Author: jefftormey

Choosing the Right Bariatric Surgery for You

Written by jefftormey on April 25, 2024. Posted in Bariatric Surgery. No Comments on Choosing the Right Bariatric Surgery for You

Bariatric surgeries are effective weight-loss solutions. Since there are various options, it can be overwhelming to decide which version is best for you. For the most accurate advice specific to your situation, it is best to consult our surgeons and ask questions about the benefits and risks involved. Here are common types of bariatric surgeries and the factors to consider when choosing the right one.

Gastric Bypass / Roux-en-Y

This is one of the most popular bariatric procedures, and it has a high efficacy rate. It entails creating a tiny pouch in the stomach and then bypassing a section of the small intestines; this decreases food consumption and calorie absorption.

Gastric Sleeve / Sleeve Gastrectomy

If you want a less invasive procedure than a bypass or want to avoid the related risks, you can opt for a gastric sleeve. This procedure entails removing a section of the stomach to leave behind a smaller pouch or sleeve. Your new stomach will be tinier and in the shape of a banana, making you feel full faster. As a result, your food and calorie intake will significantly reduce.

Lap Band / Gastric Banding

If you have a history of acid reflux or heartburn, doctors will recommend this procedure over the two above. It is one of the least invasive and flexible solutions because it involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach, leaving it smaller. The advantage is that this band can be adjusted or removed as required.

Duodenal Switch

If you are wondering which bariatric surgery is best for you if you want to lose the most weight, consider the duodenal switch. It has one of the highest success rates and is the choice for patients seeking significant weight loss. During the procedure, the doctors remove a portion of the stomach and bypass a large part of the intestines, reducing the amount of food you eat and absorb.

How To Choose the Right Surgery

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right bariatric surgery, but your doctor will take you through the options. For instance, if you are obese and want to lose as much weight as possible, the bypass and duodenal switch are recommended. Your healthy history will also matter because patients with acid reflux issues opt for gastric banding. Lastly, you must also account for the recovery time and the risks involved because each procedure differs.

Trust an Experienced Medical Professional To Handle Your Bariatric Surgery

If you have struggled with weight loss and need an effective solution, trust the bariatric surgery experts in NY from Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program. You need skilled and experienced professionals who will present you with all the options and advise you on which surgery will work best for you.

Risks of Overeating After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Written by jefftormey on April 17, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on Risks of Overeating After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

A gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of your stomach to help reduce your food intake. However, there are instances of patients binge eating after gastric sleeve, which affects their journey. You can’t help but wonder what are the risks involved and what can you do about overeating post-surgery.

What Happens if You Overeat After Gastric Sleeve

The following are the effects of overeating after gastric sleeve.

Stomach Stretches

The surgery reduces the size of your stomach, but the more you eat, the more the pouch enlarges. A gastric sleeve is performed to reduce the stomach’s size and make you feel full faster, but as the pouch stretches, you will start overindulging and gain back the weight.

Dumping Syndrome

The last thing you want is the symptoms related to dumping syndrome. Consuming more food than your body can digest will end up in the small intestines without proper processing. As a result, you will suffer from excruciating stomach pain, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Acid Reflux and Other Digestive Issues

Reflux is quite common after a gastric sleeve, but it gets worse and more painful if you overeat. If the stomach cannot accommodate the excess food, acid reflux occurs. That’s why you may experience bloating, pass excessive gas, and get severe stomach aches.

Long Term Effects

In the long run, when your stomach expands and your digestive system adjusts to the excessive food intake, you will be at risk of several other long-term complications. First, you will gain back the weight and suffer other obesity-related complications like heart disease and sleep apnea. Your chances of cancer, diabetes, stroke, and other lifestyle diseases will also increase.

How To Stop Overeating After Gastric Sleeve

Here are routines and habits you can develop to help you avoid overeating after a gastric sleeve procedure.

Eat Nutritious Food in Small Portions

Your diet makes all the difference to make your bariatric surgery successful. Doctors will tell you to reduce carbs, sodium, and sugar and increase your intake of proteins, fruits, and vegetables. While at it, it is best to eat in small portions, and you can even measure your meals to be certain. Also, remember to drink a lot of fluids between meals.

Eat Slowly

Did you know that the faster you eat, the more likely you are to overindulge? Fast eating after surgery can be very uncomfortable. Savoring your meals and chewing thoroughly allows your body to process the food better.

Read More : 7 Tips To Feel Better During Gastric Sleeve Surgery Recovery

Let a Professional Medical Practitioner Help You Manage Your Diet

Are you worried about binge eating post-surgery, or are you already experiencing the side effects of overeating after gastric sleeve in NYC ? Do not worry—you can consult with our professionals at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program for assistance to get back on track and have a fulfilling weight loss journey.

