Thanksgiving is just around the corner! While your Thanksgiving may look a little bit different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, there’s no doubt food is still on the menu.
Weight loss surgery patients may feel anxious about the holiday season for fear of overeating and regaining weight. If you have some concerns about making it through Thanksgiving with no regrets, make note of these tips for a healthy Thanksgiving.
Fill up before the big meal. Eat a healthy breakfast, drink plenty of water, and have a healthy snack before it’s time for the big feast.
Eat smaller portions. It’s easy to overdo it on Thanksgiving. Use a smaller plate (or try a portion control plate) to help keep your portion sizes small.
Savor each bite. Put your fork down between each bite and take time to be grateful for the food in front of you. Eating slowly gives your brain time to send the signal that your stomach is full. Eat too quickly and you’ll likely miss that signal until it’s too late and you’re stuffed.
Stop when you’re full. Your turkey should be stuffed — not you. The purpose of Thanksgiving isn’t to gorge yourself; enjoy your meal, but remember, there will always be leftovers.
Add flavor with seasonings and broth, not fat. Use fat-free chicken broth to baste your turkey and make your gravy instead of butter.
Skip the skin. Eating the skin can double the fat content of your meat, and significantly increase calories. Remember, light meat has fewer calories, but less iron than dark meat.
Make healthy substitutions. If a recipe calls for sugar substitute it with pure honey instead. Honey is a natural sweetener that can be substituted 1:1 in most recipes. Fruit puree, such as applesauce, can be subbed for oil in baked goods, and plain yogurt is a healthy alternative to sour cream in dips, mashed potatoes and casseroles.
Eat your calories, don’t drink them. Stay hydrated with water or tea, and avoid alcohol or sodas that pack on what we call “empty calories.”
Stay active. Exercise first thing in the morning, and then after the big meal, get outside and play a game of flag football with the family, or go for a brisk walk before you veg out on the couch to watch the football game. If you’re up for a new challenge, register to participate in a virtual Turkey Trot!
Stick to your weight loss surgery diet phase. If you’re working through the pre-op or post-op diet during Thanksgiving, don’t let things slide. Remember the guidelines of your diet and stick to them.
Focus on weight maintenance, rather than weight loss. With the celebrations and the stress of the holidays, thinking too much about trying to lose weight during the holidays will only add stress, which can in turn lead to weight gain. Instead, simply focus on maintaining your weight by exercising and eating smart.
Remember, the holidays are more about relishing the time you have with loved ones, rather than the food. In a year that has forced us to slow down and appreciate what truly matters in life, keep an attitude of gratitude and savor the time you have to make new memories with those closest to you.
Americans have a tradition of celebrating holidays with food, and Halloween is no different. Except this holiday is marked by an abundance of candy and sugary treats.
The good news is that it is still possible to have a scary good time this Halloween without wrecking your weight loss progress or making yourself sick. Of course Halloween may look different this year due to COVID-19, with fewer people trick-or-treating and more drive-through options for celebrations.
Here are a few tips to help you survive Halloween after weight loss surgery.
Take the emphasis off the treats.
When you’re stocking up for Halloween, buy non-food goodies to hand out to trick-or-treaters like glow sticks/necklaces, spider rings, bounce balls, stickers, colorful pencils, stamps, fun erasers, balloons, fake tattoos, bubbles, slime, hand finger puppets, etc.
Don’t keep candy in the house.
If you do choose to hand out candy, get your candy on the day of Halloween rather than stocking up early to avoid the temptation of snacking on candy that’s kept in the house. If you have leftover candy, donate it, toss it or take it to work with you the next day. Some dentist offices even offer a Halloween candy buyback or trade in program to help you get rid of leftover sweets. Store any candy you do choose to keep for your kids in the freezer to cut down on how much candy they eat at one time.
Buy candy you don’t like to hand out to trick-or-treaters.
Remember, you’re not buying for yourself, anyway. If you’re a chocolate lover, buy non-chocolate candy to hand out instead. Most kids like most candy, and if they don’t like it, they’ll pass it on to someone who does so don’t worry about not pleasing your trick-or-treaters!
