Nicholson Clinic

When it comes to weight-loss surgeries that are known to produce dramatic and often very lasting results, there are two major options: the gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy. While the bypass has long been the gold standard for producing the results those considered morbidly obese need, the sleeve is fast gaining in popularity. Although similar in its aim and the results produced, the sleeve gastrectomy tends to be a little less involved. That fact is one of the driving forces behind this procedure being selected by patients and their doctors at a growing rate. The sleeve gastrectomy and bypass are both designed to shrink the stomach’s holding capacity. In doing so, these procedures make it very difficult for people to overeat. In the sleeve procedure, the shrinking involves the surgical removal of roughly 80 percent of the stomach. What is left behind is a small, banana-shaped pouch. It’s that pouch that gives the procedure its name. In addition to providing a way to promot...

People who are obese, but aren’t ready to consider permanent surgical options may have a new avenue open to help them shed pounds. A relatively new procedure that is completely reversible, minimally invasive and requires no cutting or stitches is making very big waves in the weight-loss community. Known as the Orbera gastric balloon, this alternative to a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy has been producing tremendous results for people committed to following through with major dietary and lifestyle changes. The gastric balloon is designed to essentially mimic the effects of more dramatic procedures by temporarily shrinking the size of a person’s stomach. To achieve this, the balloon is inserted into the mouth, through the esophagus and into the stomach. Once in place, the balloon is filled with a saline solution that enables it to expand to about the size of a grapefruit. The balloon is kept in place for about six months, providing portion control as it does. Rather than involve...

Obesity in teenagers is becoming a rapidly growing problem in the United States. Just like their adult counterparts, teens who are obese face a long list of potential health complications. This is compounded by the fact that teens’ bodies are still growing, hormones are raging and social stigmas that might make adults cringe tend to be even more amplified at this age. Considering all the potential ramifications of obesity on younger people, it’s not uncommon for families to seek out safe, healthy ways for their teens to address obesity head on. Research is showing that weight loss procedures can help teenagers address serious obesity, but it’s important for parents and teens to understand the option isn’t a panacea. A number of studies have found that teens who lose weight using procedures like the gastric bypass can and do shed a tremendous amount of their excess body fat. Other studies have found that procedures can have long term benefits while also helping teens lower their risks ...

Each year thousands of people make the decision to address serious obesity head on by undergoing bariatric surgery. This decision can help people lose a dramatic amount of weight and keep it off while enabling them to potentially safeguard health. One common concern for those who have undergone surgery, however, involves gastrointestinal complaints. There are steps doctors say patients can take to avoid such complaints while enabling them to enjoy all the potential benefits that go along with surgery. To enjoy the best possible post-surgical experience without concerns such as gas, discomfort or problematic stools being issues, it is recommended that people: •    Work closely with a dietician pre- and post-surgery – To ensure proper nutrition, it is vital for patients who undergo procedures like the gastric bypass to work with dieticians to address dietary concerns both before and after surgery. Many bariatric surgeons will also have patients work with counselors in adva...

Adults are not the only ones who struggle with weight. Obesity is estimated to impact about a third of the American population, including children and teenagers. For those who are young, obesity can set them up for a lifetime of health-related concerns in addition to the social stigmas they might face. Considering the potentially grave ramifications obesity may have for teens, researchers have been exploring the benefits bariatric surgery may hold for them.  Multiple studies have shown that bariatric surgery can help teens who are severely obese shed weight and keep it off. One long-term study was conducted that followed nearly 60 teens who underwent gastric bypass procedures. After eight years, the teens had lost on average about 30 percent of their initial weight. The teens in the study group also showed significant drops in such concerns as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  While the benefits were clearly noted, researchers also uncovered points tha...

When serious joint problems and concerns about obesity are both present, researchers say addressing one concern before the other can have a positive impact on the overall outcome. Studies have found that patients who are obese and require total joint arthroplasty tend to fare better following replacement surgery if they’ve undergone bariatric surgery first. One of the more recent studies that dove into the benefits of losing weight before undergoing joint replacement involved more than 5,000 morbidly obese patients who needed total joint replacement surgery. About half the group underwent bariatric surgery first while the other half did not. A small group of less than 2,000 patients who needed hip replacement surgery were also studied, as well. Researchers ultimately found that patients who addressed weight first had significantly lowered complication rates following replacement surgery. They also reported increased quality of life following both procedures while also enjoying incre...

Getting weight under control isn’t always as easy as some make it out to be. When diet and exercise alone fail to provide the necessary results to address obesity and help improve overall health, bariatric surgery may be recommended. Often considered an option of last resort for helping those who are obese shed pounds and keep them off, bariatric surgical procedures have a long and proven history of producing results.  People who explore bariatric surgery and other medical interventions to address obesity will find there are a number of options available. The following three surgical procedures are among the most commonly performed for people who suffer from serious obesity: • Gastric bypass – This procedure is the most involved, but it is also the most popular because of the dramatic weight-loss results it procedures. It involves reducing the stomach’s holding capacity while also rerouting the digestive track to limit the body’s ability to absorb calories. • Sleeve gastr...