Health Notes

Removal of excess skin enhances quality of life

by Quinn Dornbos, PA-C on April 17, 2013

Here is a scenario to consider.

You are a patient of the Methodist Physicians Clinic Bariatric Clinic and you have undergone successful weight loss surgery. In the months that have followed, the weight has been coming off as planned and you are looking good!

There is only one problem – excess skin hanging from your abdominal region.

This excess skin is known as pannus and after a dramatic weight loss is not uncommon. The amount of pannus truly varies from person to person. Some may have very little excess skin, while others may have a large amount that can cause additional health problems.

Those who have excess skin can battle rashes, poor range of motion and just disappointment from not being able to showcase their new self. The rashes can result in much frustration as powders and creams must be used to keep the area clean, dry and free from infection.

While the excess skin may be troublesome, we will not do any removal of the skin until a patient is one year post-op. We ask patients to wait one year so they can experience the optimal weight loss, which prevents us from removing excess skin more than once.

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Buyer’s remorse not uncommon in bariatric patients

by Dr. Daniel Cronk on March 13, 2013

For a person who has been struggling with their weight for a number of years, bariatric surgery can seem like the best decision they ever made.

In most patients, this holds true.

However, we do have some patients who, early on in their surgery recovery, question their decision.

Post-surgery patients may ask themselves “Oh my gosh, what have I done?” They realize they have done something permanent to their body and they won’t be able to eat and drink like they once did.

As much as we work to prepare them prior to surgery, making sure they know every aspect of what is about to happen, at some point, usually a few weeks after surgery they begin to worry if they are going to be able to make the necessary changes.

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Understanding food tolerance after surgery

February 21, 2013

I was meeting with a surgical patient recently who expressed concerns about not being able to eat chicken or potatoes – no matter the texture. Another patient, during a regular appointment, was having trouble tolerating steak and rice. These occurrences are not uncommon at all for an individual who has undergone bariatric surgery. These intolerances [...]

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Strong support base enhances weight loss

February 6, 2013

I have mentioned in this space more than once the importance of a strong support system if a person is considering or has undergone bariatric surgery. Such a decision and the need for surrounding yourself with those who will “have your back” starts from the moment a person considers surgery or is moving forward in [...]

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Exercise integral part of post-surgery plan

January 23, 2013

You are home. Your bariatric surgery was a success. The diet component is going well and chewing food again probably feels pretty fabulous. As you begin to adjust to the dietary changes, the next thing on the post-surgery check list is exercise. I know I hear the groaning already. But introducing or re-establishing an exercise [...]

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Food introduction after surgery is gradual process

January 9, 2013

We often tell patients that bariatric surgery is a life-changing experience. While the education we provide leading up to their surgery highlights that fact, it isn’t until the healing and post-surgery stage that it often sinks in for many patients. Prior to the surgery, most patients can’t imagine what it will be like to not [...]

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It’s surgery day, what should you expect?

December 19, 2012

As we continue this written journey through the bariatric surgical process, we have now arrived at a point in which your surgery is just weeks away. As we stated in our last blog, some patients will be asked to loose a certain amount of weight prior to surgery, resulting in a better and safer outcome. [...]

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Are you ready to take the next step?

December 5, 2012

If you are an individual who: Is a candidate for bariatric surgery Has explored your options Has attended an informational seminar Then it’s time to schedule your appointment with the Methodist Physicians Clinic Bariatric Surgery team of experts. Set aside an adequate amount of time, because the appointment with our team will generally take over [...]

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Thinking about bariatric surgery? Seminars a must

November 14, 2012

If you are an individual who is considering bariatric surgery, first and foremost, you need to have a clear understanding that such a procedure is a life-changing event. Making a well-informed decision is crucial, which is why our Methodist Physicians Clinic Bariatric Surgery clinic offers informational seminars twice a month for those who may be [...]

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Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery?

October 24, 2012

With many of the shows you see on TV, you know the ones like “My 600-Pound Life”, there has become a misconception about bariatric surgery and who can benefit. Many of our patients at the Methodist Bariatric Program are often surprised when given the parameters for qualifying for bariatric surgery – most patients who have [...]

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