Find balance and be mindful of what you do eat.
Eat a well balanced meal of protein and veggies before heading out to trick-or-treat with your kids or before heading to the Halloween party. If you’re full, you’ll be less tempted to sneak bites of candy and other treats. Keep in mind that each bite size candy ranges from about 80-100 calories per bite. It only takes 100 calories extra a day to lead to an extra 10+ pounds by the end of the year. So those one or two pieces of bite size candies can really add up.
Make healthy Halloween themed snacks.
Instead of taking the same old sugary treats to the party, try a healthy Halloween snack instead like the recipes below!
Healthy Halloween Recipes to Try
Banana Ghosts
Ingredients:
- Banana
- Mini chocolate chips
Directions:
Peel Bananas and cut in half. Stick 2 mini chocolate chips, horizontally, 1-2 inches from the non-cut end of the banana.
Clementine Jack-O-Lanterns
Ingredients:
- Clementine / tangerine
Directions:
Grab a black permanent marker and decorate your clementines or tangerines like Jack-o-lanterns.
Apple Monsters
Ingredients:
- Green apples quartered
- Sunflower butter
- Sunflower seeds
- Strawberries sliced
- 1-2 googly eyes per apple bite
Directions:
Cut the middles out of each quarter of the apple to create a mouth. Don’t worry about perfection, you are filling this gap with sunbutter anyway so if you cut too deep, you can always just cover it up and no one will know. Coat the inside of the cut gap with a filling of sunflower butter. Place four sunflower seeds on the top of the “mouth” for the teeth. Place one sliced strawberry inside the mouth for the tongue. “Glue” each eye above the mouth with a dab of sunbutter to stick. Serve.
Carrot Witch Fingers
Ingredients:
- Carrots
- Slivered almonds
- Cream cheese
Directions:
Peel carrots (or leave unpeeled if you prefer) and cut into finger-length sections. Use the peeler to shape the end into fingertips (there should be a flat area where the nail/slivered almond goes). Use a little bit of cream cheese as your glue to secure the nail/slivered almond in place. Serve by itself or with a dip.
Halloween Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cheddar cheese, cubed
- Black olives
- Skewers
Directions:
Assemble your skewers alternating between the cheese cubes and the black olives. Display on a Halloween themed plate or standing up in a glass.
Bloody Hot Dog Fingers
Ingredients:
- 12 hot dogs
- 1 sweet onion
- Ketchup
Directions:
Cut the hot dog in half and with a small paring knife, carefully cut off a small layer off each half of the hot dog at the tip (this will be the area where the fingernail would be). Right below the area where the fingernail will be, make 3 small cuts on an angle, then again in the opposite direction and again where the knuckle would be. Once the hot dogs boil, this will give them a more realistic look. Do this step with each hot dog until all your fingers are made. Cut the onion in half and remove the 2 layers of onion skin. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, drop the onion pieces and the hot dogs into the pot. Boil for about 5 minutes, and then drain. Using a knife, cut the onion into strips and then into small pieces that look like fingernails. (Try to keep them the same size as the hot dog so they look real and the onion fits properly.) Add a few drops of ketchup on the tip of the hot dogs, then place the onion “nail” on top, creating the finger. Once all your fingers are done, garnish with ketchup, and serve.
Candy Corn Fruit Parfaits
Ingredients:
- 12 clementines/tangerines, peeled and separated
- 3 cups fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 1 large container Plain Greek yogurt
- 3 to 4 drops stevia or sugar alternative
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Into a decorative glass, layer fresh pineapple on the bottom and mandarin orange slices on top of it. Mix yogurt with stevia/ sugar alternative and vanilla extract. Top fruit with yogurt mixture and serve.
One year after having gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Roshek at Nicholson Clinic, Savannah is down more than 110 pounds. This is her story.
