Virginia Bariatric Surgeon Supports National Nutrition Month with Emphasis on Proper Nutrition

RESTON, Va. - March 25, 2013 - PRLog -- This month is National Nutrition Month. Dr. Fitzer, medical director of the Virginia Bariatric Surgery Center, is promoting good nutrition as one of the routes to great health.

Good Nutrition is Key

Good nutrition is key for anyone, especially for those who wish to lose weight. Everyone should evaluate their diets and see if there’s room for improvement. Do you eat fast food a lot? If so, consider healthier choices on the menu, like fruit, salads, or baked potatoes. Make sure to go easy on creamy dressings, cheese and bacon. Pack your own meals if possible. That way, you’re less likely to make unhealthy choices when you’re hungry. If you’re on the go, take along single-serving size packages. Good choices are crackers, cheese, peanut butter, granola bars, fruit, canned tuna, or soup.

Portion size is also important. About half your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables. A quarter of the plate (about 2-3 ounces) should be a protein food like meat, and the remaining quarter should be a starch or carbohydrate like a slice of bread, rice, or pasta. High fat items should be limited. Use cuts of meats that are lower in fat, and grill or broil them instead of frying. Beans, lentils, and tofu can be good protein choices as well.

Dr. Fitzer believes that good nutrition practices are especially important for people with diabetes and anyone seeking weight loss surgery. Poor nutrition habits contribute to worsening diabetes and weight gain.

Nutrition and Weight Loss Surgery

Good nutrition is an essential part of weight loss success both before and after bariatric surgery. Dr. Fitzer has made nutrition counseling one of the key components of his weight loss surgery program.

If you are considering surgery for weight loss, one of the first things you’ll do after your appointment with Dr. Fitzer is to meet with one of the registered dieticians. These nutrition experts can evaluate your diet, your specific health problems, and your weight loss goals to help you get started on improving your health. If you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery, the dieticians will work with you to help you develop the new eating habits you’ll need to maintain after surgery.

Bariatric patients who have had surgery already should take time to review their unique nutrition needs this month. Are you managing portion sizes and food choices correctly? Are you meeting your daily protein goals? Are you taking the correct vitamins every day? For anyone who has had weight loss surgery and has nutrition questions, the registered dieticians at Virginia Bariatric Surgery Center can answer them.

Dr. Fitzer Can Help

As a specialist in bariatric surgery, Dr. Fitzer is extremely familiar with the nutritional needs of patients both before and after weight loss surgery. He pursued a year-long fellowship in bariatric surgery after completing his general surgery residency. He has written a chapter on bariatric surgical technique for a medical text, and he has had work published in the New England journal of medicine.

If you would like more information on the weight loss surgery program at Virginia Bariatric Surgery Center, we have a variety of ways for you to learn more about it. We offer free seminars at multiple locations and even online through WebEx. If you would like to attend a seminar or make an appointment, call us at (703) 709-9771. You can also email contact@virginiabariatric.com or fill out our online form at http://virginiabariatric.com/lets-get-started/schedule-an... to reach us. We’ll contact you quickly to schedule your consultation.