Differences Between Mini Gastric Bypass Vs. Gastric Bypass

Written by jefftormey on April 10, 2024. Posted in Gastric Bypass Surgery. No Comments on Differences Between Mini Gastric Bypass Vs. Gastric Bypass

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective weight-loss procedures. It comes in various forms, including gastric bypass and duodenal switch, the former being the most popular. If you are interested in gastric bypass, know that it comes in two versions, a mini bypass vs bypass. Understanding how they work and their differences can help you decide which one to go for.

Here is an analysis of mini gastric bypass vs. gastric bypass surgery.

The Procedure

Mini-bypass surgery was created as a less complicated version of the standard bypass. Although the two work the same way, restricting meal consumption and reducing the absorption of calories, the mini bypass is simpler and involves fewer risks. During the gastric bypass procedure, the doctors create a smaller stomach pouch, bypassing the small intestine and connecting it with the new stomach. However, for a mini bypass, the stomach is reduced but linked to the first part of the intestines.

Cost and Operating Time

As you can tell, the gastric bypass is more complex than a mini bypass, so you will expect to pay slightly more to get it done. Additionally, the two have almost the same operating times depending on the individual case. However, considering the mini bypass is a simpler procedure, it usually takes less time to perform, while a bypass can take up to two hours.

Hospital Stay and Recovery

On average, the number of days you will stay in the hospital after undergoing either of the procedures is the same: 2–3 days. However, gastric bypass patients may end up staying a little longer, depending on the individual, and some can stay for up to six days. Luckily, the recovery time in both cases is fast. However, given the more complicated nature of a gastric bypass, you will heal faster after undergoing a mini bypass.

Read More : Gastric Bypass Recovery

Post-Surgery Complications

The two procedures have a very small risk of complications. However, there are even lower risks involved after undergoing a mini gastric bypass. It is generally considered a safer option for patients because it doesn’t involve that much rerouting of the digestive organs. There are fewer chances of anastomosis, which is the leakage along the staple lines, but on the downside, gastric bypass is the go-to in terms of efficacy. There is a higher chance of losing more weight over time than after undergoing a mini bypass.

Let a Medical Professional Help You Make the Best Decision

In the comparison of mini bypass vs gastric bypass, the two have a fair share of advantages, making it challenging to decide which one to choose. When you contact our surgeons for gastric bypass surgery experts in NYC from Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, they will guide you in selecting the best option.

Why You Get Dizzy After Bariatric Surgery

Written by jefftormey on April 3, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Blog. No Comments on Why You Get Dizzy After Bariatric Surgery

Your doctor will inform you about certain temporary changes in your body after bariatric surgery. It takes some time to adjust to the alterations in your digestive system, explaining why you will likely experience dizziness after bariatric surgery. Take a look at the reasons behind this and ways to manage it.

Dehydration

Patients are advised to increase their daily water intake and make other dietary changes. Otherwise, blood flow to the brain and blood pressure may drop, making you feel lightheaded. The more fluids you take in, the more your sugar levels stabilize. For best results, consider drinking 48–64 ounces daily.

Blood Pressure Drops

Low blood pressure is quite common in patients post-surgery, especially when they stand or sit up too quickly. Also called positional vertigo, it occurs when not enough blood flows through the organs. To prevent this, ensure that you ingest more fluids and go for regular blood pressure checks.

Read More : Is Bariatric Surgery Effective for Treating High Blood Pressure?

Blood Sugar Drops

One more cause of dizziness after weight loss surgery is reduced absorption of glucose. Considering that the procedure alters digestion and limits food intake, including sugar, insufficient glucose is expected. This is a leading cause of feeling dizzy, and to combat this, it is advisable to eat small portions of food consistently throughout the day.

Vitamin Deficiency

Due to changes in the digestive system, it is normal for the body to have issues digesting vital nutrients. Vitamin and iron deficiencies occur in most patients, and the aftermath is problems like shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness. You should eat more protein-rich meals and consult with your doctor on the best supplements to take.

Side Effects of Medication

There are various medications prescribed to patients after weight-loss surgery to help with healing. However, some have a fair share of side effects depending on the individual’s body. You might experience headaches, increased heart rate, fatigue, and dizziness.

Anastomosis

Although slim, there is a chance that a patient may experience leaks along the staple lines after surgery. This complication leads to severe abdominal pain, increased heart rate, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If you are in excruciating pain, it is crucial to seek urgent medical attention because you may be suffering from anastomosis.

