Blog Archive

After completing the Stage 1 diet for 7 days, you will advance to the Stage 2 diet for the next 7 days. This is also known as the Pureed Foods diet.  In this stage, all foods must have the consistency of applesauce or Greek yogurt. Nothing can be lumpy, chunky,...

Feeling fatigued after bariatric surgery is not uncommon, especially in the first few months. However, there are a few factors that can increase the amount of fatigue that you experience. Take a look at these 5 causes of fatigue after bariatric surgery.  Dehydration Dehydration is one of the top causes...

What can I have on the Stage 1 Diet? Clear Liquids- this is anything that you can see through. All liquids must have less than 5 grams of sugar per serving, have no carbonation, and be caffeine-free/decaf.  How long does the Stage 1 Diet last? This diet stage lasts from...

While losing weight before surgery doesn’t lead to a more successful surgery experience and greater weight loss, making changes before surgery are associated with better outcomes. Not following the dietary guidelines outlined in your program after bariatric surgery puts you at risk for malnutrition and not achieving your personal weight...

Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic recipe for a lot of people. I personally remember having them when I was in elementary school from the school cafeteria, and it was always a special day! Traditionally, these would be served on a bun and with ground beef and possibly some tater tots...

Air fryers can be particularly helpful for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. After bariatric surgery, patients need to make significant dietary changes to support their weight loss and overall health goals. Here are a few ways that air fryers can be helpful! Lower Fat and Healthier Cooking One of the...

Are you struggling to find the motivation to exercise? You're not alone. Many people struggle to get started with a regular exercise routine, and even those who do exercise regularly can find it challenging to stay motivated. However, regular exercise is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health, so...

Weight loss stalls are a common concern for many patients post-surgery. Despite following your diet and exercise plan, you may find that the scale is not budging. Don't worry, this is a normal part of the weight loss journey.  Understanding Weight Loss Stalls If you've undergone bariatric surgery, you may...

Eating breakfast in the morning as part of your 3 daily meals is a very important part of achieving your weight loss goals and maintaining your weight. After bariatric surgery, the new challenge is eating enough calories each day, and skipping breakfast contributes to undereating. Remember, even after bariatric surgery,...

Regardless of what bariatric surgery you’re having, it is helpful to prepare for your hospital stay. While you will not be in the hospital for a very long time, typically less than 24 hours, a few items might help make your stay at the hospital more comfortable. Do your best...

There are so many great products on the market that can help simplify your life and make eating healthier feel a bit easier. However, understanding the benefits or how these items can help increase their value to the consumer.  Today’s blog is going to talk about the benefits of planning...

What are your “core” muscles? Abdominals- muscles you typically associate with a “6 pack” are also important in stabilizing your spine. Obliques- muscles on the sides of your abdomen helps you rotate your body and stabilizes your spine Pelvic Floor- a group of 14 muscles that serve many functions, one...

When thinking about Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie is a staple for most. In anticipation of the holidays and all the pumpkin fanfare, having a low carb and sugar-free dessert option is a must! Additionally, life after surgery can feel limiting around the holidays for those doing their best to stay on...

Knowing what protein supplements are ideal options after bariatric surgery is so important. However, not everyone has the same preferences and every store carries different options. This makes it challenging to find products that work within your own preferences. Below you will find a few popular brands of clear liquid...

There are many factors that contribute to long term use and consistency of taking bariatric vitamins after surgery. One that can have a profound impact on whether or not someone can take their vitamins is the cost.  For individuals who are struggling to pay for vitamins due to financial hardship,...

When someone thinks about exercise and activity, it’s not uncommon to initially think about going to the gym and walking. However, for many, this may feel really unobtainable. Especially when we factor in medical conditions like arthritis, back injuries, or the need for another surgery into the equation.   For individuals...

Life after surgery can be full of healthy yet delicious foods. However, it can be difficult to know what to make and how to make new foods taste amazing. Half the battle is having a guide or recipe to follow to simplify the process. When looking for a tasty recipe...

There are so many amazing kitchen gadgets on the market that make eating healthy easy and help you be more creative in the kitchen. I personally love using spiralizers to make zoodles, or noodles out of zucchini, but you can also do this with carrots and cucumbers for different types...

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient for individuals after having bariatric surgery. After having bariatric surgery, the stomach produces less intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. Additionally, the portion of the small intestine responsible for absorbing the vitamin may be bypassed or reduced, further impacting...

We all know that maintaining good posture is important for overall health, but did you know that it can also impact your digestion? Your posture plays a key role in how your body functions, including how efficiently your digestive system works. So, if you're looking to improve your digestive health,...