Life Before Surgery
“Before surgery, I’ll be honest and say I was completely miserable. I had back pain, foot pain, just all over pain. I was only 22 years old and I had severe depression and anxiety. I didn’t like to go out in public besides work and home because of those issues, I always felt like people were judging me because of my size. I was a little over 327 pounds, young, beyond unhealthy and knew I wasn’t going to live much longer going on the way I was. I had tried to diet and exercise before, but then life happened and I gained every bit of weight I had lost back plus some. I had PCOS, which made it hard to lose weight anyways, so that didn’t help my situation.
“I had been looking into weight loss surgery for years but didn’t take the plunge until last summer when I made my first appointment. Weight loss surgery saved my life, and I believe that with my whole heart.”
The Nicholson Clinic Process
“My process with the Nicholson Clinic was great! They made my first appointment super quickly. I stayed updated on how everything was going in the process. If I were to call with a question, they answered it as soon as they could. Towards the end before surgery, I was having major problems with my gallbladder and gallstones. I almost had to have emergency surgery in my hometown because of it, but I was able to call the clinic and they sped my process up by calling insurance and then moving dates around once approved to get me in quicker so I could have my gallbladder out as soon as I had the sleeve done. This was SO helpful to me and saved me a lot of healing time and money as well.
“In the time since my surgery, Nicholson Clinic has been amazing as well! They again have been able to answer questions I may have and if they weren’t, they would be able to direct me to the right people. I will always recommend The Nicholson Clinic. I live in Ada, Oklahoma and drove all the way there to have all of my appointments and the surgery itself. I could have gone somewhere else closer to my hometown but chose not to!”
Life After Weight Loss Surgery
“My life is completely changed after surgery. I don’t have any more pain in my body. I don’t have anxiety or depression anymore. I’ve been told I smile and laugh more. I’ve been told I’m happier. I’ve been told I have so much more confidence than I have in my entire life and that it shows to others. I have been an inspiration to others in and out of the gym, something I never thought would happen.
“I’m a total of 110.1 pounds down from my highest weight and so many inches. I have gone from a super snug 3XL shirt to a comfortable large. My pant size has dropped from a size 24 to a plus-size 14/regular 15.
“I’m so happy that I made the decision to save my life a year ago with the sleeve surgery with Dr. Roshek! I joined a gym at just six weeks post-op and have been going consistently ever since. When I first started in the gym, I could barely walk a 2.0 on the treadmill. I couldn’t lift very much weight because of the pain I was in constantly. I wouldn’t step up on the six-inch plyo box. There are so many things I couldn’t do.
“Today, I can run a 9.0 speed. I can lift weights easily. I can JUMP on a 24-inch plyo box easily. I can do ab workouts without it hurting my back. I can shuffle sideways on a treadmill easily, which is super hard when you’re overweight and have a fear of falling. I can also keep up with girls that are half my size.
I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and made new friends, actual GOOD ones, the kind of friends that you know will always be there for you no matter what. These are just a few things that can happen during this journey that you’d never expect when you first begin. This is one decision I will never ever regret.”
Leaning on the support and encouragement of family and friends — some of whom have had weight loss surgery themselves — John took the leap to have gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Long at Nicholson Clinic. This is his story.
“I decided to have the surgery since my parents and brother had similar surgeries years ago and it’s been a great transformation for them. My younger brother especially. He inspired me to make the change and my family was very supportive of my decision to have the surgery. I also had a friend who highly recommended Dr. Long and the Nicholson Clinic and coached me through the process.”
The Nicholson Clinic Process – With You All the Way
“The [Nicholson Clinic] process went very smoothly. I am thankful for the expertise, personal follow-ups, and holistic approach the team employs. This helped significantly with the physical and emotional aspects of the decision.”
Life After Surgery – Adventure Awaits!
“I’m grateful for each of the 128 pounds I’ve lost so far since late December 2019 and I’m excited about going down this pathway to a much healthier and happier life. I am getting rid of my 5XL clothing and moving towards being able to shop at “regular” stores for the first time in years.
“I am able to work out daily now. I own and operate a local pool service and this has given me much more energy and stamina for the work we do. I am resuming tennis and playing basketball with our daughter as she prepares for middle-school tryouts.