Seek Professional Medical Attention

Feeling lightheaded after gastric sleeve or any other weight-loss surgery happens to most patients. This is a temporary way for the body to adjust to the changes in your digestive system. However, if the symptoms persist, it is best to consult our experts for bariatric surgery in New York from Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program.

Reasons and Remedies for Back Pain After Gastric Sleeve

Written by jefftormey on March 11, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on Reasons and Remedies for Back Pain After Gastric Sleeve

A gastric sleeve procedure is one of the most effective ways to battle obesity and weight-related complications. However, like any other surgery, there are some side effects to watch out for, like back pain. You want your recovery journey to go smoothly, so you should know the causes and remedies for back pain after gastric sleeve. Here are reasons for back pain post-gastric sleeve and their solutions.

Posture Changes

Undergoing a weight-loss procedure changes your body’s center of mass and posture because of the lost weight. With these alterations come spine alignment issues, which is one reason you may experience pain in your back. Luckily, this can be prevented if you can improve your posture. Some patients use a posture brace that helps them sit and stand properly without slouching.

Muscle Weakness

Rapid weight loss also affects your muscles. The more weight you lose, the more you undergo muscle loss; that drastic change may take a toll on the spine, causing back problems. The good news is that this, too, can be corrected. Exercising is one sure way to build up your muscle mass. Cardio and weight lifting go a long way to help, and to improve your chances, consider adding more protein to your diet.

Nutritional Deficiency

Gastric sleeve involves removing a large part of your stomach, which means that patients may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies. Are you wondering why your back hurts after gastric sleeve surgery and how that is connected to nutrition? Since there is reduced food intake, malabsorption also occurs, and with that, your body doesn’t take in as many minerals and vitamins. Lacking calcium and Vitamin D, vital for your bone health, can cause back pain. To remedy this, consider eating more nutrient-rich foods and supplement them with vitamins under your doctor’s guidance.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Due to the procedure, you may also develop GERD post-surgery. This is caused when the acids in the stomach travel up the esophagus, otherwise called acid reflux. It can be quite painful and uncomfortable; in some cases, you can even feel the pain in your back. There are prescription drugs for this that you can take, so consult with your doctor for remedies.

Managing Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Like many other gastric sleeve side effects, back pain is only temporary. The more you heal and take care of yourself, the more the symptoms reduce. You should be back to your normal life in no time. All you need is professional guidance after your gastric bypass surgery in NYC to deal with and get rid of the pain. Contact us at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program for more ways to manage back pain after gastric sleeve surgery.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on March 8, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is one of the most effective solutions to help you kickstart your journey to a healthy lifestyle. You probably have many questions and concerns if you are just hearing about it. The following are the most common questions to ask about bariatric surgery.

Am I a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

One of the first questions to ask is the eligibility criteria. Generally, you must be 16–70 years old to be a good candidate for surgery. You should also be recognized as morbidly obese, meaning your BMI (Body Mass Index) should be 40 or more. However, there are a few exceptions to these rules, so check with your doctor to confirm.

What Are the Available Bariatric Surgery Options?

If you are eligible for the surgery, you can now consult to find the best option for you. There are four types available.

Gastric bypass. This involves partitioning the stomach into two parts to reduce its size and redirect how food flows.
Gastric sleeve. Here, the stomach is separated and removed, reducing its size and making you feel full faster.
Gastric band/lap band. Surgery involves using a rubber ring with an inflatable balloon in your stomach to reduce the capacity.
Duodenal switch. It is a modification of the gastric sleeve where the surgeons place a valve to release food into the intestines.

How Much Weight Should I Expect To Lose?

The outcome of the procedure usually varies based on the patient. However, in most cases, you will likely lose 30–40% of your excess weight after bariatric surgery in NY. The amount of weight loss depends on the procedure and the individual.

Are There Any Risks?

Again, the risks to expect vary according to the procedure. Some of the most common include kidney stones, acid reflux, back pain, and ulcers. However, these are temporary and go away with time and proper medication. You have to exercise and watch your nutrition post-surgery; otherwise, there is a risk of not losing the weight you intend or regaining the weight you have lost.

How Long Does It Take To Heal After Bariatric Surgery?

You can leave the hospital days after surgery, and in 4–6 weeks, you should be back on your feet doing everyday tasks. You can start light exercising, gradually increasing the intensity, and remember to make dietary changes. However, for concerns like whether you are ready for pregnancy, remember to consult with your doctor first.

Talk To Your Doctor Before Bariatric Surgery

There are many questions to ask a bariatric surgeon, and you need an expert opinion before starting the journey. Contact our experienced surgeons at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program to guide you before, during, and after surgery for a successful procedure.

