Certified Specialists are Trained to Provide Insights into the Circulatory System and Perform Specialities such as Vascular Surgery DC

After completing medical school, a doctor may choose to become a surgeon and complete a residency that deals with different areas of the body. After finishing their training, the surgeon may then choose to specialize in another field such as the circulatory system. Vascular surgeons are highly specialized professionals that train for another five-plus years after becoming certified doctors. 

These specialists concentrate on all areas of the body, and there could be many different reasons that a person may at some point in their lives need to see a vascular specialist. Vascular diseases brought on by poor diets, unhealthy lifestyles, chronic diseases, and sometimes just genetics can all cause veins to malfunction. Because this system supplies the whole body with necessary, minerals, nutrients, and oxygen it is imperative that possible circulatory problems do not go overlooked. Enlarged veins, aching, numbness or even tingling may all be signs that there are hidden problems that need attending.

The Possibilities of Vascular Surgery DC

Vascular Surgery DC focuses on fixing any number of circulatory issues through the placing of stints, cauterization, repair of veins, redirecting of blood flow, and even removal. The reason and solution are dependent on the problem though.  Plaque can lead to a need for surgical intervention to remove excess build-up in the veins. The treatment for this is performed via a catheter that is inserted into the main vessel and uses a sharp blade to strip away and then collect the excess particles. This creates a free-flowing passageway that helps to prevent blood clots and any blockages. When it comes to other issues such as varicose or spider veins, there are a few other different techniques that a vascular surgeon may employee. 

A varicose vein is caused when the valves within veins malfunction and do not hold all of the liquid in place as it is being pumped upward into the body. When these valves do not work correctly, the blood tends to pool causing excess stress and eventually a sag that forms unnatural curves. These curves can be problematic as they create a space for blood clots to collect and grow larger. The enlarged veins can be fixed by either cutting off blood flow or eradicating the pathway altogether so that the blood will have to redirect on a healthier route. A surgeon can advise on the best treatment path for vein surgery DC for each case and ensure that possibly unseen problems do not endanger circulation.

 

Preparing for weight loss surgery Washington DC

When people make the decision - and get approved for - the weight loss surgery Washington DC procedure, there are a lot of things to consider. The procedure itself is going to be done by highly skilled and trained medical professionals, but the lead up and aftermath are things that patients will need to think very carefully about. As with any surgery, it’s essential to be prepared for whatever is coming… and the more people consider what is going to happen before and after this type of surgery, the better off they will be in the long run.

Weight loss surgery Washington DC before and after tips

Before:

- Get used to new routines. This means new food routines and choices, doing small exercises, and preparing to take care of yourself. Though this might not be possible for all patients (especially the ones who are morbidly obese), it’s going to be a good place to start. Switching your mindset is the first step to change, and even small adjustments can help in the future.

- Ask for help. Though some family members and friends may be considered enablers, it’s essential to allow these people in to ensure that they can and will be of assistance when you need them. Even small things like helping with laundry, grocery shopping and simply providing moral support will be appreciated. Letting these people know when to expect changes in your life is a necessary step.

- Mentally prepare for the surgery. Weight loss surgery Washington DC won’t be easy. The procedure will not be fun, and the healing process will likely cause some discomfort, but thinking about what it means and what it offers can help patients begin to prepare for the eventuality of the situation.

After:

- Be patient. Surgery for weight loss won’t produce results overnight, and it often takes about a year for patients to see the results that they are hoping for. It’s a journey and not an instant change, so be ready to focus and commit.

- Listen to your body. It may be hard to do, but the more you are aware of what is happening inside of you, the better off you’ll be. There will be many things that you cannot consume - and that you don’t want to - so not being tempted or giving into cravings is key. Forcing yourself to do too much, too quickly won’t help, so be mindful.

For more information about weight loss surgery Washington DC, visit http://www.medstarwashington.org.

Bariatric surgery DC diet tips

Understanding a post-op bariatric surgery DC diet

One of the things that will need to change in order to adapt to a healthier and more productive lifestyle after weight loss surgery DC is a patient’s diet. Some people believe that the surgery itself will be enough to cause the pounds to slide off, but the reality of the situation is that the surgery is simply one factor of truly taking control of your life… and patients will need to work hard to improve and then maintain their health. The goal for people after having bariatric surgery DC is to get healthier, but this means many different things for many different people. Some people view health as being able to participate in different activities of their choice, or to not be limited by their circumstances when it comes to having a job or taking care of their families. For others, health is simply about being able to care for themselves on a daily basis… which is not always possible for those that need to seek out the services of a bariatric surgeon DC.

One of the biggest changes after having weight loss surgery is the diet. Going from eating essentially whatever you want to being on a strict diet can be difficult, but there are a few things to remember.