“I’m so excited to get back out and enjoy traveling again and my wife and I have a trip to Southeast Asia booked for next fall. It’s a great motivator to continue making positive progress so we will look and feel our best on this bucket list adventure.”
Did you know you that if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), you can use those funds to pay for weight loss surgery? If you’ve been considering bariatric surgery, but have been concerned about the cost because your insurance doesn’t cover it, or perhaps you have a high deductible, your FSA, HSA or HRA can help cover the expense — and it’s tax free!
FSA, HSA and HRA funds are taken out of your paycheck pretax, so not only will you not pay taxes on those funds used to cover medical expenses like weight loss surgery, but making a contribution to an FSA/HSA/HRA also lowers your taxable income
FSA: Use It or Lose It
If your employer offers a flexible spending plan for healthcare expenses, you can use this pre-tax income to pay for a variety of healthcare costs, including weight loss programs and bariatric surgery. The 2020 FSA maximum contribution is $2,750 (up from $2,700 in 2019).
Flexible Spending Accounts are different than Health Savings Accounts in that you must use the funds in your account each year, or you will lose them. Employers are allowed to extend a $500 rollover of FSA funds from one year to the next, or a two-and-a-half month grace period to use the previous year’s FSA dollars (but are not required to offer the rollover or grace period).
If you are unsure how your FSA plan is set up, talk to your employer’s human resources department to find out which, if any, extensions apply to you.
Save Even More at Nicholson Clinic
Nicholson Clinic is dedicated to helping prevent finances from limiting any patient who desires life-changing weight loss surgery. We are proud to offer one of the lowest self-pay prices in town, along with a number of payment options, including cash pay, payment plans and with financing for as low as $248/month.
Few bariatric practices include everything in one low price, from your initial consult to your post-op follow-up visits for life! And our pricing is significantly lower than the national average. (Read more about payments and pricing on our website.)
If you’ve been on the fence about bariatric surgery and your funds expire December 31, it’s not too late to get scheduled for surgery. Contact us today with any questions or to get the process started.
When researching weight loss surgery, patients learn that in many cases, bariatric surgery is considered a medical necessity and is at least partially covered by most insurance companies, provided the patient meets their requirements. The insurance process can be tricky to navigate and that’s why we do the heavy lifting for you. Our team of insurance specialists helps patients manage the process, working directly with their insurance providers to acquire approval.
But, did you know that insurance can also cover some types of fitness training post-surgery? Research has shown the importance of establishing an exercise routine after surgery, once approved by your doctor. Exercise can lead to measurable improvements in not only weight loss but your overall health. It can also help you maintain weight loss long-term. Many insurance companies understand the importance of exercising post-op and will offer assistance if deemed medically necessary and the patient meets the requirements. With many insurance companies, a patient can be covered for exercise with a licensed trainer if they have two or more co-morbidities, such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease.
For example, Dallas Iron Fitness is licensed under Nextgen RPM and is able to train patients 400 minutes per month, pending physician referral, proof of two co-morbidities and insurance approval. They accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United Health Care, Medicare, and TriForce (Veterans). Coverage is based on each patient’s specific deductible and each patient would be handled individually. If a patient does not qualify but would like to train, they also affordable group classes limited to 5 participants.
Nicholson Clinic has two partners who offer insurance based training programs, Dallas Iron Fitness and P5 Performance. Since the agreement is between the patient and the fitness provider, Nicholson Clinic is unable to verify coverage on your behalf, so patients are encouraged to contact them directly to inquire about coverage and types of plans and medical fitness opportunities available. In addition to insurance based training, we have partners who offer affordable bariatric fitness programs, specifically geared to post-op patients. Nicholson Clinic also provides complimentary fitness classes to our patients periodically throughout the year. More information on these programs and how to reach our fitness partners can be found on our website here, and you can check our Facebook page for updates.
