Preventing Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

February 27, 2025

woman running fingers through hair, holding the ends
Hair thinning and loss are among the most common yet startling concerns for many postoperative bariatric patients. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict exactly who is prone to this issue. We’ve seen patients with thick, full heads of hair experience hair loss after surgery, while others with thinning hair have little to no change. This concern is especially significant for female patients, who may find it more distressing.

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The Limitations of BMI

February 13, 2025

Close up of man standing on scale
Is BMI the best way to measure health? Many of us use it, but does it tell the whole story? If you’ve ever started a weight-loss regimen, you’ve probably heard the term BMI. An acronym for Body Mass Index, BMI is a calculation used by both consumers and health professionals to gauge whether you’re at a healthy weight. While BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight status, it has limitations and shouldn’t be the only metric to determine your overall health.

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Avoiding Reflux After the Gastric Sleeve

January 23, 2025

Man experiencing acid reflux putting hand to chest from pain

The gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is the most popular bariatric surgical procedure in the United States—and for good reason. It is a relatively straightforward procedure that removes approximately 75% of the stomach, creating restriction, reducing the amount of food a patient can eat, and significantly curtailing hunger due to the removal of the fundus (the portion of the stomach responsible for secreting ghrelin, the hunger hormone).

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Is Hormone Replacement the Key to Weight Loss in Middle Age?

January 9, 2025

 Hormone pills sticking out of front jean pocket
If you’re experiencing some of the classic symptoms of menopause—night sweats, hot flashes, fatigue, and weight gain—you may have heard or read about hormone replacement therapy. Known as HRT for short, this treatment involves taking doses of hormones to relieve some of the discomfort that comes with menopause in women and “manopause” in men. Both women and men may find significant benefits from HRT, and a common question is: “Will hormone replacement therapy help me lose weight?” The answer: maybe. Here’s a breakdown of how HRT can—and can’t—help with weight loss.

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Does Sodium Cause Weight Gain/Regain?

December 26, 2024

Woman eating high sodium cup of noodles with plastic fork

When you read or hear about foods or ingredients to avoid for a healthy lifestyle, one that comes up often is sodium. Found naturally in some foods and added to others, sodium is a mineral that should be controlled for maximum health. But does it cause weight gain? The answer: Sort of. If you’re curious about the role of sodium in weight gain (or regain after weight loss), we’ve got the answers here.

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Will I Lose Facial Fullness After Bariatric Surgery?

December 12, 2024

Woman looking in bathroom mirror touching face with both hands

Deciding to undergo weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or duodenal switch, is critical for better health. Some positive effects include increased energy, better blood sugar control, and a reduced risk of heart disease. However, few bariatric surgery patients are prepared for a lesser-known aftereffect: a thinner facial appearance that may take some time to match their body.

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Types of Body Fat and Why They Matter

November 28, 2024

Woman at doctor's office getting waist measured by provider with measuring tape

If you’ve read about health and weight loss, you’ve probably seen that belly fat can harm your well-being. And having a little extra weight around the middle is associated with plenty of not-so-great health and aesthetic effects. However, few people know that these problematic conditions are particularly associated with one of two types of body fat – and knowing the difference between the two may be key to staying healthy.

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Back Pain – Seemingly Unusual Post Op Symptoms of Bariatric Surgery, Part One

November 14, 2024

ALT: Woman sitting on couch holding back with both arms due to pain

When we tell patients that back pain after bariatric surgery is routine, they often don’t understand why. After all, it stands to reason that if you’re losing weight, especially a significant amount of weight, the pressure on your joints and back should be minimized, and you shouldn’t have any pain at all (or any pain you did have should vanish).

This is not the case after bariatric surgery, however. After surgery, the body must make some significant adjustments. While you may feel lighter and bodily functions are working slightly better, the ligaments and tendons around the body are trying to adapt. As patients lose weight, their weight balance can shift quite a bit. Plus, we can never be sure where the excess fat will come off first. We know that the body is adaptable and will eventually get there. However, most patients should expect a few hiccups on the way.

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The Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Landscape In 2024 & 2025

September 26, 2024

Woman looking at paperwork with doctor holding pen and pointing to paperwork

The past couple of years have been exciting, with a renewed focus on weight loss and addressing the ever-present obesity epidemic. From new procedures to weight loss medication and tools, there has been no shortage of choices for patients looking to lose weight. In this article, we analyze a few of the most important newly approved procedures and medicines in 2024, understand a little more about them, and consider what they mean for patients looking for more sustainable weight loss.

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The Best Way to Run During Your Weight Loss Journey

September 12, 2024

Man and woman jogging together on blacktop outdoor trail

No matter how you’re losing weight – surgery, diet, exercise, or weight loss medications- exercises are crucial to hitting your goals and ultimately maintaining that weight loss once you reach them. However, many patients are concerned about which exercises may be best for them, and the question is justified. Importantly, this applies particularly to running, which offers excellent lower-body toning, cardio, and calorie burn but can also be very strenuous on the legs and joints, especially when patients carry extra weight. So, what are the best ways to run, and how do we ensure we don’t injure ourselves?

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