How to Start the Process of Weight Loss Surgery at The Nicholson Clinic

If you are considering weight loss surgery, the process can seem overwhelming. However, at the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery we want to make it as easy as possible for our patients. We understand that weight loss surgery is a big decision, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

At the Nicholson Clinic, we offer a variety of bariatric procedures including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND) removal, Single Anastomosis Duodenal Bypass (SADI) or the Loop Duodenal Switch, and revisional surgery. Our experienced surgeons will work with you to determine which procedure is best for your individual needs.

The first step in the process is scheduling an initial consultation with one of our surgeons. This appointment gives us a chance to meet each other and discuss your medical history, lifestyle goals and expectations for weight loss surgery. During this consultation, our surgeons will explain the different bariatric procedures available so that you can make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you.

We will need to verify your insurance coverage before scheduling your initial consultation or any appointments or tests. Our insurance specialists will contact you if there are any questions regarding your coverage or if additional information is needed from you or from your insurance carrier.

If you don’t have coverage, don’t worry. We offer one of the lowest self-pay prices in town and offer affordable financing options with Care Credit. And if going the self-pay route, the process is quick – we can get you scheduled for a consultation within 1-2 weeks and surgery within 4 weeks from consult.

For insurance to cover weight loss surgery, your BMI must be 35 to 39.9 w/a co-morbidity such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. If you have a BMI over 40, there is no co-morbidity needed. Most insurance companies have a process towards getting approval that could take anywhere from 1 to 6 months. This usually consists of dietitian visits and a psychiatric evaluation to make sure you are emotionally ready for the surgery. Once these steps are complete, we will send all the above documentation to your insurance company and help you secure approval for weight loss surgery. We’ll be there to help guide you through this process and make it as easy as possible. Once coverage has been verified, we can move forward with scheduling any necessary tests or appointments related to your bariatric procedure. Watch this short video with Denise, our Practice Manager and Donna, a Lead Coordinator as they discuss ‘Starting Your Weight Loss Journey’.

At The Nicholson Clinic, patient education is key when it comes to weight loss surgery and achieving long-term success after surgery. If using insurance, patients will often need to meet with a dietitian and a psychologist prior to surgery. These appointments provide essential information about life after bariatric surgery and adopting healthy eating habits and behavioral changes that must be adhered to after the procedure for it to be successful long-term.

Once your appointment is scheduled, you can also join the Facebook Support Group up to two weeks prior to your surgery. Here patients can connect with others who have had similar experiences as well as access resources for on-going support. All of these resources are designed to help patients get prepared for their upcoming procedure, so they feel confident when it comes time for the actual day of surgery, and have the support they need after.

At The Nicholson Clinic, we want all our patients to feel supported throughout their entire journey towards better health through weight loss surgery – from the initial consultation through post-op follow up visits – so that they can achieve long-term success in reaching their goals!

Can Bariatric Surgery Protect Against Severe Covid-19 Infection?

Yes, bariatric surgery may help protect against critical Covid-19 infection for people with morbid obesity.

The Link Between Bariatric Surgery And Severe Covid-19 Outcomes

When some Covid-19 positive adults were examined, those who had bariatric surgery fared better than those eligible for the surgery but didn’t opt-in.

A study was conducted to verify the link between severe Covid-19 outcomes and patients that had bariatric surgery to see if bariatric surgery can limit or increase the risk of hospitalization and serious results of Covid-19 infection.

The analysis was done on 124 Covid-19 patients who had bariatric surgery in the past and on 496 Covid-19 patients who were eligible for the surgery. What did the research find out? The findings showed that patients who had bariatric surgery and had lost weight in the past were less likely to:

• Be admitted via the emergency department
• Need ventilator if admitted
• Die as a result of any complications

In addition, patients who had bariatric surgery have shorter stays at the hospital.

What The Results Reveal

What does this result show? The result emphasized a basic fact: The importance of bariatric surgery! If you are over-weight and qualify for bariatric surgery, it is best to take advantage of this surgery tohelp protect yourself against critical Covid-19 infection and possible death which has shown to bemore likely with patients who are obese.

Final Thoughts

Are you eligible for bariatric surgery? It’s best to opt-in for this surgery to add another level of protection against Covid-19while also eliminating other obesity-related health problems, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, joint disease, asthma, and infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome.Need further insight on where to start or the best center to have the surgery? Speak with one of our trained and experienced bariatric surgeons today!

