Author: jefftormey

How Much Water Should You Drink After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Written by jefftormey on September 11, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on How Much Water Should You Drink After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

How to stay hydrated after gastric sleeve? Most experts recommend 64 to 96 ounces of fluid daily. This blog will help you manage hydration and tackle challenges you may face after your surgery. The importance of staying hydrated after bariatric surgery cannot be overstated, as it is essential for recovery and overall health.

Key Takeaways

Aim to drink 2 to 2.5 liters of fluids daily, focusing on clear liquids and avoiding caffeinated beverages to ensure proper hydration post-surgery.
Set daily water intake goals and develop a hydration plan, including using reminders and carrying a favorite water bottle to track consumption.
Recognize signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and dark yellow urine, and avoid drinking fluids during meals to promote better digestion.

Introduction

Maintaining hydration is crucial after gastric sleeve surgery due to significant changes in your digestive system. Experts recommend 64 to 96 ounces of non-fizzy liquids daily to support optimal bodily functions. Though it may seem overwhelming, using effective methods can make it manageable.

To avoid dehydration, drink fluids between meals rather than with them. Limit caffeinated drinks to 8-16 ounces daily, as excess caffeine can dehydrate you. Avoid carbonated drinks, which can cause discomfort like nausea and bloating and are high in sugar and calories. After surgery, your smaller stomach size requires careful planning of your fluid intake to stay hydrated without discomfort.

Daily Water Intake Goals

Setting water intake goals is crucial for staying hydrated after weight loss surgery. Bariatric patients should aim for at least 64 ounces or about 2 to 2.5 liters of fluid daily. Neglecting this can lead to fatigue, headaches, and low energy.

Adjusting to the new fluid intake needs may take weeks due to reduced stomach capacity post-surgery. Changes in water taste can also be a challenge. By creating and following a detailed hydration plan that tracks daily fluid intake, maintaining proper hydration becomes easier.

Start with small sips and gradually increase until you reach about 200 milliliters every hour by the end of the first week. Limit caffeinated drinks as they can worsen dehydration. Staying well-hydrated is essential not only for weight loss success but also for overall wellness.

Why Hydration is Crucial Post-Surgery

Hydration is vital for recovery after weight loss surgery, as dehydration is a common issue leading to hospital readmissions. Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health, aiding in cell vitality, waste expulsion, and healing, thus preventing complications.

Insufficient water intake can lead to severe health problems like seizures or kidney failure. About 37% of bariatric patients face significant dehydration, causing extended hospital stays. To avoid this, start your day with a glass of water and sip small amounts consistently throughout the day.

Types of Fluids to Consume

Maintaining adequate fluid intake is crucial, and selecting the right types of fluids is essential. Post-surgery, focus on clear liquids like water, broth, and herbal tea. Coconut water is also a good option. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.

Tea varieties such as green tea not only hydrate but also offer health benefits. Avoid sugary drinks, soft drinks, and fruit beverages, as they can cause weight gain and dehydration. Diluted squeezed fruit juice can be a good option. Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol due to their dehydrating effects, and avoid carbonated beverages, as they can cause stomach discomfort.

Post-operative guidelines recommend that half of your daily fluids come from sources without added proteins or sugars. Tap water is excellent for hydration without extra calories or sweeteners.

How to Stay Hydrated After Gastric Sleeve?

A tactical plan for staying hydrated is recommended, which involves setting definite goals for fluid consumption at various intervals during the day. To aid in adhering to this hydration schedule, one can set reminders on their phone or use a timer as prompts to drink.

Specific steps to stay hydrated after weight loss surgery include drinking small sips of water frequently, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and incorporating hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables into your diet. These steps are crucial as dehydration can lead to serious complications, including hospital visits.

Sip Slowly Throughout the Day

Take small sips of fluid slowly throughout the day to prevent overwhelming your stomach, which can lead to nausea and discomfort. Gradually acclimating your stomach to smaller amounts helps maintain proper hydration without feeling ill.

Keep a water bottle with you and take regular small sips between meals to easily maintain hydration levels. Frequent, tiny sips ensure you stay hydrated without causing stomach discomfort.