Is It Okay To Chew Gum After Bariatric Surgery?

Written by jefftormey on March 6, 2024. Posted in Bariatric Surgery. No Comments on Is It Okay To Chew Gum After Bariatric Surgery?

You have likely heard that chewing gum is one way to help lose weight because it keeps your mouth occupied, reducing your calorie intake. You can’t help but wonder, can you chew gum after bariatric surgery? Read on to find out.

What Happens When You Chew Gum After Weight Loss Surgery?

Chewing gum, especially after a bariatric procedure, is not recommended. Here’s why:

It Contains High Sugar Levels

Reducing the amount of calories is a plus for weight loss, but gum is not a healthy choice. Most products contain too much sugar, sometimes more than 2g in a single stick. Eating more gum a day means consuming more sugar, which is the last thing you want to do when trying to lose weight.

It Causes Bloating

To avoid consuming a lot of sugar through chewing gum, you may opt for calorie-free alternatives, but those, too, are not recommended. When you keep chewing and not eating, chances are high that you take in a lot of air in the process.

The air goes into the digestive system, which is terrible if you have recently had bariatric surgery. For one, the pressure in the stomach increases, which interferes with the recovery process. Secondly, gas builds up, causing pain.

It Irritates the Digestive System

You already know that your digestive tract undergoes several changes post-surgery, and chewing doesn’t help the body adjust. It causes enzyme secretion, which stimulates the bowels and, in turn, causes side effects like diarrhea.

It Stimulates Appetite

The goal of bariatric surgery is to reduce your craving for food and lower your appetite. However, you notice that chewing on an empty stomach only worsens it because it stimulates your appetite, making you hungry, meaning more food intake.

It May Cause Blockage

This may not be a serious concern for many because not everyone intentionally swallows up gum, but if that happens, then it becomes a problem. As a patient who has recently had alterations to their digestive system, doctors recommend that you properly chew your food. Since gum doesn’t digest like other food particles, swallowing it can block your bowels and, in severe cases, mean a trip back to the doctor to remove it.

Talk To Your Doctor About What You Eat After Gastric Sleeve Procedure

You can chew gum weeks after gastric sleeve, as long as it is sugar-free, but you have to be cautious because of the potential risks. Surgeons advise that you not do it, and as a patient, you would rather not risk it. Chewing gum is not worth it if you want your bariatric surgery in New York to be successful. Contact us at Lenox Hill Hospital for advice about bariatric surgery recovery.

What To Know About Exercising After Bariatric Surgery

Written by jefftormey on March 4, 2024. Posted in Bariatric Surgery.

Exercise is one of the most crucial steps to a successful weight-loss journey. You may have several questions about exercise post bariatric surgery, like when is the best time to start and what are the safest routines. Read on for answers to these and other questions.

Why Exercise After Bariatric Surgery?

Working out is crucial for your weight loss journey, even after surgery. For one, it helps enhance muscle strength and preserves lean muscle mass. Secondly, it is crucial for your bone health, making them stronger and more stable. Patients may also have issues with loose skin after surgery, and the best way to improve the skin’s elasticity is by exercising. Also, working out helps you keep your weight in check while keeping weight-related diseases at bay.

When Is the Right Time To Exercise?

Surgeons recommend that exercise is safe two weeks post-surgery. However, immediately after healing from the procedure, it is expected to feel sore and a little uncomfortable. So, as soon as you can get back on your feet, you can start with little movements, like taking a 5–10 minute walk a couple of times a day. The more you heal, the more you can push your body to start more physical activity, as long as you don’t overdo it. You can stop when you feel uncomfortable and consult your doctor.

What Exercises Are Safe?

You start with simple walking exercises after surgery. 5–10 minutes a day each time will do, even indoors, right from your house, as long as you keep moving. Water aerobics and swimming are also top recommendations because they don’t strain your joints. You can also try riding a bike after one month.

Within the first 6 months, you can do 30 minutes of aerobics 3–5 times a week and lift small weights. After that, it is safe to incorporate strength training, gradually increasing your muscle movements, and trying 45 minutes of aerobics 4 times a week.

What Else To Know About Exercises After Surgery

Note that you should avoid any exercises that need extra balance. Surgery affects your body’s center of balance, all thanks to the lost weight, meaning your stability will be off. Squats and lunges are such exercises that you must avoid, especially in the first 6 months post-surgery. Lastly, remember that your diet should also improve while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Plan on Exercising after Bariatric Surgery

For a successful and holistic weight loss journey, you must include exercise and dietary changes into your lifestyle. New York bariatric surgery at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program is the first step, but you must keep the weight off in the long run by adjusting your diet and incorporating daily physical movement into your day.

