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Showing posts from 2019

Losing Yourself While Losing Weight: What Makes Weight Loss So Difficult?

Losing weight is a common goal. Why do so many struggle to accomplish it? It’s almost time to start thinking about New Year’s Resolutions again. This is a time that many dread. Every year it seems there is one goal that appears on the list relentlessly: weight loss. It seems easy enough. YouTube videos will say to eat a certain amount of calories to maintain a certain weight, or they’ll say taking a specific workout class will change your life. If it were so easy, why does it seem impossible year after year? Mindset Usually, people will go into a weight loss plan wide-eyed and optimistic . They feel on top of the world, ready to get up at 6 A.M. every morning for a run. They write out meal plans and grocery lists, skipping the potato chip aisle like it could give them the plague. However, life begins to get in the way, and the rose-colored glasses break much quicker than anticipated. So, what’s the solution? Accountability Accountability is just as important as resilience wh

What are the benefits of different forms of weight loss surgery?

Once you and your doctor determine that weight loss surgery is the right plan for you, there are several options to choose from in Texas. Knowing what the risks and benefits of each procedure are key to making an informed decision. There are three types of restrictive procedures which control how much food your stomach can consume: ●        Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding ●        Vertical banded gastroplasty ●        Sleeve gastrectomy Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding In this procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen through which the surgeon places a silicone adjustable band over the upper portion of the stomach to form a small pouch that holds only about an ounce of food at a time. The band is tightened or loosened by adding or removing saline through a plastic tube connecting the band to a port beneath the skin. This controls side effects and weight loss. Gastric banding is the least popular option as it has a high rate of fail

Study Proves Bariatric Surgery Can be Safe and Effective for Teens

Historically, pediatricians have been reluctant to utilize bariatric surgery for teens in Texas due to concerns over its safety and effectiveness for this age group. A study led by Rutgers has concluded that for adolescents with persistent, severe obesity bariatric surgery is justifiable, provided the patient can maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery. Lead author Ahmed Khattab, a physician at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School's Division of Pediatric Endocrinology reports: "If we look at obesity as a disease with the real possibility of eventual organ system failure and special health concerns for adolescents, we need to ask whether health care practitioners are doing enough to manage it. The objective evidence shows that, under the right circumstances and with the right patients, bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for adolescents with obesity ." Bariatric surgery in teens is shown through studies to be associated with the remission of

5 Ways to Keep Heartburn at Bay

Heartburn, acid reflux, or gastric reflux is a common complaint among millions of people. This condition, known by many names, is defined as the burning sensation felt in the chest because of stomach acid backing up into your esophagus. The good news is that while there are gastric reflux treatments in Texas, there are some simple ways to keep heartburn from ruining your food experiences. Dietary Changes to Get Acid Reflux Relief in Texas Dietary changes may not sound easy, but it is possible to enjoy a steak and have acid reflux relief in Texas. Just know citrus, tomato products, and fruits are high in acid. Fatty foods and alcohol can cause heartburn as well. Eating small meals is preferred. When to Avoid Eating There is a time to eat and a time to not. If you are going to the gym or participating in physical activity, don’t eat right before. Try to eat when you have at least two hours to let your food begin digesting. Another time to avoid is right before bed.   Chewi

What Happens After Weight-Loss Surgery?

A recent study, published in Annals of Surgery , has demonstrated that physical activity and eating habits have a more significant impact on the long-term success of patients who undergo weight-loss surgery than other measures like calorie counting. " Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. It results in sustained weight reduction and remission of diabetes and other health problems in the majority of patients," according to Wendy King, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Public Health, and study author, “However, as with all types of weight-loss interventions, patients usually regain at least some of the weight they initially lose." Study Details This study included almost 300 adults with the same type of bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) that were followed for approximately 6.6 years. It examined patients’ engagement in limiting certain behaviors like sedentary beh

Bariatric Surgery Patients Benefit from Exercise

Individuals undergoing bariatric surgery or any other weight loss surgery can face some significant challenges, but for most patients, it is worth overcoming those issues. Often times one of the challenges faced is the concept of exercising post-surgery.  Luckily, for people located in the Dallas Texas area, the Nicholson Clinic will be with them from the first counseling session to the post-surgery lifestyle change transformation. After Surgery Can Be Hard Often those who are overweight and have tried various forms of diets find themselves in quite a quandary once the surgery is complete. During the consultation, a patient is given information on why he/she is a good candidate, the procedure itself and the risks and expected recovery aspects. Additionally, many are provided education on healthy eating and exercise so that they can maintain the new body they have worked so hard for. For some eating, a new, healthier diet comes more natural, but for some, the exercise por

Life after Weight Loss Surgery

Exploring your options Individuals who deal with excessive body weight and diabetes could greatly benefit from gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery. Many studies have demonstrated how the body is positively impacted by surgery. For example, with the rise of certain hormones: GLP-1 peptide-YY (PYY) Insulin levels All of these beneficial factors have been linked with post-surgery results from patients. A research study was conducted in which a team of doctors decided to concentrate on the GLP-1 hormone, as it is a significant hormonal agent associated with diabetic treatment. Many diabetic medications available on the market today, utilize some form the GLP-1 hormone. The researchers discovered that the elevated levels of GLP-1 post-surgery significantly improve blood glucose levels in patients. The Clinical Evidence The doctors wished to know why the GLP-1 levels climb so high after weight loss surgery. Usually, food is absorbed in the upper part of the d

How to Keep the Weight off After Weight Loss Surgery

When a person loses weight from an  affordable weight loss surgery center in Dallas  or naturally on their own, the question that the person asks themselves after they hit their goal is: how can I keep this weight off? There are many answers to this question that can help after this significant milestone in their life. With the right support system and some good tips, youwill be able to maintain your ideal goal weight. Tips to Help Maintain Weight Loss Stay away from alcohol:  While drinking alcohol is the social norm, consuming alcohol can add a lot of empty calories and no nutritional value. Now, no one is saying that you must stop drinking alcohol.If you want to continue to drink, what is recommended is that you cut back on your intake to save yourself from gaining some of the weight back that you have worked so hard to lose. Eat, eat, eat:  You know how you go to the doctor, and the doctor tells you to eat at least three times a day? Well, they weren't just saying that f