sarcopenia as the body doesn’t produce the same number of proteins the muscles need to grow, which causes them to get smaller. However, researchers have discovered other possible risk factors of the condition, including:

· Physical inactivity

· Obesity

· Chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and HIV

· Rheumatoid arthritis

· Insulin resistance

· Malnutrition or inadequate protein intake

· Reduction in hormone levels

· Decrease in the ability to convert protein to energy

· Decline in the number of nerve cells that send messages from the brain to the muscles telling them to move

Sarcopenia affects the musculoskeletal system and is a major factor in increased frailty, falls, and fractures. These conditions can lead to hospitalizations and surgeries, which increase the risk of complications, including death.

This condition can also affect people with a high body mass index (BMI), which is called sarcopenic obesity. People suffering from obesity and sarcopenia have a greater risk of complications than those with obesity or sarcopenia alone.

The most common symptom of sarcopenia is muscle weakness. Other symptoms may include:

· Decrease in muscle size

· Difficulty performing daily activities

· Poor balance and falls

· Loss of stamina

· Trouble climbing stairs

· Walking slowly

A healthcare provider may diagnose sarcopenia after they perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. They may also ask you to complete a questionnaire based on your self-reported symptoms called the SARC-F, which stands for:

· Strength

· Assistance with walking

· Rising from a chair

· Climbing stairs

· Falls

You score each factor with a number between 0 and 2, with the highest maximum and total SARC-F being 10. A SARC-F score of 4 or more warrants more testing.

There is no single test that can diagnose sarcopenia. A healthcare provider may recommend several tests to help diagnose and then determine the severity of sarcopenia. These tests include:

· Muscle tests:

Handgrip test
Chair stand test
Walking speed test
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
Timed-up and go test (TUG)

· Imaging tests for measurement of muscle mass

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA)
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)

The treatment for sarcopenia usually includes lifestyle changes, as they can treat and help reverse the condition. These lifestyle changes include:

· Physical activity, which includes resistance-based strength training

· A healthy diet

Sarcopenia is not fully preventable. However, there are steps you can take to slow the progression of the disease, including:

· Making healthy food choices

· Exercising regularly

· Attending routine physicals

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sarcopenia, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Holiday Eating Tips After Bariatric Surgery

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

It’s the holiday season, and as we spend time with our family and friends, we enjoy each other’s company over delicious meals. Unfortunately, the holiday season can be a time when we run into problems with weight gain. It can be especially challenging after bariatric surgery. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage our weight during the holiday season. Here are 10:

Don’t save your calories. It may be tempting to skip meals to save calories for holiday treats, but it is better to stick to your regular eating patterns. You are more likely to overeat if you arrive at a holiday function hungry

Remember the basics. Just because it is the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t maintain the same healthy eating habits you had during the rest of the year. Pay attention to your portion sizes, start with protein, eat slowly, and track what you eat. Keeping these basic rules in mind can help you avoid overeating

Be mindful of how much you are eating. Eating while socializing can easily lead to eating too much. Enjoy the company and conversation and save eating for a time when you can focus on your meal

Avoid the buffet table and the kitchen. Standing close to where the food is being served may result in mindless noshing. Carefully select the food you truly want to try, and then walk away

Limit alcohol consumption. Drinks containing alcohol are full of empty calories. It is better to eat your calories than to drink them. Additionally, alcohol doesn’t just add calories; it can also dehydrate you. Be aware that alcohol can affect you differently after bariatric surgery. You may feel the effects much sooner, even after consuming less alcohol. You are also more likely to overeat at the buffet table after a couple of drinks

Stay hydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water and plan ahead. This ensures that you can avoid drinking within 30 minutes of eating and still get in the recommended 64 ounces a day

Exercise. The holiday season can be a busy time, and our exercise routines may suffer because of it. It is easier to get out of the habit of exercising than it is to get back into it after the holidays. Consider creating a workout schedule or organizing activities for the family that get everyone moving

