Nicholson Clinic

As obesity remains at epidemic levels across the United States and elsewhere, bariatric surgery has become a mainstay in helping those who are morbidly obese shed pounds effectively. While many new treatments, both surgical and not, have been introduced in recent years, two main procedures are still the most popular in the United States. The gastric bypass and the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy have been around for a while, but together account for more than 90 percent of all bariatric surgical procedures performed. Both operations are designed to help people who are deemed dangerously overweight lose pounds while offering long-term maintenance assistance. Although permanent in their effects on the body, the two procedures are favored because of the long track records of proven success they hold. The two procedures have the same basic aim, but do go about it in slightly different manners: •    Gastric bypass – This procedure involves a two-step process that is designed...

Not everyone who might benefit from weight loss surgery can obtain it. Costs, side-effect concerns or the physical inability to endure a surgical procedure may simply take this option off the table for some. A relatively new alternative, may offer the help some people need to gain control of their weight once and for all. The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure is designed to mimic the sleeve gastrectomy without the invasiveness of surgery. This procedure is performed using an endoscope instead of a scalpel. Much like the gastrectomy, gastroplasty shrinks the stomach’s holding capacity. Instead of removing portions of the stomach to achieve the goal, the procedure involves cinching the stomach in order to reshape it. The end result is a stomach that is shorter and narrower, much like the outcome of the gastrectomy. Since it is performed using an endoscope and a special suturing device, there is no need for incisions. The gastroplasty procedure has been approved for use by the FD...

It is estimated that nearly a third of American children are considered obese. Just under 10 percent of kids ages 12 to 19 are described as morbidly or extremely obese by their healthcare providers. With Body Mass Indexes of 40 or higher, these youngsters are at very high risk for developing serious medical complications generally associated with adults much earlier in life. Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and high cholesterol may all be dangers for the very young who are considered severely overweight. In addition, life expectancy for obese youth tends to be much lower as a result of those potential complications. Children with BMIs of 55 to 60, for example, may see their life expectancies fall by 13 years or more. As the obesity epidemic continues in America, more families are turning to weight loss surgery to assist their children in shedding pounds and keeping them off. Some procedures are available to assist teens in getting and keeping their weight in check. When exploring t...

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...