Is the Gastric Sleeve the Weight Loss Method of the Future?

Here’s why so many people are trying it.

Bariatric surgery has been proven to help many patients in their weight loss journey. Sleeve gastrectomy, otherwise known as the Gastric Sleeve, reduces the patient’s stomach by 15%. This is achieved by removing a large portion of the stomach, which results in a tube-like structure. Typically, to qualify for bariatric surgery in general, a patient must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more. Or, when the BMI is less than that, but other obesity-related health risks are present, a patient can still qualify.

So, why are people choosing the Gastric Sleeve?

● Fast Results

In most patients’ cases, it’s been proven that two-thirds of initial excess weight is lost before the first-year post-op ends. Several see 60-70% of their weight gone within a short-term period. Many crave fast results for personal reasons or health concerns.

● Longevity

This surgery causes hormonal changes that lead to a decrease in appetite. Dietary changes, combined with a consistent exercise regimen, will provide long-lasting results even years down the road.

● Safety

While most bariatric surgeries are common and therefore low-risk, many still wonder about safety factors when consulting their surgeons. The gastric sleeve is set apart from the gastric band because it does not require any outside devices. Many also appreciate the straightforwardness of the procedure and follow-up.

● Speedy Recovery

On average, patients are walking and active again within a few days. Walking and other basic functions are usually not halted, and everyday life can be resumed as per instructions. Many can begin working out almost immediately, with caution and restrictions provided by your surgeon.

It’s no wonder that many are choosing the Gastric Sleeve as their preferred weight loss surgery. With fast results, proven safety and an easy recovery process, it is appealing to almost anyone seeking bariatric procedures. The Gastric Sleeve may just be the surgery of the future.

Innovations in Hernia Surgery

Surgery is commonplace in the United States and around the world. Every day there are thousands of people requiring a surgical procedure.  With that being said, there are new and exciting changes in the field of abdominal surgery. Surgeons in the United States and around the world are focusing on how to make abdominal surgery, particularly hernia surgery, more effective and require less recovery time.  Texas area hernia surgeons are taking notice of these new changes and sharing them with their patients.

 

Senior surgeons from around the world gathered in Krishna, India to discuss the state of hernia surgeries. These experts discussed reasons for hernia surgeries and how they were carried out in the operating room. Through their experiences they found that those most likely to need hernia repair were:

• Women who have had Cesarean sections
• Women who have undergone family planning procedures

 

Along with discussing the reasons for hernia repairs, they addressed the need for minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic surgery.

 

Why is Hernia Repair in Dallas Changing?

Hernia surgeons in Dallas are using this new idea of using laparoscopic surgical techniques for hernia repair to help patients recover quicker and get back to their daily lives. Abdominal surgery in Texas can mean three small incisions and less chance of having a recurring hernia issue. Other benefits to this type of hernia repair in Dallas include:

• Less recovery time
• Decreased chance of infection
• Decreased chance of an overnight stay in the hospital

 

As research continues, hernia surgeons in Dallas will continue to keep patients recovery at the forefront of their minds. With the amount of patients requiring hernia surgery, it is imperative that we find a way to be less invasive and effective in surgical procedures of any kind, especially abdominal surgeries.

What you Need to Know About Gallstones

Most of us don’t know much about our gallbladder. What does that small organ do and what happens when gallstones occur. Gallstones are tiny stone-like formations in the gallbladder. They can cause extreme pain, nausea, and vomiting. In America, one in five people will experience gallstones and will need abdominal surgery to get well.

 

What Causes Gallstones?

Your gallbladder is an organ that stores the bile in your body. Usually, this bile would be 97% water, and your body can efficiently flush it out. When an imbalance occurs, the bile will begin to crystallize, therefore, causing stones to form. Most Americans can pass these stones without even knowing it, while others require assistance.

 

Researchers are not exactly sure why this happens, but it is thought that the following reasons could be a factor.

• Genetics/ Family history of gallstones
• Weight Problems/ Obesity or rapid weight loss
• Less than sufficient nutrition
• Diabetes
• Liver-related issues

 

Unfortunately, women are at a higher risk of developing gallstones. Reasons for this include hormones and pregnancy.

