Staying Present

Mindfulness: You may be seeing this word pop up a lot in publications lately. According to studies from the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, the practice of mindfulness can bring improvements in both physical and psychological symptoms as well as positive changes in health attitudes and behaviors. So what is being mindful? Simply put it is awareness of the present moment. Our days begin and end at the blink of an eye and everything between can sometimes be a blur. As we multitask the day away, our minds take a step in one direction while our physical bodies continue to move in another. The result is missing out in the present moment as it happens.

The human body is truly miraculous. It can handle all of the stressors of the day and somehow repeat this 5-7 days a week with minimal effort. Yet it never receives recognition for it. Instead we take in our meals mouthfuls at a time, barely pausing to chew, much less savor the moment with all five senses. Over time this lack of awareness can translate to unwanted weight gain.

Patients frequently consult with Dr. Shillingford from every corner of Florida including Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale because they are struggling with gaining weight despite leading moderately active lives. Not surprisingly in some cases mindless eating is the culprit. Behavior modification and the added physical restriction that bariatric surgeries such as the Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Lap Band, or Gastric Bypass provide the long-term results our patients are looking for.

Digesting food properly is a multifaceted process that begins when with the sights, smells, and tastes that kick-start enzyme secretion in the gut and saliva. Without these gastric juices to enable the breakdown and absorption of food the body never gets the energy it needs day in and day out to perform and stay satisfied. Over all, being present while eating is just as important as choosing the right foods in the right portions, and staying active.

Dr. Shillingford’s bariatric surgery practice wants to help patients embrace a new lifestyle that not only features amazing weight loss, but also helps them achieve stress reduction, lowered risk of disease, improved sleep, and emotional stability. Dr. Shillingford’s bariatric surgery program that features a highly skilled team of professionals dedicated to addressing the above areas and empowering people to make permanent positive change.

- Dr. Kahlil Shillingford is a board certified surgeon who specializes in bariatric or weight loss surgery including the Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve), Gastric Bypass, and Lap-Band procedures. His patients come from across the state of Florida including Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale. To learn more about Dr. Shillingford’s integrative weight loss surgeries and all-inclusive fees please call his office in Boca Raton, Florida at (561) 483-8840.