Regardless of what type of exercise program you decide to purse, make sure you are approved by your surgeon before you start. Work your way in slowly and ramp up for 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Your fitness program should become a routine, aiming for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Exercise doesn’t have to be overly strenuous, just get your heart rate up and focus on increasing your endurance, strength and flexibility. It’s also good to mix up your fitness routine and find a work out partner or walking buddy to help each other stay motivated.
Get out there and get fit!
Nathan underwent gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Long in January 2018, which helped him shed 158 pounds. In the two-and-a-half years since surgery, Nathan has successfully maintained his weight loss.
This is his story.
Life Before Surgery
“Before surgery, life was difficult due to all of the excess weight. Going up the stairs in my home would make me winded. Medically, I had gout, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Although I thought I didn’t mind being a big guy, I had no idea just how much my life experience was being affected by my weight. I was often depressed and irritable.
“What compelled me to get surgery was a blood pressure scare. I was traveling for work and I was checking my blood pressure. It got really high and wasn’t going back down. I called an ambulance and the EMT’s recommended I go to the ER. They took me to the ER and the medical team there monitored me. My heart was not slowing down and they were afraid I was going to have a heart attack, so they gave me some medicine to slow everything down. That incident made me realize it was time for a change.”
The Nicholson Clinic Process – With You All The Way
“The process with the Nicholson Clinic was great. Everyone was kind and professional. They gave me a lot of information. They made sure I understood that the surgery was not “the easy option” to weight loss. They made sure I knew that if I really wanted to change my life, I would need to follow up the surgery with a commitment to live and eat differently.
“The day of the operation was easy. My family and I came in the morning and I was out later that day. Post Op was not easy because of how everything feels, but the Nicholson Clinic had prepared me for everything, so it wasn’t a surprise.”
Life After Surgery
“My life today is very different. I am no longer on gout medicine. I am no longer on blood pressure medicine. I have no sleep apnea. As of this morning (July 2, 2020), I weigh 187 pounds. I make sure I weigh my food to never eat more than 4 to 5 ounces at one sitting. I log all of my food in an app.
“When I found out how many people gain the weight back, or stretch out their new stomach, I was determined to not let that happen to me. I do not let my eyes tell me how much to eat. I let a food scale tell me. I always am full after a meal, but if I serve myself more than necessary, I will over eat, so I don’t ever put more than the necessary amount on my plate. I have started jogging and I enjoy it. I go hiking with my wife and I enjoy it.
“My attitude about life has improved greatly. I did not realize that carrying around all that extra weight was a strain on my physical health, but also my mental and emotional well being. The truth is I was headed to an early grave. Today, that’s not the case. Secure in the knowledge I am doing what I can to take care of my health, I am free to experience a much richer life.”
Congratulations, Stacy, on your One Year Surgery Anniversary!
Stacy, like many Nicholson Clinic patients, had struggled with her weight for years. The excess weight was affecting her health, her energy level and causing severe back and knee pain. She knew something had to change. Here’s her story and how she lost 114 pounds and counting.
Life Before Surgery
“I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. I remember my pediatrician telling my mom it was ‘just baby weight.’ My parents never made a big deal about my weight but did eventually send me to a weight loss camp. Very early on I learned about food and exercise but was never able to apply it consistently. I have always been known as ‘pretty for a big girl.’ I was never really miserable about my size, I liked being thick but being thick did not like me.
“I have always had back issues, to the point of having injections in my spine and considering surgery. My doctor advised that while losing weight would not cure my issue it would reduce the damage. In September of 2018, I tore my medial meniscus and had to have surgery to repair it. My surgeon and physical therapist both advised that if I did not lose weight, they would be replacing my knees in five to seven years.
“I have two sons and three grand kids and a career where I manage 20 people every day. I was miserable not having the energy to keep up with my day to day life, much less family and work. Something had to change.”
The Nicholson Clinic Process – With You All The Way
In the first nine months after surgery, Stacy was down 100 pounds! At the one year mark, she has lost 114 pounds!