Use a Favorite Water Bottle

Having a water bottle on hand promotes better hydration. Knowing its volume helps monitor daily liquid consumption. A bottle with a tracking mechanism allows for an accurate assessment of your fluid intake.

An aesthetically pleasing water bottle can encourage consistent sips throughout the day. Carrying your water bottle everywhere acts as a constant reminder to stay hydrated.

Set Reminders

Using alerts or alarms can help maintain hydration levels. Implementing a schedule to drink at thirty-minute intervals encourages consistent fluid intake. Monitoring daily water consumption is crucial for achieving hydration goals.

By noon, aim to have consumed at least 32 ounces of water. Setting specific targets for water intake at designated times throughout the day helps you stick to your hydration plan.

Flavoring Your Water

Infusing your water with fresh ginger, pear, cucumber, and citrus fruits like lemon and lime can make drinking water more enjoyable. Adding mint, cucumber, dill, berries, or fresh ginger enhances its appeal.

Post-surgery hydration can be more pleasant with these flavored drinks compared to plain water. Opt for sugar-free flavor enhancers to liven up your beverage without added sugars.

Adding ingredients like strawberries and cucumbers not only boosts enjoyment but also provides a refreshing twist to your water.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

It is vital to be alert for signs of dehydration after surgery. Dry mouth, fatigue, headache, constipation, and a feeling of lightheadedness are common indicators. If your urine turns a dark yellow color, it often suggests that you’re not consuming enough fluids. Understanding how to stay hydrated after gastric sleeve surgery is essential. This includes drinking small sips of water throughout the day, avoiding beverages with caffeine, and not drinking during meals to prevent discomfort.

Dehydration can escalate into a critical condition, demanding urgent medical intervention in extreme cases. Prompt recognition and response to these symptoms are crucial in preventing serious complications associated with dehydration.

Benefits of Adequate Hydration

Ensuring you consume enough water provides a plethora of health advantages. Maintaining hydration can enhance metabolism and increase the calories burned, which assists in controlling weight. Introducing water prior to eating has the potential to diminish hunger, leading to reduced consumption of food.

Maintaining adequate fluid intake can enhance skin condition and suppleness, giving rise to a more radiant appearance. Post-gastric Sleeve Surgery, incorporating foods with high water content, like fresh produce, into your diet is also beneficial for staying hydrated.

Summary

Ensuring that you remain hydrated is crucial for your recovery and overall well-being following gastric sleeve surgery. It’s important to consume a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day, opt for appropriate fluids, and employ tactics like keeping a preferred water bottle on hand and setting reminders to stay on track with your hydration objectives. Be mindful of dehydration symptoms and refrain from drinking with meals to promote optimal digestion.

Staying properly hydrated can enhance your metabolism, improve skin health, and contribute significantly to weight management.

About Us

At Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, we are committed to assisting you throughout your journey towards weight loss success by providing support in achieving healthy habits. For those considering weight loss surgery in NY, we offer comprehensive care and guidance. For additional information and tailored advice regarding staying hydrated post-surgery or other inquiries related to weight loss efforts after the procedure, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of fluids should I avoid after gastric sleeve surgery?

You should avoid sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol after gastric sleeve surgery, as they may lead to dehydration and discomfort. This is especially important for weight loss surgery patients, who are at an increased risk of dehydration, which can lead to hospitalizations post-surgery.

Prioritizing hydrating, non-irritating fluids is essential for your recovery.

Why is hydration so important after bariatric surgery?

Hydration is essential after bariatric surgery as it supports cell health, aids in waste elimination, and prevents complications. Staying properly hydrated significantly enhances your overall recovery.

How can I make water more enjoyable to drink?

Enhancing the taste of your water by adding fruits and herbs or using sugar-free drink enhancers can make it more appealing to consume.

Such a straightforward change might motivate you to keep up with your hydration needs throughout the day.

Does Obesity Cause Strokes?

Written by jefftormey on September 2, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Blog. No Comments on Does Obesity Cause Strokes?

Does obesity cause strokes? Yes, being obese raises your risk of stroke by contributing to high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. This blog will explain how obesity leads to these conditions and offer tips for reducing your stroke risk.

