St. Louis Bariatric Surgeons and Dietitian Debunk Three Weight Loss Myths

Drs. Van L. Wagner and Jay Michael Snow, Along With Dietitian Stacey Brouk, From Heart of America Bariatrics Shed Light on the Truth Behind Three Common Weight Loss Myths


ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwired - May 2, 2013) - At Heart of America Bariatrics, a St. Louis weight loss surgery practice, Drs. Van L. Wagner, Jay Michael Snow, and Registered Dietitian Stacey Brouk strive to enlighten patients about common weight loss myths. With an abundance of weight loss misinformation circulating the Internet, television, and magazine stands, the Heart of America Bariatrics team holds regular wellness workshops to reach out to patients in order to set the record straight. Recently, the bariatric professionals highlighted what they believe to be the top three weight loss myths: surgery is an easy weight loss solution; exercise is not necessary for weight loss; and late night meals inhibit weight loss.

In regard to bariatric surgery being an easy solution for people interested in losing weight, Dr. Wagner says he could not disagree more. The bariatric surgeon notes that although weight loss surgeries like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass can be life-changing, patients must alter their post-surgery lifestyles to include healthy meal plans, steady exercise regimens, and other important aspects in order to maintain a healthier, slimmer figure. He adds that dedication and willpower to make comprehensive lifestyle changes are key attributes that patients need to possess prior to bariatric surgery to ensure a successful long-term outcome.

Concerning the relationship between exercise and weight loss, Dr. Snow says the former is essential to the latter. Although minimal weight loss can be achieved without exercise, the St. Louis bariatric surgeon notes that an individual's weight will eventually level out and healthy weight loss will no longer occur until a steady exercise routine is implemented into his or her schedule. Furthermore, he says the same rules apply to maintaining a healthy weight, adding that although someone may be idling at their ideal weight, exercise is still necessary to ensure any excess calories are burned rather than stored in the body as fat.

In reference to late-night eating inhibiting weight loss, Brouk says the "Don't Eat Before Bed" myth is not entirely true. While the dietitian admits eating late is not ideal for weight loss, she notes the bottom line is one's caloric intake over the course of the day. Brouk goes on to say that the problem with late-night eating is that oftentimes it is mindless eating being done while watching television or reading. This mindless eating can lead to consuming an excessive amount of calories throughout the day and can hinder weight loss progress. Overall, she stresses that overall calorie intake outweighs the time of day at which food is consumed.

Ultimately, the Heart of America Bariatrics team says patients should consider the source from which they are getting their weight loss information. When in doubt, Drs. Wagner and Snow urge patients to ask a bariatric surgeon, a registered dietitian, or a qualified medical professional rather than using the Internet or television as a trusted source for questions and concerns regarding weight loss. Additionally, Brouk notes that attending wellness workshops and bariatric surgery seminars, as well as scheduling one-on-one appointments with professionals like herself, Dr. Wagner or Dr. Snow, can be excellent ways to clarify misinformation and obtain support throughout one's weight loss process.

About Van L. Wagner, MD

A graduate of New York Medical College in Valhalla, Dr. Van L. Wagner completed his general surgery residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He is experienced in a variety of bariatric techniques and procedures including Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomies, and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass. Dr. Wagner is also board-certified and a member of the prestigious American Society for Bariatric Surgery. He is available for interview upon request.

About Jay Michael Snow, MD

Dr. Jay Michael Snow completed his undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Fitness at the University of Missouri, Columbia and went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Missouri. While completing a yearlong bariatric surgery fellowship at the Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, he honed his surgical skill by performing over 1,000 bariatric procedures. Dr. Snow is also an active member of a number of prestigious medical organizations including the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He is available for interview upon request.

About Stacey Brouk, RD, LD

Registered and Licensed Dietitian Stacey Brouk earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Dietetics from Missouri State University. She has completed an accredited dietetic internship through the University of Houston and has worked as an outpatient dietitian in hospital and community settings. Brouk recently earned her Master's degree in Dietetics from Kansas State University. She is available for interview upon request.

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