 

Treatment For Gallstones

If you are diagnosed with gallstones, most likely, you will need to undergo a minimally invasive abdominal surgery to remove the gallbladder. While there are medications that can be used as treatment, there is no other way to rid yourself of gallstones than with abdominal surgery.

 

Gallbladder surgery in Dallas is a low risk, outpatient procedure. This is a minimally invasive abdominal surgery that only requires two small incisions. After your surgery, you can recuperate in the comforts of your home.

 

Choosing to not treat your gallstones can lead to more complicated health issues such as jaundice, cholecystitis (gallbladder infection), pancreas inflammation, and an infected bile duct. To avoid any of these complications, gallbladder surgery in Dallas is your best choice.

Post Bariatric Surgery Follow Up is Key to Success

As anyone who has undertaken bariatric (or any other weight loss surgery), there is much to be considered post-surgery. For many, there are additional pounds that should be lost, changes in lifestyle made and hopefully a reduction in obesity-related health issues.  Fortunately, for individuals living in the Dallas and Plano Texas areas, the Nicholson Clinic is a front-runner in providing excellent and complete care in bariatric, gastric bypass, or lap band surgeries.

 

From Consultation to Years After Surgery

 

To be completely successful in losing unwanted pounds and keeping those pounds at bay, an individual must take a long-term approach. It’s not just the surgery that gets the weight loss going. The real work begins post-surgery. That long-term work involves a plan to lose more weight, change eating and exercise habits, and make other positive changes to ensure success. The Nicholson Clinic in Dallas and Plano is the best place to start for anyone considering weight loss surgery.

 

With the first consultation to many years post-surgery, the entire team will guide and help those going through the process. They will provide the needed education on the surgery itself and very importantly, they will lead the patient through additional weight loss, dietary changes and the incorporation of exercise. Through support groups associated with the clinic, patients will have access to others who are going through the same process and often, long-term friendships are formed.

 

Proof in the History of Post-Surgery Care

 

Many studies (including those conducted at the Mayo Clinic) have proven that people who undergo bariatric, gastric or sleeve bypass or lap band surgeries and receive extensive post-surgical care and support are far more likely to lose unwanted pounds permanently and change their lives for a healthier one.

 

Contact the Nicholson Clinic to get started on a permanent weight loss journey and realize anyone can achieve long-term success.

Bariatric Surgical Treatments – Is it Worth it?

Many overweight or obese patients fear the idea of surgery. However, their concerns might not be well-found. Bariatric surgeryis considered one of the safest types of operations in modern medicine. It is even considered as reliable as a simple gallbladder extraction.

 

However, it must be said that like any surgical procedure, it carries a certain amount of risk of complications that must be covered. In the past, bariatric surgical patients suffered from a high rate of complications, deterring many would-be participants. It is worth noting that the overall safety of bariatric surgical procedures has risen considerably over the last 15-20 years.

 

Possible Side effects

 

Let’s delve into the most commonly employed methods of bariatric treatment, for instance, the gastric sleeve surgical procedure. The possible issues following a stomach sleeve procedure could consist of:

 

• Leakage
• Stricture
• Infection
• Embolism
• Acid reflux
• Vitamin deficiency

 

Nevertheless, the actual chance of being afflicted with those conditions has been drastically reduced nowadays. As an example, the occurrence of leakage related to a gastric sleeve is hovering around less than 1% nationwide.

 

Recorded Health Benefits

 

There are generous long-term health benefits in regards to bariatric surgical treatments. For starters, the loss of excess body weight can bring about extensive wellness in both physical and emotional realms. In the long-term, bariatric surgery has actually been reported to decrease an individual’s susceptibility for cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and untimely death due to health complications.

In short, when it comes down to it, bariatric surgical treatments not only significantly increasea patient’s life span, but can also vastly improve their quality of life health-wise. For individuals dealing with excessive weight, especially in the case of morbid obesity, eschewing from having a bariatric surgical procedure could be far more hazardous to their health in the long run, than not having the procedure at all.