Key Takeaways

Obesity, defined by a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, significantly heightens the risk of stroke through mechanisms such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammation.
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is markedly higher among obese individuals, leading to a threefold increased risk of stroke compared to those without it.
Timely lifestyle interventions, including healthy eating and regular physical activity, are essential in preventing obesity-related stroke risks, with bariatric surgery offering a substantial reduction in stroke incidence for severely obese patients.

Understanding Obesity and Stroke

Obesity is defined by a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, calculated using an individual’s height and weight. Those with a BMI over 25 are considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher classifies as obese.

Strokes occur in two primary forms: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes result from blocked blood vessels, while hemorrhagic strokes involve bleeding in the brain. Both types can lead to severe disability or death.

The link between obesity and stroke risk is significant. Excess weight increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which contribute to stroke risk. Obesity is recognized as an independent risk factor for stroke, emphasizing its direct impact on stroke development.

How Obesity Increases Stroke Risk

Excess weight significantly raises the risk of high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke. Obesity is also linked to diabetes, high LDL cholesterol, and heart disease. These conditions create a dangerous cycle, each worsening the other and increasing stroke risk.

Higher BMI is directly associated with hypertension, high glucose levels, and abnormal cholesterol profiles, key components of metabolic syndrome. This syndrome, marked by high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and excess abdominal fat, greatly increases stroke risk factors.

Obesity leads to excessive fat tissue, fostering inflammation and accelerating atherosclerosis through plaque buildup in arteries, which can cause strokes. This inflammatory process and plaque development are crucial in how obesity heightens stroke risk.

The Link Between Body Mass Index and Stroke Incidence

An increase in body mass index (BMI) correlates with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. Research shows that each BMI increment above 20 raises the risk by 5%. Monitoring and managing BMI is crucial for stroke prevention.

Obese patients who experience a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) may have better outcomes and lower dependency compared to those with a normal BMI, highlighting the obesity paradox in stroke recovery.

Men with excess weight have a significantly higher risk of ischemic strokes compared to those with normal weight. The risk for hemorrhagic stroke differs by gender, with obese men showing increased risk while women do not. This suggests men are more susceptible to high-BMI-related stroke complications.

Maintaining a healthy BMI is vital due to its direct link to stroke risk. Effective BMI management is essential to reduce the likelihood of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. This discussion will further explore how metabolic syndrome components contribute to increased stroke risk due to excessive body weight.

The Link Between Obesity and Ischemic Stroke

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for ischemic stroke, and the relationship between the two is complex and multifaceted. Research has shown that excess weight, particularly in the abdominal area, can increase the risk of ischemic stroke by promoting the development of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and other risk factors.

One of the primary ways in which obesity contributes to ischemic stroke is by increasing blood pressure. Excess weight can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the brain, making them more susceptible to blockages and rupture.

In addition to high blood pressure, obesity is also associated with other cardiovascular risk factors, including high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease. These conditions can increase the risk of ischemic stroke by damaging the blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the brain.

Obesity can also lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body becomes less responsive to insulin. Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke.

Furthermore, obesity can increase the risk of ischemic stroke by promoting the development of vascular risk factors, such as carotid artery stenosis and peripheral artery disease. These conditions can reduce blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of ischemic stroke.

Impact of Obesity on Young Adults

Young adults under 50 with a decade-long history of obesity face a 25% to 60% higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. This is especially true for men under 65 and women under 50. The longer one remains obese, the higher the risk for coronary heart disease, highlighting the long-term cardiovascular consequences.

Obese young men have a 73% higher stroke risk compared to those with a healthy BMI. These statistics stress the importance of early obesity intervention to prevent future cardiovascular events. Adopting healthier lifestyle choices early can significantly reduce the risk of such life-threatening conditions.

Globally, excess weight among youth is a growing concern impacting well-being. Addressing this issue requires efforts to change behaviors linked to higher risks. Shifting to healthier habits is crucial for reducing stroke vulnerability and other cardiovascular ailments in young adults worldwide.

Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors

Several lifestyle factors, such as an unhealthy diet and insufficient physical activity, can amplify the risk of stroke through various mechanisms. Adopting a well-balanced diet and regular exercise routine may stave off metabolic syndrome along with its accompanying risks. Effective measures for primary prevention of strokes involve achieving a healthy weight, participating in consistent physical activities, and following dietary guidelines.

Adhering to health-conscious practices can notably decrease the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. Reducing consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol while boosting fiber intake are ways to regulate cholesterol levels. Embracing diets low in sodium but rich in potassium is instrumental in managing blood pressure levels—thereby mitigating stroke risk.

Primary Prevention Strategies

Early intervention in obesity treatment is vital for preventing cardiovascular issues. Prompt action can significantly improve cardiovascular health, especially among young adults. Embracing a variety of healthy lifestyle habits is more effective in reducing stroke risk than focusing on a single factor.

Healthy Eating Habits

Proper dietary practices are key to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stroke risk. Increasing vegetable intake has been linked to lower stroke risk, while fruit intake results are inconsistent. Aim for a daily caloric intake of 1,550 to 2,050 calories to control weight effectively.

Incorporate vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, legumes, and whole grains into your diet. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes these foods, is known to reduce stroke risk. Consistent adherence to these eating patterns can help maintain a healthy weight and overall wellness.

Regular Physical Activity

Regular physical activity significantly reduces the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Weight reduction through exercise involves burning more calories than consumed.

Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and enhances cardiovascular health. Combining frequent physical activity with a nutritious diet is an effective strategy for minimizing stroke risk and promoting overall health.

Role of Bariatric Surgery in Reducing Stroke Risk

Studies have demonstrated a substantial reduction in the risk of stroke following bariatric surgery, with reported decreases in stroke occurrence exceeding 50% after the procedure. Evidence supports that undergoing bariatric surgery offers protection from strokes. Notably, patients who have had bariatric surgery tend to experience improvements across various health markers, significantly enhancing their metabolic conditions.

Postoperative reports from these individuals often show considerable declines in comorbidities related to obesity, including hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The extent of weight loss observed after undergoing such surgical interventions typically falls between 30% to 50% at six months post-surgery and may reach up to a remarkable 77% by the end of one year. These outcomes serve as strong indicators of how effective bariatric surgery can be not only for lowering stroke risk but also for better overall well-being.

Recognizing how impactful bariatric surgery is for controlling excessive weight and diminishing the danger associated with strokes highlights its vital role as an option for those dealing with morbid obesity.

Summary

Being overweight significantly raises stroke risk by causing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The link between BMI and stroke, especially ischemic strokes, highlights the need for maintaining a healthy weight. Metabolic syndrome, associated with obesity, further increases stroke risk, making timely intervention essential.

Young adults can also face obesity-related cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes. Addressing risk factors like poor diet and inactivity can reduce stroke risk. Primary prevention strategies, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, are crucial for heart health.

For those with severe obesity, bariatric surgery effectively reduces stroke risk and improves overall wellness. Managing excess weight is key to preventing future strokes and enhancing quality of life.

Dedicated Support for Your Weight Loss Journey

At Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, our dedication lies in assisting people on their journey towards significant weight reduction, which benefits their long-term well-being. Our specialized team delivers quality care tailored specifically for each patient, aiming for optimal post-treatment results. If you’re dealing with obesity and its related complications, we encourage you to explore our program. Taking that first step could significantly enhance your health and future well-being.

We provide the safest and most effective bariatric surgery in New York. Our comprehensive approach ensures that you receive the highest quality care tailored to your unique needs. Visit us to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve a healthier, happier life. Let’s take this journey together towards better health and well-being. Contact us today.

What Recovery From Lap Band Surgery Looks Like

Written by jefftormey on August 16, 2024. Posted in Laparoscopic Procedure. No Comments on What Recovery From Lap Band Surgery Looks Like

One of the main concerns when it comes to weight loss surgery, whether lap band or gastric sleeve, is the recovery process. What if you are looking for a procedure that is quick and doesn’t require a lot of time to recover from? The best option is the lap band procedure. The recovery time after lap band surgery is around 1–4 weeks, after which you can resume your usual daily activities. So, what should you expect during the healing process?

