INTRODUCTION

Here 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.

LOVE YOUR HEART

Did you know that Cardiovascular Disease is the number 1 cause of death for American women? Claiming approximately one life every minute in the U.S. or about 455,000 lives per year.

In an effort to raise awareness about this life-threatening disease and ways to prevent it, the American Heart Association is celebrating February as HEART MONTH. The NIX is dedicating this month’s newsletter to showing you ways to improve your heart health with free lectures and screenings, diet and exercise.

BE SMART LOVE YOUR HEART

In recognition of American Heart Month, the NIX invites you to join us at our free physician lectures and screenings. The lectures will focus on the importance of heart health and will include a free screening based on the topic of the evening. Please RSVP by calling 210-579-3157.

Wednesday, February 17
Dr. Jeffrey Martinez* – “There is More to Heart Disease than Just the Heart”

Thursday, February 25
Dr. Jawad Shaikh* – “Are you at risk for heart disease?”

Thursday, March 4
Dr. Bernice Gonzalez* & Dr. Amita Rao Narla – “Healthy Living “

Thursday, March 11
Dr. Avie Grunspan* – “Sleep and the Effects on Heart Disease”

Nix Medical Center, 414 Navarro, 5th Floor Auditorium
6:00 p.m.                    Registration / Screening
6:30-7:30 p.m.            Physician Presentation
Free parking at Houston Street Garage (College & Navarro) with NIX validation.
*Physicians are independent practitioners and active members of the NIX medical staff.

LET’S GET MOVING

We can all agree that regular exercise is an effective way of reaching a healthy weight.  We can also agree that if you are not already involved in an exercise program, sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin. So each month, we will be including a section in our newsletter discussing exercise and the many ways you can start to get moving no matter what your exercise program is now. (Please make sure that you check with your physician before starting any exercise program.)

LOW IMPACT- HIGH RESULTS!

Low impact exercise refers to a routine that is great for the heart, but easy on the joints. It is important that you strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system because without cardio strength, many other exercises become more difficult and challenging. Low impact exercises help work out the cardiovascular system slowly and steadily, and can be done by most people at any stage of an exercise routine. Here are some ideas for low impact, heart healthy workouts:

• Yoga- Great for heart health and flexibility
• Pilates- Great for muscle toning and flexibility
• Spinning Class- this is a low-impact cycling class that helps build strength and endurance
• Wii Fit- Although a more expensive option up front than a gym membership, the possibilities for workouts that it offers may be worth the cost. The ability to work out at home at your convenience may be a great option for those finding it difficult to make time to exercise.
• Swimming- Swimming is low impact and works every muscle in your body. Although it’s winter, many gyms offer indoor heated pools and water aerobic classes for all ages and levels.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Nutrition - Heart Health Snacks

Just because a snack says that it is low-fat, does not mean that it is good for your heart. Here are some heart healthy snacks that taste good and are good for you.

• Vegetables with hummus- vegetables have fiber which helps with making you feel full and hummus is a good source of protein without the saturated fat
• Nuts and fruit- fills you up better than low-calories cookies or chips
• Dried fruit- these are great for on the go
• Frozen red and green grapes
• Low fat cottage cheese with berries on top
• Hard boiled egg
• Low-fat yogurt
• Meatloaf made with ground chicken and tofu instead of red meat

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

With spring and summer just around the corner, start planning a wardrobe makeover. The NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center can help you begin your weight loss journey and all you have to do is call (210) 579-3315 to sign up for a complimentary seminar where you will learn more about Adjustable Gastric Banding. Begin the process to a healthy transformation now and show off a new you this summer.

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.