In honor of the slow transition to Fall and everything pumpkin, I thought it would be fun to explore a few variations of the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte! Making your own version at home will have a little additional up front cost.  However, if you like to enjoy more than...

One possible side effect of bariatric surgery is an iron deficiency. Although it may not seem like a big deal, iron is essential for the body's overall health and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. In this article, we will explore why iron deficiency occurs after bariatric...

One of the most common complications following weight loss surgery, especially for people after the gastric bypass and occasionally the sleeve gastrectomy, is dumping syndrome. In this blog, we will explore what dumping syndrome is, its symptoms, causes, and how to manage it. What is Dumping Syndrome? Dumping syndrome is...

When trying to select the best bariatric surgery for you, it can feel like a very overwhelming idea. A lot of people will lean towards procedures that another family member or friend may have selected because those individuals experienced great weight loss success. While this is a great place to...

After bariatric surgery, some people can experience low blood sugars after eating a high carbohydrate meal. Although, this is not your typical dumping syndrome caused by high sugar foods that people can experience after having the gastric bypass. This type of low blood sugar is called reactive hypoglycemia, also known...

Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women, but it can also bring about unique challenges, especially for those who have undergone bariatric surgery. For women who have had bariatric surgery, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure a healthy pregnancy.  In this blog, we will explore the...

Lactose intolerance happens when the body doesn’t make the enzyme lactase, which helps break down lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products.  This is what causes people with lactose intolerance to experience bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. In this blog post,...

After bariatric surgery, protein is a key part in maintaining your health and achieving your weight loss goals. Protein supplements offer a reliable source of protein for people who have recently undergone bariatric surgery.  In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of protein supplements after bariatric surgery and their role...

Losing weight can be a challenging journey, especially for those struggling with obesity. Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss procedure that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves changing the stomach's size and/or rerouting the intestine.  After the surgery, patients can experience significant weight loss that can improve their overall...

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps the body in absorbing calcium, promoting strong bone health, and helps a variety of organs work normally. It is also known as the sunshine vitamin because it can be made by the skin through exposure to sunlight. However, many individuals struggle with...

Alternative sweeteners have become more and more popular, especially in the bariatric community. One alternative many people turn to is artificial sweeteners, which are chemically produced sweeteners designed to mimic sugar's taste. But are they really a healthier alternative, and how do they compare to other sugar substitutes on the...

Depending on how far out you are from surgery, this will ultimately determine your portion size. Right after surgery, there is a lot of swelling and inflammation that needs to calm down. As this goes away, you will slowly be able to consume slightly larger amounts of food, however this...

You are not alone if you are struggling with weight regain after bariatric surgery. In a perfect world of bariatric surgery, everyone would reach their weight loss goals and keep the weight off for their entire life.  Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. While 5-10 pound weight regain...

With spring upon us and summer approaching, changes to routines and schedules can be expected. While change can be a wonderful and exciting thing, this can also be a trigger for stress and anxiety in some individuals.  Before surgery, many may have gone to foods for comfort or as a...

Constipation is not an uncommon complaint of people after bariatric surgery, however this is typically a temporary problem and usually resolves as you’re able to consume more fiber and increase your physical activity. But if you’re feeling uncomfortable and haven’t had a bowel movement in a few days, it’s important...

What are Probiotics? You have a variety of good and bad bacteria living in your intestinal tract, aka your “gut.” A probiotic supplement is made up of the good bacteria and are living organisms that help improve gut health and the gut’s immune function. They can be found in supplements...

Nausea and vomiting are the most common problems that occur in the first few months after surgery. If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting, it may be related to your eating or drinking habits. Review these common causes of nausea and vomiting to see if any of these solutions are...

Bariatric support groups are a fantastic way to stay connected with other people that have gone through bariatric surgery and provide guidance along your own journey. Motivation does slowly decline over time, especially once the “honeymoon” phase after surgery is over. This honeymoon phase can last for the first 6...

Now that we’re starting to move into spring weather, you might be feeling slightly more motivated to be more active during the week. However, this can feel like a challenge when you have not been incorporating exercise into your weekly routine.  Here are a few suggestions to help get you...

After the initial adjustment to bariatric surgery takes place, we answer a lot of questions about how many calories each day should be consumed or why a weight loss stall might be happening.  Here is a summary of the nutrition information found in the Nutrition Guidelines After Surgery book with...

Tracking your nutrition is a helpful tool after bariatric surgery, especially with staying on track and seeing progress made towards your personal health goals. However, it can feel overwhelming at times to stay organized and track your calories, protein, and even fitness effectively and all in one place.  This is...