Physical Activity

Remember to give your body enough time to heal, and it starts by taking a break and not lifting any heavy items or doing any strenuous tasks. Rest if you feel tired in any way, and practice breathing exercises whenever you can. The more you feel better, the more you can start exercising, starting with brief walks.

Diet

If you want to reduce how long recovery takes from lap band surgery, remember to watch your diet. Your doctor will be very clear on what you shouldn’t eat and drink because you are supposed to avoid solid foods immediately after surgery. Start with water and gradually introduce solids back into your diet.

Medicine

A crucial aspect to remember during your healing is medication. You will need medication to manage the pain after the surgery and get you back on your feet. If you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicine, make sure you take it as advised and under your doctor’s guidance.

Incision Care

You will leave the surgery with strips of bandages. If you want to shorten the recovery time for lap band surgery, make sure that you avoid tampering with the tape. Leave it on for at least a week to give it time to fall off on its own, and make sure you wash the areas around it with warm water. However, do not take a bath or directly wash the incisions. In case of a slight oozing of fluids from the wound, make sure that you change the bandage every day.

Call for Help

You should expect a smooth recovery process when the surgery is done by the best in the industry. However, there is no control over incidents like passing out or losing your breath. To avoid problems escalating, make sure you seek urgent medical attention if you have extreme pain that doesn’t go away even after medication, your leg swells up, or there is pus coming from the incisions.

Consult Our Medical Professionals for Your Lap Band Surgery

Follow-up care after lap band surgery in NYC is one of the most important factors in speeding up your recovery. For appointments and emergencies, reach out to our experts at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Can Weight Loss Surgery Help With Type 2 Diabetes?

Written by jefftormey on August 14, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Can Weight Loss Surgery Help With Type 2 Diabetes?

Taking serious steps when it comes to changing your lifestyle goes a long way to managing type 2 diabetes. However, there are still chances that the disease may progress, and you may also have other complications, especially if you are struggling with obesity. Therefore, you may want to know if bariatric surgery can help with type 2 diabetes.

How Does Bariatric Surgery Help With Diabetes?

Did you know that obesity and diabetes are both products of issues with your body’s metabolism? Diabetes occurs when the body starts forming a resistance to insulin, which is the hormone responsible for regulating the blood’s sugar levels. Therefore, significant weight loss through surgery has so many benefits, including sending type 2 diabetes into remission.

However, this doesn’t mean you will be cured of diabetes. It helps you control it, such that you don’t have to heavily rely on medication to help control your blood sugar. The more weight you lose, the higher the chances of managing diabetes, and here’s how.

Healthier BMI

One of the main advantages of undergoing a weight loss procedure is that it helps you speed up the process of regaining a healthy body mass index. When you can reduce the amount of food you take, you also reduce the number of calories absorbed by your body. This way, you gain better control of your blood sugar levels and decrease the body’s resistance to insulin.

Healthier Metabolism

Another way of helping diabetes with weight loss surgery is by encouraging better metabolism. Bariatric surgery has a way of triggering changes in the production of gut hormones, which means your metabolism improves, so you regain control over your sugar levels. Thanks to the production of hormones like ghrelin and GLP-1, the body’s production of insulin improves, helping the body utilize the blood sugar and prevent it from building up.

Better Metabolism

Take the gastric bypass procedure, for instance, where the surgeon separates the stomach into two chambers. The smallest part is directly connected to the small intestines, as the larger section is bypassed, so it is unable to receive food. When the intestines are rerouted like this, it affects the way that the body metabolizes insulin, and this has a huge effect on dealing with diabetes.

Bariatric Surgery Experts in NYC

If you have any questions about how bariatric surgery can help manage type 2 diabetes or any other disease, be sure to reach out to our experts in bariatric surgery in NYC at Lenox Hill Hospital.

What to Expect in the First Three Weeks After a Gastric Sleeve

Written by jefftormey on August 13, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on What to Expect in the First Three Weeks After a Gastric Sleeve

You should be prepared that there will be some changes after undergoing a gastric sleeve, particularly in the first few weeks. It ranges from simple aspects like mood swings to significant ones like weight loss. Are you planning on this surgery? Here is what to expect after gastric sleeve surgery.