Bring a healthy dish to share. This will ensure that there is a healthy food option at the gathering

Find healthy alternatives for your favorite recipes. Look for healthier substitutions that cut the fat and calories of recipes. Some examples include:

Using skim milk instead of whole milk in mashed potatoes

Using fat-free creamed soups in recipes rather than full-fat versions

Replacing sugar with unsweetened apple sauce or noncaloric sweeteners in desserts

Adding flavor with garlic, spices, and herbs rather than fats such as butter and gravy

Combining ¼ cup of Greek yogurt with ½ cup of butter to replace 1 cup of butter in a recipe

Replacing each egg with two egg whites and substitute evaporated skim milk in place of heavy cream when baking your favorite holiday treats

Be kind to yourself. You may overeat a bit or sample more treats than you should. However, that doesn’t mean all is lost. It is important to forgive yourself and recommit to healthy patterns and move forward. It is okay to have a treat once in a while.

Undergoing bariatric surgery requires preparation, dedication, and several lifestyle adjustments. Adopting a whole different way of eating can be challenging, and it will take some time to get used to it. Following these tips can help you plan and enjoy your food in moderation.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

Common Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Bariatric, or gastric bypass surgery for weight loss, is a surgical treatment for severe obesity that involves making changes to the digestive system. It is performed when diet and exercise haven’t worked, or when a person is at risk for serious health problems due to their weight.

There are several myths and misconceptions about bariatric surgery and its outcomes, including:

Bariatric surgery is unnecessary, and people just need to eat less and exercise more
Bariatric surgery is dangerous
Bariatric surgery will make a person thin
Bariatric surgery and weight loss will make a person happy and improve their relationships
Bariatric surgery will prevent a person from overeating
Bariatric surgery is an easy way out
Most people will gain the weight back after surgery

Bariatric surgery can be a lifesaving solution for many people who are overweight. Bariatric surgery, along with a commitment to lifestyle changes, not only provides long-term weight loss but it significantly improves the health and quality of life for many.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

How Making Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases, are conditions that tend to have a long duration and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. These diseases include:

Cancers
Cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes
Chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
Diabetes

A person’s lifestyle and daily habits can increase their risk of developing a chronic disease. About 80% of chronic diseases are driven by a person’s daily habits. These include:

Tobacco use, including the effects of exposure to second-hand smoke
Unhealthy diets, including excess salt, sugar, and fats
Excessive alcohol use
Insufficient physical activity

These habits can contribute to metabolic changes that can increase a person’s risk of chronic disease, including:

Hypertension
Obesity
Diabetes
High cholesterol

Making the following lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to address harmful habits and help prevent chronic diseases.

Dietary changes include eating whole, unrefined, and minimally processed plants. Eating plant-based foods can help reduce diabetes, heart disease, and the risk of cancer
Increasing physical activity by engaging in a recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week
Getting a good, restful night’s sleep of about seven to nine hours. This can be achieved by:
- Having a consistent bedtime and waking up on time, even on weekends
- Being physically active
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine
- Putting digital devices away 90 minutes before bedtime
- Keeping your sleeping area cool, dark, and comfortable
Reducing stress by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and gratitude can help relieve stress and improve your physical and mental health.
Staying socially connected with friends and family can help keep you emotionally and physically healthy.
Quitting smoking, or never starting, lowers the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and lung disease, as well as premature death
Limiting alcohol use can reduce health risks that excessive drinking can lead to, such as high blood pressure, various cancers, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease

By avoiding these risks and getting good preventive care, you can improve your chance of staying well, feeling good, and living longer.

For more information on how you can make lifestyle changes, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

The Impact of Ultraprocessed Foods on Your Health

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Ultraprocessed foods, or UPFs, are food products such as frozen pizza, ready-to-eat meals, instant noodles, and many store-bought breads that contain a long list of ingredients, chemical additives, and little to no “whole” foods.

