Minimizing Excess Skin after Bariatric Surgery

Excess skin is a common, almost unavoidable, part of the post-bariatric surgery lifestyle. Sagging or excess skin is caused by one of any number of issues including genetics, the amount of weight lost, age, and the specific procedure being performed. But that stretched skin does not have to be a drag on your life.

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Heartburn is Not the Only Symptom of GERD

It’s GERD awareness week and as part of our dedication to both prevention and proper treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease, we are dedicating this blog post to the symptoms of GERD and how they can vary, beyond just heartburn. Before we start, it is important to understand why GERD occurs. Whether due to a congenital weakness, obesity or other condition, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) that separates the esophagus from the stomach can weaken, thus allowing acidic juices to flow from the stomach up into the esophagus.

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Can All Sodas, Even Diet Ones, Decrease Your Life Expectancy?

Very interesting research has emerged about sodas and how they affect our bodies. A recent study set out to determine if soda consumption reduced a person’s life expectancy, and if so, was diet soda any better?

The surprising conclusion was that all sodas, even diet sodas that contain no sugar, may have a significant detrimental effect on life expectancy. But if diet soda was created to address, in part, sugar-related excess weight, why would it also be problematic?

The answer is simple.

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Understanding Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome is a somewhat common problem that primarily affects bariatric patients that have undergone gastric bypass surgery. Dumping occurs when food and water pass through the stomach and into the small intestine too quickly, causing nausea, dizziness, vomiting and general discomfort in the patient. Its symptoms are very similar to low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. It is also called rapid gastric emptying.

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Comparing Robotic vs Traditional Laparoscopy – Dr. Tsuda’s Perspective

I began performing robotic-assisted surgical procedures about six years ago. I was initially very skeptical of the robot. Since I was fellowship-trained in minimally invasive surgery, which at that time was primarily laparoscopic surgery, I was very confident in my skill set and the advantages that laparoscopy offered the patient. Laparoscopy is the use of small instruments, through small incisions, in performing operations that would otherwise require a large incision to access the patient’s abdomen. We found, first through procedures such as gallbladder removal, that the small incisions provided less pain, quicker recovery, better cosmetics, and fewer complications that traditional open surgery. It does require certain skills, however, since using long, thin instruments takes away the tactile feel of the surgeon’s hands, forces us to look at a two-dimensional screen instead of directly at organs and tissue, and requires quite a bit of manual dexterity.

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Athletic Pubalgia – When a “Hernia” Is Not Really a Hernia

Most men have been admonished their entire lives…don’t lift too much, don’t push too hard – you’ll get a hernia. While this may be true, and upwards of 25% of all men will develop an inguinal hernia, the diagnosis is not always straightforward.

You’re playing sports, most likely something that involves planting and twisting, like soccer or basketball, and there it is…the dreaded groin pain. It has to be a hernia right? Well, maybe not.

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When Fast Food Is OK After Bariatric Surgery

You might think that, as a weight loss surgeon and advocate for healthy eating, I’ve lost my mind saying that fast food is OK after weight loss surgery. It goes counter to everything we’ve learned since we decided to have surgery, right? Not exactly.

To be sure, fast food should not be a regular indulgence…but it doesn’t have to be a complete disaster. A renewed interest in personal health has brought about strides in the right direction as it relates to fast food. Not only are there dozens of new fast food outlets that have truly healthy offerings, but even supermarkets are getting in on the game. Prepared foods are no longer the concern that they once were.

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When Does Reflux Become GERD?

Acid reflux is a very common and usually transient condition that affects virtually everybody once in a while. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux or GER, occasional reflexes nothing to be concerned about and if anything tells us what to avoid and how much to eat. At this stage, conservative options such as lifestyle change, losing weight and over-the-counter acid reflux tablets are effective options.

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What Can Cause Weight Gain After Gastric Bypass? 

Weight loss surgery has proven an effective for weight reduction, but it is important to realize that bariatric surgery is not magic, requires many lifestyle changes and there can be complications. About half of all bariatric patients will have some weight regain after their active weight loss phase over the first year or two after surgery. This might seem alarming, but statistically post-op weight regain does not mean what you might think. In most, only about 5% of excess body weight is regained two or more years following surgery. Naturally you will not be in an active weight loss phase forever.

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What Happens If You Ignore A Hernia?

There are several materials in the body that make up important, protective layers. In the abdomen we have muscle, connective tissue, and fat that overlay our internal organs. Each element has its designated place and job. In the abdomen, these layers can sometimes become weakened, making it easier for things to shift out of their normal home. Fatty tissue or even an organ, often your intestine, can push through a weak area causing a bulge. This is where a hernia occurs. This bulge may start off small and grow over time, or it can occur suddenly or wax and wane. The bulge itself may be painful, but many patients do not experience pain. Not all hernias will require surgical treatment, but it important to not ignore symptoms if a hernia occurs or if you know you have an existing hernia.

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