Winning at Losing

Using Your Incentive Spirometer

Michelle Grassi - Registered Respiratory Therapist — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:09:02 +0000

After having surgery, you will be visited by our respiratory therapist who will teach you how to use an incentive spirometer. This medical device is commonly used after surgery, especially after abdominal or chest surgery, and with lung conditions such as COPD or asthma. The incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing, which is affected by the anesthetics required for your surgery. Obesity can also compromise your ability to breathe deeply.

To use your incentive spirometer you will:

1.) Take a slow, steady breath in until you can no longer breathe in.

2.) Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds or as long as you comfortably can.

3.) Exhale normally.

4.) Pause and/or take a normal breath without the incentive spirometer.

5.) Repeat this process for a total of 10 times.

This process normally takes 7-10 minutes. As your lung capacity increases, it can be completed in 2-3 minutes.

Drugs to Avoid After Surgery

Marlene Miranda-Sosa — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:50:03 +0000

NSAIDS (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) are drugs commonly used for the treatment of arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis and back problems. These drugs will irritate your stomach lining and could cause you to develop a bleeding ulcer. Therefore, you should avoid taking NSAIDS. If you are currently taking any of these types of drugs, speak to your physician about finding an alternate drug.

The following is a list of the most commonly used NSAIDS:

Advil Feldene

Aleve Fiorinol

Alka Seltzer Ibuprofen

Anacin Meclomen

Ascriptin Mobic

Aspirin Motrin

Bufferin Nalfon

Coricidin Naprosyn

Cortisone Norgesic

Dolobid Tolectin

Empirin Vanquish

Excedrin Voltaren

Protein Supplementation

Norma Pozo R.D. — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:42:17 +0000

Bariatric surgery can easily induce a state of malnutrition, if dietary guidelines are not closely followed. During the initial rapid weight loss stage, it is nearly impossible to consume enough protein from food alone. A protein supplement, as discussed below, is strongly suggested.

The following protein supplements have been well-tolerated by patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.

1) Pure Whey®

2) Designer Whey Protein®

3) Met-Rx®

4) Isopure®

Whey protein isolate (WPI) is one of the best sources of protein to supplement your diet. It should be the main source of the protein powder you buy (listed as one of the first three ingredients). Whey protein concentrate is second best and soy protein (as a supplement) is less desirable.

Use the nutrition labels on the above products as a guide when comparing different supplements. Make sure the protein powder purchased is low in sugars, carbohydrates and fiber, and high in protein.
Always check the serving size on the nutrition label.

Recovering at Home after Surgery

Maria Fuego — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:23:03 +0000

Follow the tips below after weight-loss surgery to help speed up your recovery.

Do:

Slowly increase activity.
Walk as much as possible without getting overly tired.
Gradually increase your walking distance.
Follow your physician’s recommendations about activities such as driving and resuming sexual relations.
Follow your prescribed diet, including drinking adequate fluids.
Take vitamins and protein supplements.
Walk and move during waking hours to aid circulation.

Do not:

Drive or use machinery while taking pain medications.
Drive a car without your physician’s permission.
Climb stairs more than necessary.
Lift more than 10-15 pounds for at least six weeks.
Go back to work without your physician’s permission.
Stand or sit for more than short periods.

Fitness Myths and Facts

Maribel Sanchez P.T. — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:36:52 +0000

Myth: Strength training will make women too muscular.

Fact: Since women have smaller muscles than men, it is harder for them to build large muscles. If done three times per week, strength training that incorporates a variety of exercises for major muscle groups can create a lean, toned appearance in women.

Myth: You can spot reduce any area of the body with specific exercises.

Fact: Spot reduction in specific areas of the body does not work. The most common misconception is that sit-ups or crunches will burn fat on the abdomen. The best way to reduce body fat is with a consistent program of aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching and a healthy diet.

Myth: No pain, no gain.

Fact: Many people believe exercise must be painful to be beneficial. While it’s normal to be sore for a few days after a new or strenuous workout, pain should not linger beyond that time period. Physical pain is your body’s signal to modify or stop an activity. Exercise should not be a painful experience.

Myth: Light weights on your arms or legs boost your exercise benefit.

Fact: When you carry or wear weights when walking or running, you add stress and pull on your muscles and joints. This can cause strained muscles.