Understanding ultraprocessed foods is tricky, as even experts don’t fully agree on what they specifically are and whether they are good or bad. However, a 2024 study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health also found that a high intake of ultraprocessed foods may increase the risk of early death. Participants who ate the most ultraprocessed foods of any kind had a 4% higher risk of death from any cause and an 8% higher risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases. And according to the Yale School of Public Health, high ultraprocessed food intake has been linked to a 25%-58% higher risk of health issues related to the heart and metabolism, and a 21%-66% higher risk of mortality.

People who eat more ultraprocessed foods may tend to eat more calories overall. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 53% of the calories that adults consumed daily, on average, came from ultraprocessed foods between 2021 and 2023. For children 18 years old and younger, it is 61.9%. Scientists are studying whether ultraprocessed foods high in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium may mimic addictive substances in some people, and if they do, how they may do so.

Some ultraprocessed foods may contribute to poorer health outcomes. Examples of this include:

They may displace or replace healthier foods
They could lead to eating too many calories
They may result in eating too much saturated fat, added sugars, or sodium
They may influence how the brain responds to these foods
The changed textures may trigger the brain to stay hungry even after eating
They can potentially disrupt blood sugar
They can potentially disrupt your gut health
They could cause exposure to toxins

The recommendation to limit the intake of ultraprocessed foods reinforces the long-standing nutrition guidance to limit unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium. A diet composed mainly of ultraprocessed foods also exposes people to unhealthy additives and increases the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases.

The best way to identify ultraprocessed foods is to read the packaging of the product to see if its list of ingredients contains either food substances never or rarely used in kitchens, such as high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated or interesterified oils, and hydrolyzed proteins. Or it may contain classes of additives designed to make the final product palatable or more appealing, such as flavors, flavor enhancers, colors, emulsifiers, emulsifying salts, sweeteners, thickeners, and anti-foaming, bulking, carbonating, foaming, gelling, and glazing agents.

It is important to note that an overall healthy diet pattern should focus on eating healthier options such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, healthy non-tropical oils, and lean proteins.

The Yale School of Public Health offers four ways to reduce ultraprocessed foods in your diet. They include:

Planning and preparing meals at home in advance that use less processed and ultraprocessed foods
Drinking water and unsweetened beverages such as coffee and tea instead of soda and other sweetened drinks
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, if they are available to you. If they are not available, choose minimally processed frozen or canned options with no added salt or sugar
Adding an unprocessed fruit or vegetable to your meal if an ultraprocessed food is your only option and you are short on time. And to choose an ultraprocessed food option with less sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar

If you would like to learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s nutritional services, you can visit the Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

What to Know About Protein Intake While on Weight Loss Medication

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

GLP-1 antagonists are a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 antagonists can also help treat obesity.

When a person starts to lose weight on a GLP-1 weight loss medication, it can happen very fast. However, as they lose fat, they could also be losing essential lean muscle mass, which can harm their metabolism and blood sugar levels. This will ultimately work against weight loss efforts and can even negatively affect bone health.

Protein is the building block of muscle. Getting enough is crucial for preventing muscle loss, especially when consuming fewer calories. When you consume enough protein, you are more likely to retain and even build muscle. However, when you don’t have enough protein, your body will cannibalize some of your muscle mass for energy.

A 2024 review study that made diet recommendations for GLP-1 patients based on the latest research recommends at least 60 grams of protein a day. It is suggested to aim for 20 to 40 grams of protein at every meal.

Most people who are on GLP-1 medications experience at least one side effect. The side effects are worse just after starting and in the days after increasing the dose. Fortunately, there are ways to combat those side effects, including:

Make every meal count
Schedule your meals
Make protein a priority
Aim for 64 ounces of fluid a day, plus electrolytes
Avoid fatty and greasy foods
Steer clear of sugary foods, alcohol, and refined carbs
Maintain muscle with resistance training
Eat smaller portions more frequently
Add fiber to your diet
Talk to your doctor if you are having side effects

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

Robotics: Gastric Bypass

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Gastric bypass or “Roux-en-Y” is a metabolic and weight-loss procedure that works by modifying your digestive system so that you consume and absorb fewer calories. It modifies your stomach and also your small intestines.

