Newsletter - August 2012

Surgeon Spotlight

Get To Know Our New Surgeons:
Along with a new location in Northern Westchester, the New York Bariatric Group is proud to announce our new experienced and compassionate surgeon joining our outstanding team, Dr. Eric A. Sommer.

Dr. Eric Sommer received his general surgery training at Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, where his passion for bariatrics and laparoscopy blossomed. Dr. Sommer completed a fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic, Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack NY, under the guise of world renowned surgeon Garth Ballantyne. Dr. Sommer was recruited up to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT as the Director of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery and created the first Bariatric Program in Southeastern Connecticut. At the moment, Dr. Sommer has performed over 300 bariatric procedures such as Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding.

Know Your Sole!

Make sure to start your new life on the right foot:

Do you have pain in your knees? Shin splints? Has the thought ever crossed your mind that you were just not meant for exercise? Well, fear no more! It’s time to stop giving up and instead make time to know your sole.

Shoes are an imperative piece of equipment for a pain free workout. The proper shoe type will provide the correct amount of stability, cushioning, and shock absorbance to remove stress from your joints and knees. Old or improper shoes can cause excess pain which may eventually lead to injury. Did you know that workout shows wear out in about 6 months? When a shoe wears out it loses its support and stability control which could eventually cause you pain when walking/running.

It is very important that you choose a walking/running shoe that is designed for your foot type. Whether you have a flat foot, or a high arch, there are shoes designed to give you the suitable level of comfort that you so deserve.

Try the “Wet Test” at home to figure out your foot type:

Pour a thin layer of water into a shallow pan
Wet the bottom of your foot with water
Step firmly onto a flat surface (a brown paper bag works great!)
Step off and compare your foot print to the below images.

Newsletter - August 2012

A flat foot indicates that you are most likely an overpronater, meaning that your feet roll inward when you walk. You will need to buy a firmer supportive shoe such as a Motion Shoe, to give you maximum control and extra support on the arch side of the foot.

Newsletter - August 2012

A normal medium arch is the most common foot type. As a normal pronator, this foot type is best suited with a Stability Shoe which provides moderate arch support and good midsole cushioning.

Newsletter - August 2012

A high arch is the least common foot type. This foot type indicates that you are an underpronater: meaning that your feet roll outwards as you walk. Make sure to pick up a Neutral Cushioning Shoe with a soft midsole to absorb the shock from walking/running.

If you need extra assistance on getting to know your sole, you may seek help at any running speciality store. Running store experts will make sure to fit your foot properly and get you back on the track.

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

Newsletter - August 2012

Surgeon Spotlight

Know Your Sole!

Try the “Wet Test” at home to figure out your foot type:

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

Robert

Lost 76lbs

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

Samantha

Lost 92lbs

I feel like a completely different person.

Eileen

Lost 99lbs

It saved my life.

Brittany

Lost 126lbs

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

Desiree

Lost 157lbs