Author: jefftormey

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.

Coffee After Gastric Sleeve Surgery—Is It Allowed?

Written by jefftormey on June 26, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on Coffee After Gastric Sleeve Surgery—Is It Allowed?

Coffee drinkers know that the best way to kick-start their mornings is with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. However, if you have just undergone weight loss surgery, surgeons recommend avoiding certain foods and drinks. Junk foods like popcorn are on that list, which makes you wonder, can you drink coffee after a gastric sleeve?

What Happens When You Ingest Coffee After a Gastric Sleeve?

Diet and exercise are crucial after undergoing surgery. They keep you in shape and promote healthy and speedy weight loss. Experts advise that you must completely refrain from drinking coffee or any other caffeinated or carbonated drink for the first 90 days post-surgery. You need to avoid certain foods and drinks until your body fully recovers and adjusts to the new digestive changes. So, why is coffee on the list of foods to avoid?

It Is Acidic

If you are wondering if you can drink coffee after gastric sleeve, know that it contains high amounts of acid, which is the last thing you want to consume after the surgery. After the procedure, you are more vulnerable to GERD and acid reflux, meaning coffee will easily irritate your stomach lining, causing a lot of pain.

It Causes Dehydration

Coffee is known for its diuretic effect (dehydration of the body). Patients are always advised to drink more water and stay hydrated all through the day to facilitate healing and promote a healthy gut, but drinking coffee has the opposite effect. Therefore, it is best to avoid it and switch to healthier drinks.

It Causes Poor Gut Motility

Your gut motility will be affected while you are recovering after surgery. Food doesn’t move through your digestive system as usual, and essential nutrients are not fully absorbed like they were before the surgery. You must eat highly nutritious foods to enhance the absorption rate, which is not the case with caffeinated drinks, which lack essential nutrients.

When Can I Drink Coffee After Gastric Sleeve?

Refrain from coffee for the first 90 days after surgery, and even after that, take it in moderation. Remember that every person is different, so it is best to consult with your doctor on such matters. To be safe, consider healthier drink alternatives like water, green tea, smoothies, and herbal tea (non-caffeinated).

Consult a Professional Bariatric Surgeon in New York City

It is expected that you will feel overwhelmed when it comes to your new lifestyle with dietary restrictions. To be sure, you can consult with us about all matters regarding weight loss surgery and the best foods to eat after gastric sleeve surgery in NYC at Lennox Hill Hospital.

The Causes of GERD After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Written by jefftormey on June 19, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on The Causes of GERD After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where food from the stomach re-enters a patient’s esophagus. Conventionally, GERD should reduce after a gastric bypass, but there are cases where the procedure makes it even worse. You may experience GERD as you try to recover from gastric bypass surgery, so how are GERD and bariatric surgery connected? How can you treat it?

What Is the Relationship Between GERD and Gastric Bypass?

Are you wondering if gastric bypass and acid reflux are connected? When you undergo surgery, it alters the normal shape of the stomach, changing how food usually travels through your digestive system. It is expected that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) will also be affected. This is the muscle ring at the end of the esophagus, which opens when food enters the stomach and closes to prevent the particles from re-entering. However, when it fails to work, food contents from the stomach find their way back to the esophagus, which causes symptoms of GERD or acid reflux after gastric bypass surgery.

How Does Bariatric Surgery Affect the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)?

There are various ways that the LES can be tampered with during surgery. For instance, the angle where it meets the stomach may flatten, making it easier for food to travel back to the esophagus. Similarly, if there is excessive pressure in the stomach, it may exert the same pressure on the muscles, forcing them open. Lastly, acid reflux may occur because food post-surgery stays in the stomach for too long.

How to Treat Gerd After Gastric Bypass

If you are suffering from excruciating acid reflux after surgery, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Doctors recommend PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors), which go a long way to reduce the excessive production of acid in the stomach. They may also prescribe prokinetic agents to make the LES contractions and the contractions along the tract stronger.

If you have severe GERD and medication doesn’t seem to work, then doctors will recommend surgery. They can perform RYGB or LINX surgeries or the Stretta procedure. You should see a doctor immediately when you detect acid reflux; otherwise, you risk complications like inflammation of the esophagus, peptic strictures (narrow esophagus), or esophageal cancer.