Valentine’s Day can be a challenging time for anyone that is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and creates many opportunities for high sugar and unhealthy foods to creep into the diet. While it may feel impossible to think of ideas that support your new healthy lifestyle to celebrate this...

When talking about weight loss and bariatric surgery, foods that are high in carbohydrates are often brought up as “bad” foods or labeled “unhealthy.” While it is important to limit some specific foods high in carbohydrates while your goal is to lose weight, not all carbohydrates are avoided, and they...

It’s that time of year again! When goal setting becomes more important and we begin to think about what we hope to achieve in the next year (365 days). Unfortunately, many people have a really hard time setting goals and sticking to them. This happens for many reasons, but often...

Focusing on being in good health is important in so many areas of life. One major area we have more control over involves our eating habits and even how someone eats a meal. Food choice and listening to your body are so important, and will improve your health and wellness....

The holidays are a fun season full of family and friend gatherings, holiday work events, ugly sweater parties, and the like. However, when you are trying to be mindful of your health after having bariatric surgery, it can feel a bit more stressful.  Having a plan in place, and ideas...

Seasonal baking is a holiday tradition for many. Whether it is nostalgic and reminds you of baking with past family members as a child or brings you joy to bake for others, holiday baking is something that can still be celebrated after bariatric surgery. Now that you have made some...

The holiday season can be a wonderful and beautiful time of year! However, it can also become a very stressful and busy season for some, and for others more delicate time due to seasonal depression or grief. While many of these emotions are challenging to escape, here are a few...

With the holidays approaching, our lives become increasingly busy with holiday shopping, family or friend gatherings, end of the year work deadlines, and vacations to name a few. It can feel near impossible to incorporate exercise or general activity into the day, but it might be a little easier than...

Whether you are purchasing cow’s milk or trying to choose a plant based alternative to have after bariatric surgery, it can feel like a complicated process. How do you know what one is the best? There are a few things to consider before making a decision, and we will review...

After having the Sleeve Gastrectomy, (Roux-en-Y) Gastric Bypass, or the Loop/Standard Duodenal Switch surgeries, your eating habits and the way you look at food changes. Now, your health, and especially your food choices, become a top priority. Fueling your body with protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables becomes incredibly important...

As many know and understand, bariatric surgery is a wonderful tool that helps with weight loss. However, keeping the weight off and not slipping back into old habits is another topic. In order to reach your goal weight and maintain that weight, consistency is key. And this involves committing to...

Bariatric surgery is an amazing tool that is very helpful with weight loss, especially after years of yo-yo dieting and struggling to lose weight on your own. One topic that isn’t focused on enough includes how to manage your stress and practice self care after your surgery. Emotional health, including...

I often hear from people that eating healthy is just too expensive. And while this may be the case depending on financial struggles, food access, availability, and inflation, there are a lot of ways to make eating healthy much more affordable. In this article, we will discuss different ways to...

Life after bariatric surgery comes with its own set of challenges. So much effort has been made to make a variety of lifestyle changes that support your personal health goals. But once October hits, it feels like there are so many holidays that follow from now until New Years Eve...

When to Avoid Coffee Before and After Surgery  The recommendation is to avoid regular and decaf coffee for 2 weeks before your surgery and no regular or decaf coffee for 1 month after surgery.  Why Do I Need To Avoid Coffee? Coffee is known as a gastric irritant. This basically...

For the sports lovers out there, September is a really exciting time of year! This is when the NFL season begins and Sunday’s become “Funday’s” with friends and family. Sometimes these days are filled with snacks, finger foods, and alcohol. However, after having bariatric surgery, these days will look a...

We lose hair naturally every day. You will see this when you brush your hair or when you're taking a shower. However, after surgery, you may begin to experience more than the typical hair shedding between 3 to 6 months after surgery.  When your body goes through something stressful, like...

Understanding the relationship between sleep and someone’s body weight is still being explored. However, here are a few connections that have been noticed. Increased Appetite One factor that research studies have looked at is the connection between sleep and someone's appetite. Poor sleep impacts your hunger hormones, ghrelin and leptin....

Food cravings are not uncommon and happen to the majority of people. Understanding why you might have a food craving can really help you know how to fight it off or prevent the craving from happening in the first place. Here are 8 tips to help reduce the likelihood of...

Adopting an exercise routine after bariatric surgery is important for reaching your weight loss goals and maintaining that weight loss for a lifetime. However, if you have never gone to a gym or are beginning to introduce exercise into your life, it can feel very intimidating.  Many people feel that...