“From my first appointment at Nicholson Clinic, I felt supported. I knew that everyone had my best health in mind, mentally and physically. EVERYONE was so kind and took the time I needed to feel comfortable and understand every detail of the process. I had a consultation with several clinics and was blown away by my experience with Nicholson Clinic. They walked me through my surgery options in detail and a plan was set for my needs. My Nicholson Clinic insurance advocate helped with insurance, and we all know how difficult navigating that can be. Everything was packaged up in a fantastic folder for me to take home and review. But it didn’t stop there, support is available all the time. I know I can call, email, post in the support group, check archived documents, attend classes online and in person, and join support groups. The resources are almost limitless.
“Post-surgery, I thought, “well their part is over and now the rest is up to me” and that couldn’t be further from the truth. I still feel just as supported as when I first walked in the door. Every follow up visit is a celebration of how well I am doing and motivation to keep pushing. I have had very few concerns but every email, phone call, and request has been met with concern, urgency and reassurance. I am so pleased with my entire experience with Nicholson Clinic and I could not have done this without everyone there.”
Life After Surgery
“Life is great! My back and knees are not so stressed out and I am amazed at how much better I feel physically. I can take the stairs, I can work all day, and not go home wiped out. I actually have energy for my family and my life. I wept when I could spend hours chasing after my three grandkids at Christmas and didn’t have to keep taking rest breaks.
“Mentally I feel like I have been equipped to take on the world. I have enrolled in classes, reinvested in hobbies and put down the deposit for my 45th birthday trip! Greece here I come! No excuses! Nothing can stop me now! I am enjoying a whole new wardrobe and lifestyle thanks to the Nicholson Clinic and my hard work.
“My surgery was July 8, 2019 and on July 7, 2020, the day before my one year anniversary, I have officially lost 114 pounds! I still have work to do but I am just beginning, and I know I am not doing this alone.”
Obesity is linked to a number of health conditions and risk factors for serious complications from illness. As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread around the world, we are learning more about the potentially higher risk of complications from the novel coronavirus in patients who are obese.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed severe obesity as a risk factor for severe COVID-19. According to the CDC, “severe obesity” is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above. We are still learning why obesity may be linked to a more severe case of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Below are preliminary data on studies on this link between obesity and severe COVID-19:
- A study of 383 patients in China showed that having obesity was associated with a 142 percent higher risk of developing severe pneumonia with COVID-19.
- A study of 4,000 patients in New York City found severe obesity to be a major risk factor for hospitalization from COVID-19, second only to age.
- A Seattle study of 24 critically ill COVID-19 patients found that 85 percent of patients with obesity required ventilation, compared to 64 percent of patients of normal weight.
- The same study in Seattle found that 62 percent of COVID-19 patients with obesity died from the illness, compared to 36 percent of those without obesity.
- A study involving 124 patients in France found that COVID-19 patients with obesity were more likely to require ventilation.
Why is obesity a risk factor for severe COVID-19?
Although we still have much to learn about this new coronavirus, one way that obesity may increase risk for patients is respiratory dysfunction, according to MedicalNewsToday. Patients who are obese experience more resistance in their airways, as well as lower lung volumes and weaker respiratory muscles. Because COVID-19 is a serious respiratory illness, healthy respiratory function is critical in the fight against the disease.
Additionally, obesity is associated with other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease — all of which may increase the likelihood of the patient developing pneumonia. And high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are also common in patients who have obesity, could make people more susceptible to developing infection.
How to lower your risk of getting sick with COVID-19
As many of the obesity-related health conditions can increase risk factors for COVID-19, it is essential that patients who have obesity and other comorbidities continue taking medications for underlying health conditions as prescribed.
Individuals with obesity should also take precautions as outlined by the CDC to limit exposure and reduce risk.
The World Obesity Federation acknowledges that the current world health crisis which has brought about social distancing and restrictions on activity may contribute to an increase in obesity rates as people staying home for weeks on end may be less likely to continue with exercise programs. Likewise, self-isolating at home may prompt some people to rely more on processed foods with a longer shelf life, rather than fresh produce and other healthy foods.