What Happens in the First Three Weeks After Surgery?

You may not have a lot of expectations after gastric sleeve weight loss surgery during the first few weeks, but note that it is one of the most important phases in your journey. This is the time where you heal, and the body starts adjusting to the new changes. You should also expect weight loss at this stage—and at a rapid rate.

Patients at this time report significant loss of weight because, for one, now their diet is restricted, and their stomach holds less food. The body now starts tapping into its fat reserves because there is less food intake, and that leads to weight loss.

What Is the Average Weight Loss to Expect?

Every case is different because bodies vary, so there is no particular number in regard to how much weight you should expect to lose in the first few weeks. However, experts believe that around this time, you may lose up to 10–20% of your excess body weight. So, that means that if you weighed 100 pounds in extra weight, you may lose 10–20 pounds within the first three weeks.

What Causes the Weight Loss Variations?

Among the things to expect after gastric sleeve surgery is that your results will not be the same as those of another patient. Individual journeys are different, so weight loss rates and patterns vary based on the case. For instance, patients who religiously follow dietary guidelines, gradually transitioning from liquid to solid food and avoiding things like alcohol after surgery, report better results.

In the same light, patients who engage in physical activity end up losing more weight down the line. Also, remember to account for individual variations like starting weight, rate of metabolism, state of health, and other factors. That’s why it is advisable to work closely with your doctors to make sure that you get the best results in the shortest time.

Let Our Professional Surgeons Help

Every individual is different. Once you undergo a gastric sleeve in NYC, remember to frequently consult with your healthcare team. Our professionals at Lenox Hill Hospital are available to guide you through the surgery and recovery—and all the way to your success story.

Can I Have Bariatric Surgery With a Hiatal Hernia?

Written by jefftormey on August 12, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Can I Have Bariatric Surgery With a Hiatal Hernia?

Have you been dealing with heartburn, vomiting, and other side effects of having a hiatal hernia? Obesity has a role to play when it comes to the development of the condition, but what if you want to undergo bariatric surgery? You have so many questions, and it makes you wonder if you can even have weight loss surgery if you have a hernia. Here is what you need to know.

What Is a Hiatal Hernia?

This is a condition whereby a part of a patient’s stomach starts protruding into the chest through the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and the abdomen. It is quite common for people to report having the condition, which causes symptoms such as heartburn, pain in the chest, and issues with swallowing food. Usually, a hiatal hernia doesn’t need treatment unless there are more severe complications.

You will also notice that it is more common in people battling with obesity because they experience issues with high pressure in their abdomen. The only problem comes when a hiatal hernia patient wants a surgical weight loss procedure. Can a person have weight loss surgery with a hiatal hernia? Yes, they can, and the good news is that the surgeon can perform the bariatric surgery and correct the hernia at the same time.

Hiatal Hernia Repair During Weight Loss Surgery

If you were wondering if hiatal surgery can be combined with bariatric surgery, the simple answer is yes. In fact, once you get the surgery done, chances are high that the hernia will reduce or be eliminated even without the experts actively handling it, although it may return. Therefore, surgeons recommend you get the repair done together with the bariatric surgery. This way, the risk of hernia returning is significantly low.

How to Identify a Hernia Before Weight Loss Surgery

If you have been complaining about pain in the chest or top part of the abdomen and are vomiting or have serious heartburn, the doctor will help determine if you have a hiatal hernia. The testing can be done through an X-ray, endoscopy, or esophageal manometry. If they find out that you have a hiatal hernia, it is easier to plan the next step: whether to repair it through surgery or not actively address it.

Talk to Qualified Professionals

Thanks to bariatric surgery and hernia repair, you end up not only losing weight but also reducing the symptoms of GERD. If you are looking for help with weight loss surgery in New York, consider reaching out to our experts at Lenox Hill Hospital.