Reading nutrition labels is an important part of reaching weight loss goals and maintaining a healthy weight after bariatric surgery.  For the Sleeve Gastrectomy, reading nutrition labels helps prevent weight loss stalls from eating foods too high in carbohydrates and sugars.  For the Gastric Bypass, reading nutrition labels helps avoid...

You can enjoy quality time with family and friends and attend get-togethers at most of your favorite restaurants after bariatric surgery. While we do suggest trying to limit how often you eat out, it’s equally important to enjoy your life with friends and family!  When you have your nutrition goals...

Patients seeking surgical treatment for severe obesity and its related conditions have a high-quality choice for receiving treatment at a nationally accredited program that meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality of care in the Central Valley. Doctors Medical Center is accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the...

  My story started in 2014 with a knee replacement failure. Due to multiple surgeries on my knee and being mostly bedridden for about 3 years, I gained more weight than I thought I could. I was depressed all the time and ate my worries away but that didn’t help...

DS Loop Surgery "I was always a big guy. It never stopped me from having friends or getting a job. When my weight got up past 450 pounds it started to effect everything. A friend posted that picture of me on the field on social media and I thought to...

I always tell my patients “special occasions” are times for a little splurge. I also tell them….make sure you define special! Everything can be a special occasion if we let it. It’s his birthday. It’s her birthday. It’s your birthday. Presidents Day. Labor Day. Tuesday….you get the idea :) Valentine’s...

Here are what the patients are saying about Dr. Matthew Coates "Thanking Dr. Coates for last May’s surgery!! I’m down almost 90 pounds with a sleeve, I remember him coming into the room before surgery and talking with him, he’s very likable very professional & I’m so grateful for this...

  Andy Huber, MD is a board-certified general surgeon who is specializing in bariatric surgery. He is coming from his Advanced GI/Minimally invasive surgery fellowship at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Before his fellowship he had completed his general surgery training at San Joaquin General Hospital in French Camp,...

Well, it personally took me five years to have the gastric bypass! I was severely obsessed and had a hard time walking and running and just basically I was ready for a change. I got to be really overweight and I had the attitude where I didn’t care what happened to...

CAL/SERV: 130 YIELDS: 15 PREP TIME: 0 HOURS 10 MINS TOTAL TIME: 0 HOURS 35 MINS   INGREDIENTS 1/4 c. coconut oil 3 tbsp. butter, softened 3 tbsp. granulated Swerve sweetener 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 4 large egg yolks 1 c. sugar-free dark chocolate chips, such as Lily's 1 c. coconut flakes 3/4 c. roughly chopped walnuts    DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350° and...

Here are what patients are saying about the amazing Dr. Patrick Coates!   "He was my surgeon!! He really put my son and I at ease!! I had complete trust that everything was going to be alright thanks to Dr. Coates." -Michelle Caliriquen    "Sleeved 12/14/16. Thank you Dr Patrick...

When Thanksgiving rolls around we can't get roasted turkey and pumpkin pie off our minds. All of the desserts can be tempting, but if you are wanting to keep it low-carb, this keto pumpkin pie will make it easy. Pile it high with whipped cream and no one will know the difference!      INGREDIENTS...

HERE ARE WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE AMAZING DR. COIRIN: "He was super amazing to me!! He would come and check on me to make sure I was doing good." -Candice Arellano   "Dr. Corin did not do mine but I had to be rehospitalized and he was my...

On October 25th, 2019 Central California hosted their 1st Annual Patient Appreciation Gala, Hollywood Nights!! The guests enjoyed a night of celebration as we listen to the successful journey's of the CCS weight-loss surgery patients. Fat City Brew and BBQ was the cater of choice. Don King the owner is...

I never had a weight issue growing up. Into my 30's, I was always working out and into nutrition. At 36, I had my first and last child. I struggled to get the weight off. Then at 40, I started having health issues. I ended up having a few surgeries....

Ingredients 1 cup sugar-free all-natural peanut butter ½ cup of unsalted softened butter 1 cup of sugar substitute (Swerve, an erythritol blend, or Lakanto’s Monk fruit. ) Can be purchased on Amazon, Sprouts and other health food stores. 1 egg [1 cup of almond flour ] 1 teaspoon of baking...

Our very own Dr. Antonio Coirin was featured in Sutter Health news on May 9th, 2019 for becoming robotic surgery certified! Read the article written by Angela Borchert:  "MMC Employee Grateful for Robotic Surgery that Changed Her Life; Celebrates Accreditation"   *Cover image courtesy of newsplus.sutterhealth.org