Similar to other bariatric surgery operations, gastric bypass is recommended for people who have clinically severe obesity. It has been shown to help relieve a long list of obesity-related health conditions, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Obstructive sleep apnea
GERD (chronic acid reflux)
Heart disease
Hyperglycemia
Fatty liver disease
Hyperlipidemia
Osteoarthrosis

The Roux-en-Y procedure gets its name from how it changes your digestive system. “Roux-en-Y” means “in the shape of a Y”. The procedure divides your stomach and small intestine, connecting each new segment to form a “Y” shape. This procedure reduces the functional part of your stomach to a small pouch, separating it from the rest with surgical staples, and restricting the amount of food your stomach can hold. Then, it connects the new stomach pouch to a lower segment of your small intestine. This means that when food goes through your digestive system, it will now bypass most of your stomach and the first part of your small intestine, causing your digestive system to not absorb all of the nutrients or calories in your food.

Gastric bypass surgery requirements are similar to those of other bariatric procedures. A qualified healthcare provider must recommend you for surgery. You may be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery if you:

Have been diagnosed with class III obesity
Have a BMI of at least 35 with at least one obesity-related condition
Have obesity-related type 2 diabetes

Most Roux-en-Y surgical procedures today are laparoscopic, a minimally invasive surgical technique. However, sometimes they are done with robotic assistance.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate compared to the 2D images used during laparoscopic surgery
Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
You’ll have a few tiny scars rather than one large incision scar (as with open surgery)
You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery
You’re more likely to have a quicker recovery time than with open surgery

To learn more about the robotic surgical procedures at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-5000.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about preventing childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a critical public health challenge that affects one in three children in the United States. Children with obesity face an increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and bone and joint problems. Obesity can also impact children beyond physical issues. It affects their emotional and social well-being as well, which leads to challenges like bullying and lower self-esteem.

Many factors impact childhood obesity, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For some children and families, obesity can be influenced by the following:

Too much time spent being inactive
Lack of sleep
Lack of places to go in the community to be physically active
Easy access to inexpensive, high-calorie foods and sugary beverages
Lack of access to affordable healthier foods

Here are some tips on how parents can help prevent their child from experiencing obesity:

Monitor growth
Provide nutritious foods
Promote drinking water
Encourage physical activity
Model healthy behaviors
Create a healthy sleep environment

Childhood obesity can be prevented by working together to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve their overall well-being, and build a foundation for a healthier future.

If you would like to speak with a pediatrician about childhood obesity at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment.

Facts About Dietary Supplements

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that more than two-third of adults in the United States are overweight or obese?

According to the National Institute of health (NIH), many ameri9cans are using dietary supplements for weight loss as a solution. The trend towards dietary supplements could be attributed to the belief that these products may help you lose weight more quickly. However, according to the NIH, “There’s little scientific evidence that weight-loss supplements work. Many are expensive and some can interact or interfere with medications, and a few might be harmful.”

There are many kinds of dietary supplements. They come in a variety of forms, such as capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and bars.

Some of the more common ingredients in dietary supplements that are mostly save include:

Dietary fiber
Caffeine
Minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium)

Certain ingredients included in supplements that might be harmful are:

Bitter orange
Hoodia
Yohimbe

Keep in mind, before choosing to take dietary supplements, it would be a good idea to consult with your doctor or a licensed nutritionist. They may be able to assist you in preventing supplement-drug interactions and other risks.

The proven and healthy way to lose weight is by eating a balanced diet and exercising. If you would like to speak with a nutritionist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about how to get started on a healthier lifestyle, call 718-670-5486 for an appointment.