Nicholson Clinic

Thanks to its fast, minimally invasive nature, laparoscopic gallbladder removal has become the industry standard. This procedure is known to present with fewer risks than open surgery while enabling patients to heal significantly faster. It is, however, not without a potential for complications. Perhaps the most devastating is the propensity for accidental bile duct injury due to misidentification during the procedures. A new technology is poised to take this concern off the table. The new imaging method, known as CholeVision, is under development by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It involves the use of a special light that enables, with the flip of a button, doctors to clearly see the location of the bile ducts. This, in turn, enables them to avoid accidental injury to the ducts during gallbladder removal. It is estimated that about 4,000 of 800,000 gallbladder removal procedures in the United States alone result in duct damage. The light is hoped to dramatically reduce this ...

Losing weight may soon become as simple as swallowing a little pill. At least that’s the hope for a new procedure under testing known as the Elipse gastric balloon. Functioning in a similar manner to two recently FDA-approved weight loss alternatives, this temporary measure enables people to lose weight by helping them feel fuller faster. Like the recently approved Orbera and ReShape gastric balloon systems , Elipse is a temporary measure that works by taking up some of the space in the stomach itself. When inflated, the balloons promote lighter eating because the stomach’s holding capacity has been effectively reduced. Unlike Orbera or ReShape, the Elipse doesn’t involve a limited surgical procedure for insertion. The Elipse balloon is contained within a capsule. This capsule is attached to a catheter and is then swallowed. Once swallowed, the capsule dissolves and the balloon is filled with about 19 ounces of liquid and the catheter is removed. The balloon stays in place for about...

When the pain of chronic gallbladder issues strikes, most people are more than happy to see this particular little organ removed for good. After all, once it’s gone the threat of sharp, painful attacks tends to go with it. That, however, doesn’t mean the days and weeks following surgery won’t be without their share of ups and downs. Fortunately, there are some tips that can help keep discomfort at bay. The gallbladder is a small organ that’s responsible for holding bile. This substance aids in digestion, especially of fatty foods. While the body can function perfectly well without a gallbladder, digestive changes prompted by its removal can create a few issues. These tips can help: • Go easy with foods – Following surgery, it’s best to give the body a little break from solid foods. When they are added back into the diet, go slow. Keep track of foods that cause discomfort and avoid them, at least for a little while. • Go low-fat – Keep in mind the ability to process greasy fo...

Making the decision to undergo bariatric surgery to promote weight loss is not easy. After all, many people see this type of procedure as “elective” and an admission of “failure.” Don’t listen to those people! Weight loss surgery is a very viable option for some people who have struggled long and hard to lose weight. This more or less permanent solution can help shed pounds while dramatically lowering risk for the development of a host of potential health concerns. Since obesity has been strongly linked to diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer and other conditions, sometimes it just makes good sense to take more drastic actions to address weight. So, how can you tell if bariatric surgery is a good option to consider ? Here are some tips: • Find out your BMI – That stands for body mass index. When it’s 30 or higher, a person is considered overweight. Those with a BMI of 35 to 40 might find themselves candidates for surgery as their weight has reached a level that is c...

Hovering on the brink of obesity when diets and exercise don’t serve to help remove pounds is a very frustrating place. After all, should weight continue to climb, the chances for health complications can increase dramatically. With heart disease, diabetes and the potential loss of self-esteem all on the line, many people seek out alternatives to help them get their weight in check. A new non-surgical option may offer the hope so many are after. The Orbera gastric balloon offers a unique way to shed pounds. It delivers the benefits of weight loss surgery without the complications of surgery itself. What’s more, the procedure is completely reversible. That means once the pounds are shed, there’s no reason for the alteration to remain permanent. Orbera involves the insertion of a balloon into the stomach. This balloon is filled with a saline solution so it inflates to about the size of a grapefruit. Like weight loss surgery, the procedure effectively limits stomach holding cap...

There’s more to controlling diabetes than keeping food intake in check. Keeping extra pounds off can also be incredibly important. This is especially so for type 2 diabetics who may find obesity may be the root cause of their disease. When pounds are shed, there’s a good chance symptoms will subside. In an effort to better understand just which option is more effective at controlling type 2 diabetes, medicine or weight loss surgery, researchers recently conducted a long-term trail. As it turned out, about half the patients in the weight loss group managed to be diabetes-free at the five year mark. The breakthrough study was conducted at Kings College London. To discover which method worked the best, researchers randomly assigned obese people with type 2 diabetes in to three groups. Twenty patients used standard medication, 20 received a gastric bypass and 20 had a biopancreatic diversion. As it turned out, about 80 percent of those who underwent one of the surgical procedures ha...