It is absolutely essential that individuals find time to exercise, whether that be following an in-home exercise routine, or getting outside for daily walks. Nicholson Clinic also strongly recommends adhering to a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in essential minerals and vitamins to help boost immunity. A healthy diet can lower your risk of developing severe illness, while also helping you maintain a healthy body weight.
If you suffer from obesity, contact Nicholson Clinic today to learn more about how we are helping patients improve their health and reclaim their lives. Give us a call at 972-494-3100 to schedule an appointment.
Nicholson Clinic is proud to have helped patients from all 50 states and 10 countries around the world achieve their weight loss goals—and we look forward to being by your side in your weight loss journey as well.
Patients coming to Nicholson Clinic from out of town typically stay in Dallas five to six days. We ask patients to arrive one day prior to their scheduled surgery date, and request that patients spend at least three days in Dallas before traveling home in order to monitor their recovery. Our patients are strongly encouraged to bring a family member or friend to Dallas to assist them after surgery (or, bring the whole family!)
While you are resting and recovering from your weight loss procedure in the hotel, there’s plenty for your loved ones to do in Dallas! Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly destinations in Dallas.
The Dallas Arboretum
Listed among the top arboretums in the world, The Dallas Arboretum’s 66 acres of breathtaking gardens are truly stunning year-around. The Arboretum, which is located on the shores of White Rock Lake is also home to the 8-acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, an educational and explorational wonderland for kids!
https://www.dallasarboretum.org
The Dallas Zoo
Located just 3 miles south of downtown Dallas, the 106-acre Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in the state and is named one of the “20 Best Zoos” by USA Today. The Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals representing 400 species. During your visit you can learn more about the animals during one of the Zoo’s “Keeper Chats” with a zoologist, feed the giraffes and get up close with a variety of animals at the Wild Encounters Stage. Be sure to stop by the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, which includes barn animals, a play area, Discovery House and more!
The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
Uniquely designed with children in mind, the Children’s Aquarium features eye-level, interactive zones and exhibits the whole family can enjoy. The Children’s Aquarium is home to a diverse collection of aquatic animals, including marine and freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
www.childrensaquariumfairpark.com
The Dallas World Aquarium
Located in an old warehouse near the Historic West End District in downtown Dallas, The Dallas World Aquarium offers guests a look at endangered animals such as Orinoco crocodiles, Giant river otters, Antillean manatees and several species of monkey as well as a display of a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays and sawfish. Adventure begins at the top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds can be seen, and sloths observed lounging around.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Race a T. rex, challenge each other in robot competitions, explore the links between dinosaurs and modern-day birds, experience a simulated earthquake, journey through the universe and test what it means to “be human.” The five-level Perot Museum is packed with hands-on discovery and adventure for explorers of all ages.
Klyde Warren Park
Enjoy a family picnic or a have little family competition with a board game from the kiosks at “Dallas’ living room,” Klyde Warren Park. This one-of-a-kind urban deck park is perched above an 8-lane highway, but you’d never know it. Kids can burn off energy on the playground while you enjoy tunes from a live music concert. Check out the park website to find see the list of daily activities happening during your stay in Dallas.
The Sixth Floor Museum
Explore the life, assassination and legacy of JFK in the rich, multi-media experience at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza. The museum is located in the old Texas School Book Depository, the primary crime scene for the JFK assassination, and provides a historical context of the events that took place on November 22, 1963 and the aftermath of JFK’s death.
Shopping
There’s no shortage of shopping adventures in Dallas, whether you’re looking for luxury brands or budget-friendly shopping. Check out top shopping destinations in Dallas including NorthPark Center, Highland Park Village, Galleria Dallas, The Shops at Park Lane, the Design District and the neighborhood gems at Knox/Henderson or the Bishop Arts District.
Making the commitment to travel to Dallas for weight loss surgery at the Nicholson Clinic is a decision that can change your life. If you have any questions about planning your trip to Dallas, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or to speak with your Patient Care Advocate. We are with you all the way!
