Nicholson Clinic

Each year thousands of people across the country make the decision to undergo bariatric surgery. While some choose this option to address the cosmetic and self-esteem issues so closely associated with obesity, the reality is most make the decision to help improve overall health. Bariatric surgery has been widely proven to help those who are obese prevent, treat and even reverse a diversity of potentially life-limiting conditions. The truth is procedures such as the gastric bypass are approved by insurance companies because they address serious medical issues that go well beyond cosmetics. While those not in the know might believe that bariatric surgery provides a way for people who aren’t motivated to diet and exercise to lose weight, these procedures can have serious health-related benefits. They include: • Improved cardiovascular health – Obesity and heart disease are tied very tightly together. When people lose weight through bariatric surgery, they are likely to witness a dr...

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...

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...

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...

The impacts of obesity on the body can be devastating over the long haul. From heart disease and diabetes to loss of self-esteem and even the development of certain types of cancer, the consequences can be severe. If it’s time to get a handle on weight, there are options. In some cases, lap band surgery might provide the best route for long-term weight loss success. Like all forms of bariatric surgery, lap band procedures shouldn’t be undertaken without serious contemplation. It is best if they are only performed as a last resort, when all other efforts on their own have failed to produce the needed weight loss results. Unlike other forms of weight loss surgery, lap band procedures don’t involve major reconstruction of the body to limit its ability to hold or digest food. That means this procedure has some advantages when it is indicated. Here are just a few of the benefits that can go along with lap band procedures: •       It’s less invasive – ...