The gastric bypass procedure has long been known to be a successful way to help obese people shed pounds and keep them off. While the reworked digestive tract that results from this procedure is largely credited with its success, researchers are also finding an added boost that wasn’t quite expected. It seems that those who undergo gastric bypasses may also find their ability to burn calories – while they are eating meals – also goes up. The gastric bypass procedure involves the limiting of the stomach’s capacity to hold food. In addition, the stomach is rerouted directly to the small intestine. This means a person who undergoes the procedure is likely to feel fuller faster to promote weight loss. While the rerouting of the stomach and its reshaping reduce overall food intake, researchers have been unable to fully explain just why this surgery is so successful in helping people keep off weight over the long haul. A recent study is casting light on the whys behind the results. To b...

Weight-loss surgery can have a dramatic impact on the body and overall health. It can, however, also produce an emotional rollercoaster ride for those who undergo this type of procedure. As pounds are shed and life changes as a result, those who have surgery may find themselves needing a fair amount of emotional support. Since weight-loss surgery has such profound effects, many medical professionals strongly recommend counseling both before and after a procedure is performed. For some patients, the need for counseling and support can remain for years to come with good reasons: weight-loss surgery can, indeed, be life changing. Some of the reasons why emotional ups and downs coincide with bariatric surgery include: • The initial shock – Even those who are profoundly convinced that weightloss surgery may be their best option to shed pounds and keep them off may have trouble coming to terms that a procedure is needed. The “moment of truth,” as some call it, can come with an emotio...

Making the decision to undergo weight loss surgery is a big one that demands plenty of thought, research and advice. While bariatric surgery can prove incredibly helpful for assisting those who struggle with their weight to lose the pounds once and for all, many procedures do result in the permanent alteration of the body. With that in mind, there are a number of points patients may want to consider before moving forward. Why Consider Weight Loss Surgery ? It is estimated that 300,000 Americans die each year due to illnesses linked to obesity. Being overweight can contribute to the development of such potentially fatal conditions as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Obesity has also been strongly linked to a number of different types of potentially fatal cancer. Shedding pounds safely and in a healthy manner can help lower the odds of health-related concerns. For some diabetics, researchers are finding that bariatric surgery may even reverse the effects of the disease over time, ...

With growing obesity rates strongly linked to the rise of type 2 diabetes cases across the country, doctors are looking for ways to help patients shed pounds while bringing their blood sugar levels under control. A small-scale study recently released in JAMA shows that weight loss surgery may provide the assistance required to help successfully treat the symptoms of diabetes. Researchers found that while diet and exercise are helpful in diabetes management, weight loss surgery can prove to be even more beneficial. About two thirds of the patients in the study who underwent a particular type of gastric bypass procedure did not require diabetes medication three years after surgery. Of those who underwent adjustable gastric banding, a third no longer needed medications, researchers found. The study was undertaken by the University of Pittsburg Medical Center. It involved 61 obese people who had all been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. All patients were between the ages of 22 and 55....

The dramatic weight loss associated with successful bariatric surgery can leave behind a few unwanted side effects courtesy of sagging, excess skin that doesn’t rebound as pounds are shed. This particular side effect is giving rise to an increase in cosmetic procedures in the years following bariatric surgeries, such as the gastric bypass. Researchers, in fact, recently crunched some of the numbers and are now realizing that bariatric surgery isn’t necessarily a one-and-done type of proposition for patients who are seeking to improve their appearances along with their health. Data that sheds light on the growing trend of following bariatric surgery comes from the American Society of Plastic Surgery. The data shows strong growth in concurrent surgeries, especially procedures like tummy tucks, upper arm lifts and breast lifts. According to ASPS data, an overall 1.7 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in 2014 alone. While breast augmentations still top the charts as t...

The inconvenience and embarrassment of incontinence is something most people wish to avoid. For some, however, doing so is easier said than done. About 70 percent of all women who are considered severely obese and about 24 percent of severely obese men face the uneasiness this condition can present on a routine basis. New research is showing there may be hope for those who are overweight and also suffer from incontinence. Surgical procedures meant to promote weight loss, in fact, may also have the added benefit of putting incontinence into remission. Researchers out of the University of California San Francisco recently delved into the topic to find out if bariatric surgery could help reverse the symptoms of incontinence while enabling the shedding of pounds.  To conduct their analysis, researchers surveyed about 2,000 people ages 18 to 78 years old thathad undergone bariatric surgery. Participants had an average age of 47 and had their surgery performed at one of 10 differe...

