INTRODUCTION

At the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center, it is our desire to be your partner in attaining your weight loss goals, and Adjustable Gastric Banding is a tool to help you on that journey.

These monthly newsletters will provide you with informative articles on diet and exercise, keeping motivated, and where you can go to meet a community of supporters who are here to help you on that road to a happier, healthier you.  Weight Loss Surgery is a big decision, and the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center is here for you every step of the way.

HEART HEALTHY SCREENING

Gift yourself a healthy heart this holiday season by joining the Nix Health Care System for a complimentary health screening during the month of December.  Free cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI screenings will be available the first three Tuesday’s in December (1, 8 & 15) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Nix Heart Center, 414 Navarro, Suite 1425.  After hour time slots also available.

Call the Nix Heart Center at (210) 587-8888 to reserve your time frame for a free health screening.

AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to emphasize the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of prevention and control. According to the Journal of Health Affairs, obesity ranks #1 for attributing to the development of diabetes.

Studies show that significant weight loss can improve common health conditions associated with obesity such diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

The Nix Weight Loss Center helps your weight loss journey by offering adjustable gastric banding.  Unlike gastric bypass, gastric banding is minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible. These procedures restrict the amount of food the body can consume and along with diet and exercise have been very effective in the battle against obesity.

Join us for a free seminar to learn more about the benefits of adjustable gastric banding, every Monday from 12 noon – 1 p.m. and Wednesday from 6 – 7 p.m.  Call (210) 579-3315 for more information.

GIVE “THANKS” FOR EXERCISE

During this time of year, it seems so much more difficult to find time between family visits, parties and the holidays to exercise.  But with the New Year just around the corner we find ourselves making resolutions to lose more weight, or to exercise more, so why not get a head start during the holiday season!!!  Here are some hints that can help you start and keep an exercise program during the busy holiday.

Do your holiday shopping at a new place.  This will give you an opportunity to walk more and take a look at the new stores, instead of just heading straight to the ones you know.

Make the time- make exercise a priority and mark it on your calendar.  Set aside the time you need for yourself.

Take advantage of the busy parking lots to park further away and get in a brisk walk.

Remember, some exercise is better than none.  You might find that 10 or 15 minutes a day may be just what you need to escape from the stress of the holidays.  Take a nice walk around the block and get some fresh air, all the while keeping you in shape.

Please make sure that you check with your physician before starting any exercise program.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The average weight gain is 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas! By keeping the right mind set and behavior habits you can enjoy your holidays and avoid the holiday weight gain. Here are some tips that may help you enjoy your day and keep your weight in check.

• Do exercise; get moving before the guests arrive or before you have to get on the road. Take a walk in the morning; this will help start your metabolism. Don't sit all day, make it a family event; take a walk with the whole family after your meal.
• Do eat breakfast, don't skip meals. This avoids overeating and large portions.
• Do enjoy your favorite dishes; eat slowly to ensure you are savoring the taste, don't deprive yourself....control your portion size.
• Do consume a nice holiday dinner. Your plate should be colorful! Fill it with white meats & colorful vegetables. Don't over consume on high calorie foods; fried meats, sweets and high starch foods (eat slow=eat less).
• Do socialize and enjoy your loved ones presence. Don't gather around the food table to talk and drink. This helps avoid unnecessary calories.
• Do drink water throughout the day. Stay hydrated.  Don't over consume alcohol, this causes slowing of the metabolism and adds empty calories. Not to mention, alcohol has a tendency to make people eat more.
• Do take leftovers home. Don't bring foods home that you find tempting.  Avoid munching the rest of the weekend (this is where weight gain usually occurs), clean out the house of leftovers after 48 hours.
• DO enjoy your holidays!  Be grateful for the loved ones in your life, more so YOURSELF and your beautiful body!

Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Julie Jarzombek - Nutritionist

JUMP ON THE “BAND” WAGON

Support Groups- Support Groups will now be held at our NIX Alamo Heights Location.   They will still be held the 3rd Thursday of every month, from 6:00-7:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

The new location address is:
NIX Alamo Heights
5307 Broadway
San Antonio, 78209
Second Floor

Podcasts- Our first podcast is now on the website!  We are so excited about bringing this new service to our patients.  It will be one more way for you to get information like diet help, exercise tips, and motivational help from the partners at the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center.  Please keep checking back to the website for new pod casts as they become available.  If you’re considering Bariatric Surgery our podcasts are a terrific resource for information.

E-Newsletters- Keep checking back for our monthly E-Newsletters!!  They will keep you posted on seminars and supports groups, and information that will keep you involved with the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center.

For more information about the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center, please call (210) 579-3161.