Seek Professional Help to Deal With GERD After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Are you interested in undergoing a gastric bypass in Manhattan? Or have you had one but need surgery to treat severe acid reflux? Consult with our professionals from Lennox Hill Hospital today for a safe bariatric surgery and treatment of acid reflux, GERD, and other post-gastric bypass complications.

Why Go For a Lap Band Surgery After a Gastric Bypass

Written by jefftormey on June 5, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery. No Comments on Why Go For a Lap Band Surgery After a Gastric Bypass

Bariatric surgery is the answer if you are looking for an effective way to lose weight within a short time when other methods seem to fail. But what happens when you have undergone a gastric bypass but are yet to lose your target weight? Can you get a lap band after a gastric bypass instead of a full correctional surgery? Here’s what to know.

Can You Have a Lap Band After Gastric Bypass?

As advised by a surgeon, you can get lap band surgery after undergoing a gastric bypass. It is a procedure otherwise known as a band over bypass, and although not very popular, it is quite simple to get done. In most cases, patients opt for the band over gastric bypass at least a year later.

Why Go for a Band Over Bypass Surgery?

Patients undergo gastric bypass to help lose weight, and if that doesn’t happen, they opt for corrective surgeries. However, instead of redoing the entire process, doctors recommend going for a lap band surgery, which also works but is not as complex as a gastric bypass. The main reason why you can have a lap band surgery after a gastric bypass is if you didn’t lose your target weight after the initial surgery. It is also ideal if you feel like your weight has plateaued or you are starting to add more weight.

How Does a Band Over Bypass Surgery Work?

This procedure is also a laparoscopic surgery—the same as a lap band. Here, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and then ties your stomach pouch with the gastric band. As a result, the new stomach pouch will now hold even less food. The goal is to limit the patient’s food intake, which goes a long way to prevent overeating and, in turn, facilitates weight loss. It is an effective solution to keep you feeling full and reducing your food intake. It is also lauded for being a safer option than the conventional revisional procedures.

Lap Band Surgery After a Gastric Bypass

Have you previously undergone a gastric bypass but fear that it may have failed? Is your weight stagnant or increasing by the day, and you are uncertain about getting a correctional procedure? When you consult our surgeons from Lennox Hill Hospital, we will advise you on the best way forward, often recommending lap band surgery in NYC as a simpler and safer solution.

Close-up Of A Person Grabbing Popcorn From A Glass Bowl

Popcorn After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Written by jefftormey on May 22, 2024. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Uncategorized. No Comments on Popcorn After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve is one of the most effective weight loss procedures. However, to maximize its success, you should adjust your lifestyle by eating right and frequently exercising. One of the most common questions post-surgery is what foods to avoid. For instance, you may wonder, can you eat popcorn after gastric sleeve?

Risks Involved When Eating Popcorn Post-Surgery

Popcorn is quite popular thanks to its low-calorie and high-fiber content. It is also rich in minerals and vitamins, being a whole-grain option. Despite its numerous benefits, it is on the list of foods not recommended for patients, just like fizzy drinks, pasta, gum, and other high-sugar and high-calorie options. Here are compelling reasons to avoid eating popcorn.

It Causes Dumping Syndrome

You can’t eat popcorn after gastric sleeve because it contains high amounts of carbs and fats, which can easily trigger dumping syndrome. This condition occurs when you overeat in one sitting, making it tasking for the body to properly digest the food, leading to bloating, diarrhea, stomach pains, and other symptoms.

It Causes Dehydration

You notice that you get incredibly thirsty after eating popcorn because, as a dry food, it tends to absorb moisture while you eat it. You need to hydrate more after surgery, so the more popcorn you eat, the more water you need. Otherwise, you will likely suffer headaches, dizziness, and other dehydration-related symptoms.

It May Cause Stomach Blockage

Popcorn is rich in fiber, and although that is good for your body, it can be a problem after a gastric sleeve. Your stomach finds it hard to digest such high amounts of fiber, especially in massive chunks. That has a risk of blocking your stomach, which is the last thing you want after a gastric sleeve.

Tips When Eating Popcorn Post-Surgery

If you are worried about whether you can have popcorn after a gastric sleeve, you don’t have to forgo your favorite snack as long as you practice caution. You can only eat it in small portions at a given time. Secondly, avoid adding oil or other toppings and extra seasoning that will be tasking for your body to break down. Also, make sure you drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration.