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about a third of all American adults are obese. With complications from this condition including everything from decreased self-esteem to increased risks for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some forms of cancer, the push is on to help people get fit and stay that way. As a clear connection between extra pounds and increased disease risk is established, more people are turning to alternatives, such as bariatric surgery to help them shed pounds. Alternative forms of exercise like yoga are also gaining ground in America’s quest to lose weight. Bariatric surgery has gained in popularity in recent years for a number of rather compelling reasons. For the chronically obese, this alternative may prove to be the best and most effective means for losing weight. The procedures involved in weight loss surgery have been improved dramatically in recent years, as well, leading to safer, less-invasive surgeries that produce the desired...

When obesity is a chronic concern and losing weight through traditional means is difficult, bariatric surgery provides a viable alternative that can produce the desired results. This type of surgery has proven highly effective in helping people shed a lot of weight in a manner that’s healthy with results that are often permanent. It can also deliver a host of side benefits that go beyond a leaner, trimmer figure. Here are just seven additional reasons why bariatric surgery can be a wise choice for reasons that go beyond pounds: 1.    Type 2 diabetes remission – While there’s no guarantee on this end, careful control of weight can also enable some type 2 diabetics to ease or suspend appearance of symptoms. For some that means an elimination of the need to take insulin and other medications to control blood glucose levels. 2.    Better heart health – When pounds are shed, a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular-system-related condi...

Many people understand that obesity can shave years off their life expectancies courtesy of a host of negative medical conditions it can promote. From increasing chances for the development of diabetes to rising cancer and heart disease risks, carrying around extra pounds just isn’t good for the health. It’s been long established that losing weight can help lower those risks, but can losing it courtesy of bariatric surgery help, as well? Studies have indicated a strong link between bariatric surgery and longer-term survival rates for both men and women. Most recently, researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine dove into the topic by conducting a study involving 2,500 patients and 7,500 matched controls. The study group involved mostly men (74 percent) and mostly older people with a median age of about 52. While previous studies focused on younger women, researchers wanted to see if bariatric surgery had positive lifespan effects on older people, many of which alr...

Chronic obesity is an issue that can cause ripple effects on health that ultimately lead to shorter lifespans. But, can bariatric surgery designed to help people lose weight once and for all and keep it off really make a difference? Research published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicates that yes, indeed, it can. The latest round of study involves 2,500 patients and nearly 7,500 matched controls who were all receiving care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system. Researchers found that patients who are obese tended to live longer after having surgery to assist with weight loss than those who don’t. In fact, there was a 53 percent lower risk of dying from any cause at five to 14 years out from a weight loss procedure. While previous studies have been conducted showing a link between surgery and longer-term survival rates, the focus of the VA-based research conducted by the University of Washington School of Medicine was diff...

Type 2 diabetes is a common diagnosis for people who happen to be overweight as they age. This condition, if left unchecked, can lead to a host of complications, some of them life threatening. Considering the complex side effects diabetes presents, most people would prefer to prevent its development in the first place. While not always preventable, diabetes risk can be dramatically lowered when weight is kept in check. Doctors have long understand the strong connection between obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes. People who manage to maintain a healthy weight or obese people who shed the pounds tend to be at a much lower risk for contracting this disease. Unfortunately, for many, losing weight just isn’t an easy proposition. This is where weight loss surgery can come into play . These surgical procedures seek to help obese people shed pounds by helping their bodies suppress appetite while also reducing the holding capacity of the stomach. But, can these procedures r...

Weight loss surgery can produce tremendous results for patients who have struggled their entire lives to keep the pounds in check. This process, however, isn’t necessarily a simple one and it most certainly shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. That’s why the best bariatric surgeons go above and beyond to ensure patients follow a relatively slow and steady path from diagnosis to the operating room. If you’re considering bariatric surgery to help get a handle on weight, assist with keeping diabetes in check or for any other host of reasons, here’s what to expect to occur before you even make it into the operating room door: • An initial consultation – Before the process can even begin to get started, you’ll need to work with a doctor to find out if bariatric surgery is indicated in your case. Chances are you’ll also want to work with your doctor’s staff to make certain any recommended procedures are covered by your insurance. • Testing – Once your doctor meets with you for the firs...