How to Choose a Bariatric Surgeon

Written by jefftormey on July 23, 2024. Posted in Bariatric Surgery. No Comments on How to Choose a Bariatric Surgeon

If other methods of weight loss don’t seem to work, you may opt for weight loss surgery. It can be overwhelming because you have so many questions, and since you are doing it for the first time, you want to go for only the best service. Before undergoing the life-changing procedure, below are tips for choosing a bariatric surgeon.

Get Referrals

As with any other procedure, you want to do your due diligence when finding the right team for the job. The first place to start is to get a list of referrals, where you compile details of the best surgeons in your region based on recommendations from friends and family members. If someone you know had a successful bariatric procedure, that should help you narrow down your list.

Check Credentials

Another important consideration when it comes to how to choose the right bariatric surgeon is that they must be accredited. The doctors must have the relevant skills and training and must have been in the industry for a while. Are they certified? Are they practicing in a recognized facility? While at it, check that there are no reports of malpractice or disciplinary cases against them.

Hospital Quality

One important consideration to make is the kind of hospital where the surgery will take place. You are looking for a facility with the best services and equipment and the best performance when it comes to weight loss surgeries. Apart from going for only the best, some patients also consider proximity. Is it an institution you can easily reach when making follow-up visits and going for consultations? This goes a long way to guarantee a speedy recovery and a successful procedure.

Communication Style

One aspect that often goes overlooked when choosing the right bariatric surgeon is their communication style. You want a team that you can freely talk to, that empathizes with you and your needs, and is ready to answer your questions and provide assurance. Make sure that you get a surgeon who is dedicated to taking you through the entire journey.

Insurance Cover

Does your surgeon participate in your insurance coverage? The aim is to find a practice that allows your insurance coverage so that you will spend the least amount of expenses out-of-pocket. Considering how crucial the surgery is, you want to save as much money as possible.

Settle for the Best Bariatric Surgery in NYC

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing experience, and you need a dedicated team of professionals to come along on your journey. Trust the professionals at Lenox Hill Hospital if you are looking for the best bariatric surgeon in NYC that ticks all your boxes.

Can the Stomach Stretch After a Gastric Sleeve?

Written by jefftormey on July 22, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on Can the Stomach Stretch After a Gastric Sleeve?

You already know how the gastric sleeve works. The goal is to reduce the size of the stomach by as much as 80%, which ensures that your stomach holds less food and you feel full faster. However, there is one concern among patients: Can you stretch out your stomach after a gastric sleeve?

Can Your Stomach Stretch After Sleeve Surgery?

The whole point of a gastric sleeve is to reduce the size of your stomach and, in turn, reduce your food intake. However, if your stomach regains its original size, your food intake will increase, and chances are high that your weight will increase again. This is the last thing that you want to happen after surgery. Unfortunately, it is possible. If you keep overeating, your stomach will gradually start adapting and extending to find more room for the extra food.

What Happens When Your Stomach Stretches?

The stomach is designed to naturally stretch, considering that its walls consist of expanding tissues. It is a normal reaction when food enters the pouch, as it informs the body that it is full. The only problem is that when you overeat, it causes a permanent increase in size. It will interfere with the normal signaling process, so the body won’t know that it is time to stop. As a result, you risk regaining the weight you have been trying so hard to lose.

How to Prevent Stomach Stretching After a Gastric Sleeve

Because the stomach can stretch after a gastric sleeve, it is important to know how to prevent it.

Avoid Overeating

You want to eat small portions of food. Otherwise, you risk overeating and making it a habit, so the stomach gradually starts to expand to accommodate the extra food.

Limit Fluid Intake While Eating

Make sure you only ingest fluids a few hours after eating. This way, you avoid excessively filling your stomach. It is even worse when it is carbonated drinks, which increase pressure in the pouch, leading to pain and reflux.

Eat Small Snacks in Between Meals

If you end up feeling extremely hungry between meals, you can try to eat small snacks. Healthy snacks make you feel full and prevent you from overindulging on your next meal.

Rely on Experienced Gastric Sleeve Surgery Professionals

If you are looking forward to your first bariatric surgery or have just had one, the last thing you want is for your stomach’s size to increase. To help keep your weight in check, let the experts at Lenox Hill Hospital perform your gastric sleeve surgery in NYC.

