Acid reflux, also known as heartburn– that horrible burning feeling in the center of your chest – can has many physical and emotional causes. Obesity, age, eating habits and a history of hiatal hernia can cause acid reflux. But did you know that anxiety can also contribute to the condition? Being stressed or anxious causes…
The symptoms of heartburn and gallbladder trouble are so similar that patients may not be sure which problem they’re experiencing. Both conditions can be caused by eating rich, fatty food, lying down too soon after a meal, and carrying excess weight. A closer evaluation can help physicians understand which problem is causing the pain. What’s…
After undergoing weight loss surgery, patients need to adhere to certain dietary restrictions. These restrictions are not only necessary to align with the new limitations of your digestive system, but also help maximize the nutrients ingested from the food you eat. Often times, this means prioritizing protein in order to feel full and satisfied on…
By now, everyone is aware of the link between obesity and heart diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes. But, not everyone is aware that obesity is a risk factor for the development of the painful, degenerative joint disease osteoarthritis. Several studies have confirmed the relationship between excess body weight and osteoarthritis in the knee joint….
Has anyone told you that you snore excessively when you are asleep? You may be suffering from sleep apnea. A lot of Americans suffer from this condition without realizing it. Sleep apnea can cause cardiovascular diseases and lead to premature death. Drivers suffering from sleep apnea cause more than 9,000 deaths and 200,000 injuries on…
People generally attribute obesity to overeating and lack of physical exercise. However, many studies show that there is a link between trauma and obesity. More specifically, that traumatic childhood events and their resulting toxic stress can lead to obesity later in life. The studies have shed light on why many of those who are severely…
If you are thinking about Medicare and bariatric surgery and wondering whether you can get Medicare coverage, then here is some good news. Medicare covers bariatric surgery provided you meet the requirements. However, there is no blanket coverage for all types of weight-loss procedures with Medicare. What are the requirements for coverage? The requirements for…
It’s cold and flu season, but unfortunately acid reflux season is year ‘round. Did you know that the symptoms you might think are a cold could be acid reflux? Many in the medical profession believe acid reflux is one of the most misdiagnosed maladies in the country. That’s because acid reflux symptoms can perfectly mimic…
Being overweight or obese greatly increases an individual’s chances for developing Type II diabetes. But treating the patient’s weight issue very often resolves the problem. Because of the quick results it produces, bariatric surgery has now become a first line defense in the fight against Type II diabetes, helping patients gain control of their insulin…
If you’ve recently had bariatric surgery, you’ve probably noticed that your body metabolizes, or absorbs, medication differently. This is because the changes made to your digestive system, which differ by procedure. There are two primary issues involved in how medication is metabolized in the body ─ drug solubility and surface area. Drug solubility and surface…
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) have combined their respective accreditation programs into one─the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). One of its newest member facilities is owned and operated by Dr. Preeti Malladi, a board-certified, minimally-invasive bariatric and general surgeon…
The childhood obesity rate in the United States is of epidemic proportions. Nearly one third of kids between the ages of ten and seventeen are overweight or obese (body mass index of 30 or higher). The following are some of the health risks associated with childhood obesity. High blood pressure and high cholesterol – Both…
If you decide it’s right for you, bariatric surgery can be one of the few truly life-changing moments in a person’s life. But not everyone that has weight loss surgery is successful, many faltering because they were unprepared. If you’re trying to determine if you are ready for bariatric surgery and the lifestyle changes that…
Even the best doctors can make diagnostic mistakes. If the doctor asks the wrong questions or performs the wrong tests, a misdiagnosis of a hiatal hernia can easily occur, and this condition can easily be mistaken for something else. This can often lead to treatments that don’t actually solve the problem, so it’s important to…
A 2001 study by the American Gastroenterological Association found that prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat acid reflux account for over $11 billion in pharmaceutical sales. This staggering number should come as no surprise given the fact that one-third of the American population suffers from acid reflux. These medications are designed to do one thing:…