A Man in A Blue Shirt Covering His Mouth

What Causes Bad Breath After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Written by jefftormey on February 16, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on What Causes Bad Breath After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Have you or someone you know undergone a gastric sleeve procedure? If so, you need to understand the road to recovery in the first few weeks comes with a few challenges, including one common one: halitosis or bad breath. Luckily, this side effect doesn’t last that long. So, what causes bad breath after bariatric surgery?

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

When undergoing a gastric sleeve, a large part of the stomach is removed, and in turn, there is less space for the food to go through the digestive tract. It must travel quite slowly and sometimes gets stuck in the process, leading to acid buildup in the stomach. The more the acid flows back and up into the mouth, the more it causes bad breath.

There is good news about this, however. It is treatable and is only a minor side effect that goes away after some time. There are prescription drugs you can take to reduce the condition, and luckily, the more you recover, the more your body gets used to the new stomach and finds natural ways to avoid acid reflux.

Ketosis

The state of ketosis in your body, which happens when the body opts to burn fat instead of glucose, changes after bariatric surgery. This is one of the wins of the procedure because it helps you drastically lose weight. However, in the process, the body releases ketones containing acetone as a by-product, an element known to have a fruity smell that can be considered foul.

Dehydration

Many patients suffer from bad breath after gastric sleeve surgery due to dehydration. You may forget to drink water because of your diet changes; you feel full faster and only intake small amounts of water. When this happens, it is challenging to rinse away bacteria, leaving the odor in your mouth.

Fortunately, a few tips help reduce the chances of bad breath after your surgery.

Maintain drinking the recommended eight glasses of water throughout the day in spaced-out amounts.
Avoid eating acidic meals and fizzy drinks, and have antacid tablets around.
Brush and floss your teeth after every meal, and clean your tongue.
Chew sugar-free gum throughout the day to help produce saliva to fight off bacteria in your mouth.

Contact an Expert for Your Bariatric Surgery

When you have a trusted team of NYC bariatric surgery experts from Lenox Hill Hospital on your side, you never have to worry about side effects of the procedure, like bad breath. You have experts to guide you through surgery preparation, the surgery, and recovery.

What To Know About Iron Deficiency After Gastric Surgery

Written by jefftormey on February 14, 2024. Posted in Gastric Bypass Surgery. No Comments on What To Know About Iron Deficiency After Gastric Surgery

The risk of certain side effects is one of the reasons why there is an emphasis on getting enough support after bariatric surgery. Paying attention to illnesses caused by dietary changes you make is vital. In this case, the focus is on one such condition, anemia. Read on to learn how iron deficiency and gastric bypass are connected.

Causes of Iron Deficiency After Gastric Bypass

Anemia is caused after bariatric surgery due to the digestive system’s physical changes, particularly the bypassing of the duodenum. Here is where iron is absorbed by the body, so bypassing it means that the system will have issues dissolving this crucial mineral. Since iron-rich foods like meat and grains may not provide the required iron levels like they usually do, you must seek alternatives as well as incorporate other iron-rich foods.

How Do You Detect Gastric Bypass Iron Deficiency?

Iron is a crucial mineral that helps keep your hair, nails, and skin healthy. Besides that, it is also vital for the formation of hemoglobin, the content in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The common symptoms of anemia include:

Fatigue and general body weakness
Frequent running out of breath
Chest pains
Cold hands and feet
Migraines
Dizziness
Increased heart rate
Hair loss
Nail breakage
Paleness

How Is Iron Deficiency After Surgery Treated?

When you notice the symptoms discussed above and see a specialist, they can diagnose it by checking the hemoglobin levels in your red cells. Additionally, if blood is in your stool, a colonoscopy and other imaging tests will help detect the source of the blood. You may need an urgent blood transfusion to regain blood-rich cells if confirmed to be severe.

In the meantime, you should make some dietary changes, incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet. Mineral supplements will also help you take a prescription from your doctor.

Can You Prevent Iron Deficiency After Gastric Bypass?

Before your gastric bypass surgery in NYC, the doctors will explain the side effects. If you have any mineral deficiency disorders, you will need immediate treatment before the procedure because if not, the condition will only worsen after surgery. During recovery, you should also consider monitoring your iron levels alongside other nutrients. Your doctor will take readings six months after the surgery and at least once annually later on.

Gastric bypass and low iron tend to go together based on the nature of bariatric surgery. Therefore, you need the services of qualified doctors at Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC, to help you get through the recovery with optimum iron levels.