Category Archives: Staff Blog

What I’m learning about addiction lately…

June 13, 2017

Many of us have at least one addict in our family….food, alcohol, work, gambling, drugs…they’re all legitimate addictions. Addicts tend to blame others for their bad behaviors. They tend to justify their actions even though they may be wrong morally and legally. Many addicts bend the truth or flat-out lie to cover their actions. This is just what addicts do. If you refuse to allow the addict to continue the bad behavior, they may call you a bully or intolerant. They may play the victim card…for example…”I can’t believe my parents made me move out after doing a little cocaine (again).”

It’s really easy to see these behaviors in our family members. The bigger question is can you see any of these behaviors in yourself? Can I see any of these behaviors in myself? We often see others as “toxic”. But can I see that I’m toxic sometimes? PS…if you don’t think you’re the toxic person at all…you’re probably the toxic person most of the time.

If I’m really honest with myself, I realize that I have lots of negative traits and actions that are offensive to other people and my Creator. The question then becomes…will I own the things I’ve done wrong? Will I release my pride and allow others to help me do better the next time?

~ Dr. Chang

Getting Sufficient Protein in Your Diet

October 20, 2014

One of the most difficult dietary changes to make, post bariatric surgery, is getting enough protein. Protein is critical to healing during recovery after surgery. In fact you will be started on a protein supplemented liquid diet soon after you leave the hospital. Protein is also an essential part of weight loss and building muscle over the longer-term. In fact, consuming enough of protein and forgoing simple carbohydrates such as refined sugars can keep you fuller, longer and help you lose weight more easily.

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Ghrelin, the Hunger Hormone:

October 15, 2014

Very few people will know what you’re talking about when you mention ghrelin, but as we learn more about this hunger hormone and its effect on our weight, it has become an ever more important part of weight loss research.

Ghrelin is produced in the fundus, a small gland located toward the top of the stomach pouch. When a person feels hunger, it is, at least in part due to this gland secreting ghrelin. The ghrelin sends hunger signals to the brain, prompting us to consume food. Once the body has received what it believes to be the appropriate amount of food, our hunger disappears.

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