Losing Weight is Easier with Gastric Bypass Surgery

If you are obese and cannot control how much you eat, this procedure will give you back your self-control

For overweight adults living in Texas, gastric bypass surgery is an appealing procedure. Obesity is a health risk affecting approximately 43 percent of American adults or 103 million people. More adults are obese now because food is getting higher in calorie content, and more people have easier access to high-calorie food. Lower-income people tend to rely on high-calorie food more often than wealthy people, based on prices of food.

Poverty leads to obesity

This seems counter-intuitive, but wealthy people are now both health-conscious and more likely to have the money to buy lower-calorie foods. In contrast, poor and middle-class people often have easier access to high-calorie food from nearby convenience stores and gas stations. This means that it is much harder for lower and middle-class people to lose weight than it is for wealthy people who, in addition to eating less, tend to get more exercise. Losing weight is on most people’s new year’s resolutions, regardless of their income, so gastric bypass surgery may be an option for everyone.

Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery is Easy

During surgery, the doctor creates a smaller stomach from the patient’s normal stomach, thus bypassing the remaining stomach. A patient with a large abdomen naturally has a more substantial appetite compared to a patient with a smaller stomach, so the purpose of gastric bypass surgery is to help the patient develop a smaller appetite.

• The stomach is divided into two sections, the smaller upper section, and the lower larger section.
• The small intestine is then connected to the lower stomach so that the contents entirely skip the larger stomach.

The great feature of this type of surgery is that the operation is minimally invasive. The doctor performing the surgery can do these procedures quickly and easily, helping the patient recover from surgery rapidly, in a matter of days. The operation helps people lose weight, and they see results within a few weeks and more over the coming months.

Counseling For Weight Loss Surgery – What’s It Like?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psycho-social intervention that aims to improve mental health by helping patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors.  Weight loss surgery counseling is a branch off cognitive behavioral therapy.  A multitude of services are provided within weight loss surgery counseling that work to combat the depression that approximately 25% of patients develop after having a weight loss surgery procedure.  With such staggering numbers, psychologists have recognized the need to step in and support, making counseling a part of the recommended prescribed treatment.  Anyone needing these services after a weight loss procedure can find them provided at a Dallas Bariatric Clinic or Dallas Bariatric Center.

 

What To Expect

You can expect scheduled appointments with your therapists that consist of conversations with goals pertaining to your weight loss regimen over a period of time.  In the beginning, conversations will point towards past-time, or the history of your lifestyle and eating habits.  Further on, present-time teaching will be implemented, helping you understand why feeling or thinking a certain way influences a reaction or behavior from you.  Towards the end, goals will become more weight specific and future-time teaching will occur, providing you with coping skills to combat any depression or setbacks that may cross your path in the future.

 

Who To Choose

Everyone is different, and everyone has preferences.  It is recommended that you meet with multiple therapists after your weight loss surgery to try and find someone you are completely comfortable with and someone you can be totally honest with.  This trust will help you accelerate the healing and therapy process.  You want to find a therapist that is right for you, and more importantly, one that you believe will be the biggest advocate in helping you through this life-changing event.

What Makes You a Candidate For Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Have you struggled with weight and are now considering bariatric surgery options in Texas? Are you considering gastric sleeve surgery? If so, then you are probably wondering what makes you a candidate. Read further to discover what gastric sleeve surgery is and if it is the right choice for you.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve sometimes referred to as a sleeve gastrectomy, decreases the size of your stomach by restricting food intake. This procedure does not alter the digestion process. The surgery does not involve any changes to the intestines, only the stomach. A large part of the stomach is removed and in its place, a small section, which looks like a sleeve, is left.

Advantages and Risks of Gastric Sleeve in Texas

The benefits of which to take note of include:

● No rerouting or disconnecting of the small intestine
● Weight loss similar to patients who had gastric bypass
● No adjustments or implanted devices
● Safer than gastric bypass surgery

Risks of gastric sleeve surgery include:

● Inconclusive long-term results
● May need a conversion to gastric bypass at a later date for severely obese patients

Am I a Candidate or Not?
Gastric sleeve in Texas is an option for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40. This equals to about 100 pounds over the average body weight. A bariatric surgeon in Texas will inform you if you are a person who suffers from an obesity-related condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure and has a body mass index of 35, then you may also be a candidate.

To find out more about bariatric surgery options in Texas, contact your family doctor. They can help you find the right bariatric surgeon in Texas to support you in your journey to weight loss.