While most people think instantly of diabetes as one of the bigger complications of obesity, the reality is this condition also takes its toll on the heart. If it’s time to get heart health in check, it’s also time to shoot for maintaining a healthy weight. Why Weight Matters When you think about the work the heart must perform day in and day out, 24 hours constant, the burden extra weight puts on the heart begins to become clear. As weight increases, the body creates new blood vessels to supply the additional fat tissue it’s storing with oxygen and nutrients. This, in turn, increases the workload placed on the heart and increases blood pressure in the process. Extra weight can also lead to plaque buildup in the blood vessels. This restricts the flow of blood – and much needed oxygen – forcing the heart to work even more to simply do its normal job. As plaque builds up, the risk for heart attacks and strokes rise. Tips for Maintaining Weight If weight is a concern, there are ...

Weight gain generally is a gradual process that occurs over time. Weight loss is also a gradual process that just doesn’t occur effectively overnight. Even so, many people who are on a weight loss path get frustrated when results aren’t nearly immediate. This frustration can lead to failure of even the most well-crafted weight loss efforts. There is a better way! When dieters set SMART weight loss goals and keep their eyes on more realistic, gradual prizes, victory becomes much more attainable. While the extra pounds won’t melt away overnight, those frustrations are likely to become a thing of the past. So, what are SMART weight loss goals? This simple acronym began as a business management tool, but it has incredible implications for weight loss, as well. Here’s what it means to set SMART goals: • Specific – Set goals that are very specific with realism in mind. It’s not likely – or healthy – to try and drop 100 pounds in two months. Instead, set specific goals for reachabl...

Losing weight through surgery allows you to take the next step into a life that is healthier and allows you to stay in control of your own body and mind. It is also a life in which you are required - in order to be successful - to change your diet and make better choices for yourself. This is a journey in and of itself and one that requires a commitment to learning new ways of doing things. Often, all it takes is looking at things a new way. You can still enjoy the things that you love but in a slightly altered way - stripped of the ingredients that no longer serve your purpose and using other ingredients that support your new lifestyle. Can you still have dessert? Absolutely, but in a different way. Weight loss surgery patients are asked to eat low sugar, low fat foods and increase protein intake. So in a nod to those new guidelines and still honoring the beauty of dessert, here is recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Chocolate Cheesecake Ingredients: Fat-Free...

Routine exercise, as is popular knowledge, helps to keep weight under control, lowers blood pressure, keeps cholesterol in check, and lowers the risk of developing a variety of conditions including but not limited to cancer. Staying consistent with exercise allows you to maintain your health for the long run but it’s not always easy - especially when you’re feeling under the weather. It may feel like the last thing you should be doing is exercising when you are feeling sick but in many cases, a little activity - even if it’s not the level that you normally participate in - can actually make you feel better. So when is it okay to exercise when you’re sick?     Most doctors will tell you that when you have a head cold, congestion, sore throat, sinus infection, etc., exercise can actually work to reduce symptoms and increase energy.     If, however, you have a fever or are experiencing body ache, stomach upset, vomiting, etc., it’s best to refrain from exerci...

Weight loss surgery opens up a door to a new life if you are courageous and motivated enough to walk on through to the other side. It is not a quick fix or an easy way to simply shed the pounds that you have been struggling with for - in some cases - many, many years. There is a process to losing weight even after weight loss surgery and that process includes adjusting both physically and emotionally to a new body and a very new lifestyle. One of the things that weight loss surgery patients often struggle with following their procedure is mourning the life they are leaving behind. It may sound crazy considering that life included an unhealthy lifestyle, an overweight and often sick body, and a host of medical conditions that may have impeded their daily activities.  When you move onto a new life with a healthier lifestyle it will eventually elicit positive changes but that doesn’t mean that you won’t feel sad saying goodbye to your old life and old habits - especially for som...

There are many people for whom weight loss is a goal for this New Year and for those who have struggled for some time with their weight, choosing to undergo weight loss surgery is the way that they will tackle their weight once and for all. This typically comes after many years of tried and failed diets, and ultimately a host of obesity-related medical conditions that makes surgery a safe bet. Following surgery, if all goes well and the patient follows instructions, weight will begin to come off and in many cases come off very quickly. When you consider how many calories were being consumed on a daily basis compared to the number of daily calories being consumed following surgery, it makes sense that weight should fly off so fast. This a good thing - a great thing - for someone who has made this amazing commitment and been brave enough to undergo a procedure that will change their life. But what may not be expected are some of the symptoms that can be associated with rapid weight lo...