Even Bariatric Surgeons Can Get Off Track
December 5, 2016I need help!
Under the auspices of having some shelf stable snacks for hiking, I bought a box of chocolate hazelnut-filled energy bars. Each one has 230 calories and, though touted as being organic and having a low glycemic index, each bar has 27 grams of carbohydrates. They looked so innocent sitting on the shelf in the supermarket. I rationalized that I would only be using them for serious hikes, and not as daily snacks.
I ate the first one while I was still shopping — because I went to the grocery store hungry.
I ate the second one in the car on the way home — wow, these are really good!
I ate a third one after dinner that night — I had not yet gone hiking, and I was already up 690 calories for the day.
I woke up in the morning and had two for breakfast, instead of my usual protein shake, then got in my truck to drive to the trailhead.
I ate another one on the hike, then two more in the truck on the way out of the woods.
Get this, I stopped at the supermarket and bought two more boxes on my way home!
Results From Veering Off Track
I continued to eat two bars a day through the first part of the week (an extra 460 calories and 54 grams of carbohydrate every day), and I did not exercise to my target heart rate for two days because I felt sluggish — which is no surprise given the huge sugar spikes.
I got to my office yesterday and weighed myself as I always do, and I had gained 5 pounds in 6 days. In case you have forgotten, I am a bariatric surgeon. I specialize in weight loss surgery, and in counseling patients who are struggling with weight. I did not heed my own rules!
Many of those close to me are aware that I have struggled with my weight since the 5th grade, but that I have kept it under control (for the most part) with strict adherence to the same guidelines I recommend to my patients. I eat a high protein, low carbohydrate, moderate fat diet. I exercise to my target heart rate, at least 40 minutes per day, at least four times per week. I avoid caloric beverages, and I stay away from bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes. Yet, here I am, a bariatric surgeon, up 5 pounds in less than a week, just from veering off the plan that I preach every day at work.
My Take-Away From Stepping Off Track
For those of us that struggle with our weight, there’s no such thing as a cheat day. Stepping off the path can start in the most innocent of ways, and then end up with a complete blow-out. No one gets rewarded from a cheat day. And, based on what happened to me this past week, you can see how easy those of us with a tendency to put on weight can get sidetracked.
Last night, I donated the two boxes of energy bars, grudgingly. I felt like an addict throwing away his last fix. Obesity is a disease, much more complicated than calories in/calories out. Just like managing any addiction or compulsion, we must not deviate from our path to success.
Health is both a goal and a journey. Let’s all help each other, and let’s get healthy together!
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Matthew Metz, MD, FACS is a board-certified, Cleveland Clinic trained, Bariatric Surgeon practicing with the Denver Center for Bariatric Surgeryin Colorado. Dr. Metz has performed thousands of bariatric surgeries and is well known in the area for his kind demeanor, technical proficiency, and compassionate bedside manner.Read more articles by Dr. Matthew Metz! |