Watch Your Diet After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

It is crucial to watch your diet, especially after a gastric sleeve in NYC. If you are unsure what to eat, consult with our surgeons at Lenox Hill Hospital for guidance or more information about the procedure.

Overweight Woman Eating Salad In A Kitchen

Tips to Consider When Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on May 13, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Tips to Consider When Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Undergoing bariatric surgery means making a few alterations in your lifestyle to help keep your weight in check and avoid complications, but what about going out to eat? After the surgery, will you never enjoy spending time with friends and family at a restaurant? That’s not the case. The following are some handy tips to consider to stay comfortable when eating out after bariatric surgery.

Research and Check the Menu Online

Before going to any restaurant, the first thing to do is ensure the meal options meet the post-surgery requirements. You want to ensure they serve healthy meals, especially those rich in proteins and vegetables, and that use healthy fats for cooking. To be safe, you can take the time to choose the place yourself, ensuring that their options are nutritious.

Get Creative With Your Order

If you feel that the options do not necessarily align with your body’s changes, you can always customize your orders. Luckily, most restaurants are kind enough to accommodate you when you make special requests. When eating out after gastric sleeve, you can ask for dressing or sauces on the sides or only take salads. So be sure to communicate your needs with the servers.

Remember Mindful Eating and Portion Control

You must be on guard after surgery to avoid eating certain things like gum and excessive sugar and to avoid oversized portions. Mindful eating helps you adhere to this because you can listen to your body’s cues telling you that you are full. Take the time to savor your bites, and take pauses in between. To be safe, you can even order appetizers or get a take-away container to save half the portion for later.

Stay Hydrated

One more tip when eating out after a gastric sleeve surgery is to stay hydrated. The risk of confusing thirst as hunger may make you indulge more. You can drink water 30 minutes before eating, and if you must take something between meals, make sure you sip slowly and avoid drinking too much. Lastly, it is best to avoid alcohol when eating because it means more calorie intake, and it may also interfere with your mindful eating habits.

Seek advice From the Best in the Industry

Eating out after any weight loss surgery means thorough research and planning. Unlike preparing a meal at home, you must check the menu and make special requests if necessary. Be mindful of the tips above to avoid complications, and if you have any concerns, be sure to consult with our surgeons for bariatric surgery in NYC at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program.

Gastric Bypass Recovery

Written by jefftormey on May 6, 2024. Posted in Gastric Bypass Surgery. No Comments on Gastric Bypass Recovery

If you are considering a gastric bypass procedure, you may have many questions about what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Whether you go for a mini bypass or a gastric bypass, you must account for the recovery process. Read on if you want to know how long it takes to heal from gastric bypass.

Hospital Recovery Time After a Gastric Bypass

What happens immediately after the procedure? How long is recovery from gastric bypass before being discharged? Patients are expected to stay in the hospital for 3–5 days to allow the doctors to monitor and closely observe how their body heals. They will check for risks like leaking, bleeding, or other complications because bodies react differently after surgery.

You will receive medication to manage any pain and discomfort you feel, and when needed, you will get IV treatments for severe pain before switching to oral medicine. Once cleared, you will receive a dietary plan and be discharged, allowing you to continue the recovery process from home.

Home Recovery Time After a Gastric Bypass

So, how long is the recovery from gastric bypass surgery after being discharged? Generally, most patients fully heal from home within 3–6 weeks, depending on the case. Before you leave the hospital, ensure you arrange for help. You need someone to drive you home and help you with everyday tasks, including grooming, especially in the first few days. Remember that you will also need assistance returning to the hospital for routine checkups. You will still be under medication and can only drive after being cleared by the surgeon.

With adequate support, you will sail through the first two weeks and get closer to achieving full recovery. However, you may still feel some discomfort and will need to take some pain medication. Remember to avoid strenuous activities and strictly follow the doctor’s instructions on your diet and exercise, and you should be on your way to a full recovery. You can then resume your normal daily activities, including reporting back to work. If your work involves lifting heavy loads, you’ll need to wait at least three months.

Trust Our Medical Professionals With Your Recovery

Recovery after a gastric bypass in Manhattan requires patience and dedication, and you need a lot of help to get back on your feet. That’s why you need a reliable team of professionals from Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program to guide you through the surgery and the journey post-procedure to guarantee a full recovery.

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.