How to Keep the Weight Off After Bariatric Surgery

Written by jefftormey on July 16, 2024. Posted in Bariatric Surgery. No Comments on How to Keep the Weight Off After Bariatric Surgery

Imagine the excitement after finding out that you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery. There is one more challenge, and that is knowing how to keep your weight in check after the surgery. Luckily, all you need is the right state of mind and discipline. It is achievable with the following tips on how to maintain weight after bariatric surgery.

Eat Smaller Portions of the Right Foods

Succeeding in your weight loss journey starts with your food options and their portions. Specialists recommend limiting your intake to small servings a couple of times a day, allowing the stomach more time to digest, especially now that there have been changes in your digestive system. While at it, make sure that you eat the right foods. You want to avoid starch in all its forms, which includes bread, pasta, rice, chips, cereal, and sweets. A half to 2 cups a day will do, and even so, they must have a high fiber content.

Avoid Grazing

One more challenge you will have to overcome when learning how to maintain weight loss after gastric sleeve is to avoid continuous snacking all through the day. After surgery, the goal is for your reduced stomach to stay full, such that you don’t have to keep nibbling on high-calorie snacks. You want to pay more attention to options rich in fiber and proteins to leave you feeling fuller for longer.

Avoid Eating Out

It is understandable that people can get busy and will resort to ordering food instead of cooking, but that also has so many downsides when it comes to keeping the weight off. You want to track what you eat, making sure it is healthy and nutritious, which may be a problem when the food you order contains excessive calories. Prioritize cooking your own food, but if you must eat out, check that you avoid junk and only eat healthy meals in small portions.

Exercise Daily

If you are wondering how to maintain weight after a gastric bypass, daily exercise is the best way to do so. This is a foolproof way to keep your body active and burn excess calories. You have a higher chance of success in the short term when you stay active every day instead of solely relying on the surgery.

Maintain Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery

The best way to avoid weight gain after surgery is to eat small portions of healthy foods and exercise daily. If you are planning to undergo surgery or have concerns about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, reach out to our experts in bariatric surgery in NY at Lenox Hill Hospital today.

Expectations After Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on July 15, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Expectations After Weight Loss Surgery

Have you struggled with weight loss programs and are considering undergoing surgery? You must have so many concerns about the procedure and, most importantly, don’t know what to expect. This guide will take you through the most important questions when it comes to what to expect after weight loss surgery.

How much weight will you lose?

The main goal when undergoing the surgery is to lose as much weight as possible. There are various surgeries, so the result usually depends on the procedure. This explains why it is crucial to choose the right bariatric surgery. Your current weight will also determine the results. However, gastric sleeve surgery is very popular. So, when it comes down to what to expect after gastric sleeve, you will likely lose as much as 40% of your extra weight. On the other hand, you may lose up to 60% of it after a gastric bypass.

What does recovery look like?

This is a very common question because you want to know how long it will take to get back on your feet after the surgery. It will depend on the individual and the type of procedure. Take the bypass surgery, for instance, which is laparoscopic. Since the surgeon makes small incisions, it means that you will recover in a short time and maybe stay in the hospital for only 2–3 days. Therefore, 3–5 weeks should be enough for you to make a full recovery and resume your daily activities.

What are the benefits of the surgery?

In most cases, the health benefits of weight loss surgery happen in no time. If you have preexisting conditions like diabetes, you will soon see physical improvements. Your blood pressure will also stabilize, and you will see changes in conditions like sleep apnea and arthritis. There will also be excellent changes in the long run as you keep your weight in check.

What changes will you make after surgery?

In matters of what to expect after gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, there will be some changes in your lifestyle. This will be very important to help keep off the extra weight and keep you in shape. You will adjust your nutrition, switching to smaller portions of healthy meals as you avoid junk, starch, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and other high-calorie foods. Daily exercise will also be your lifestyle because you must stay active to improve your metabolism and overall health.

Heed to Professional Advice After Weight Loss Surgery

You don’t have to worry about undergoing weight loss surgery in New York. With the right team, like the professionals at Lenox Hill Hospital, you are in safe hands and are sure to make a full recovery and enjoy a successful procedure.