Tips for bariatric surgery DC diets

- Patients will need to remember to take their vitamins and supplements and drink enough water each day. Since most weight loss surgery types shrink the size of the stomach, people will not be able to eat or drink as they used to, so ensuring that these nutrients are consumed and hydration is the focus are important.

- The diet post-op will be very simple and small, with only clear liquids being allowed for up to a month following the procedure. This is to give the stomach and intestines time to heal properly without putting strain on the area. This is enough to keep the body full and happy, but it’s also a good chance for people to practice their new limitations. After this period has passed, soft foods will be able to be reintroduced slowly. The most important thing to remember is that during this period, the body will alert you to what it can - or cannot handle. It may take time to get things back to “normal”, and this is perfectly OK.

- Certain food groups and options will need to be cut indefinitely, and this (along with portion control) will help people lose weight. It is common sense when it comes to bariatrics and weight management DC that eliminating the intake of things like fried foods, processed sugars, empty calories and excessive portions will help to shed pounds, but it’s sometimes surprising just how effective this can be.

Choosing Lap Band Bariatric Surgery DC

These days, it seems like more and more people are choosing some kind of medical assistance when they want to lose weight.  People who have a significant amount of weight to lose are medically termed as obese.  These folks may become candidates for some type of surgical intervention.  Bariatric Surgery DC is intended for patients who have not been able to lose weight by consistently reducing food intake and increasing exercise.

Lap Band Bariatric Surgery Washington DC

There are a few different types of weight loss surgery DC available.  Surgery becomes a consideration for individuals who are morbidly obese based on their body mass index (BMI), or who have a significant amount of weight to lose in combination with another potentially severe health problem like diabetes, arthritis, hypertension and/or sleep apnea.  The type of surgery recommended or chosen will depend on many varied factors in each individual case, and on the preference of the patient, and possibly the parameters of their insurance coverage.

Lap banding is the most frequently performed surgery of this type.  During this procedure, the surgeon places an adjustable band around the top of the patient's stomach.  A port is also installed right under the skin of the stomach, with a tube connecting the band to the port.  Fluid can be injected into the port in order to tighten the lap band.  This reduces the amount of food that will fit in the stomach and makes the patient feel fuller faster.  When fluid is removed from the lap band, the stomach capacity returns to normal.  This procedure is sometimes also called laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

While results from lap band surgery vary, many patients do lose up to half of their body weight with consistent aftercare.  This is considered to be the "simplest" of the surgeries for weight loss; the level of complication is very low.  The most frequently reported side effects are relatively mild, for example, acid reflux.  In a few cases, the patient cannot tolerate the presence of the band and it has to be removed.  The lap band surgery may require somewhat frequent follow-up visits to a healthcare provider for adjustments to the amount of fluid in the lap band.

Hyperlipidemia and Vein Surgery DC

Sometimes, medical terms can be difficult to understand and even confusing.  Hyperlipidemia is one such term.  To make things simpler, it is the medical term that refers to having elevated cholesterol levels.  Pretty much everyone has heard of high cholesterol.  Most primary care doctors test their patients for high cholesterol regularly because it can be detected with a simple blood screening.  To make the issue of high cholesterol even more confusing, patients with consistently elevated numbers may be referred to a Vein surgery DC practice for maintenance of the condition.  High cholesterol is not, however, a condition that will require an actual vascular surgery DC procedure.

Hyperlipidemia and the Interventional Cardiologist

So, hyperlipidemia is a complicated name for disorders that result in elevated levels of fats, cholesterol and triglycerides circulating in the blood stream.  In and of itself, this condition does not pose a real threat to the patient.  But, in the long term, the lipids can enter the arterial walls and cause structural changes to the arteries, leading to possible strokes, heart attacks and amputations.  People who have co-existing diagnoses such as diabetes and those who smoke are at a greater risk for complications from hyperlipidemia.

The interventional cardiologist DC can help the patient with consistently elevated lipid profiles in a few different ways.

• Lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment for elevated lipid levels.  Patients may be asked to lose a certain amount of weight, follow a low-fat diet, and increase the amount of cardiovascular exercise they are doing each week.  Sometimes this is enough to reduce elevated numbers.
• Statins are a class of medication that are often very effective in reducing lipid levels when lifestyle changes alone are not completely effective.  Because so much of a patient's lipid profile depends on genetics, it is not unusual for medication to be a necessary part of treatment.
• One of the risks of taking Statins is that they can induce diabetes.  Individuals with elevated lipid panels who already have diabetes, or who develop it as a result of Statin usage, will benefit from meeting with and endocrinologist and dietitian.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Bariatric Surgery Washington DC

Surgical procedures to help people who are very overweight or obese are very popular these days.  Approximately 200,000 total of the different varieties of bariatric surgery Washington DC are performed in the United States every year.  Patients considering this type of treatment for their weight issues will have to choose between the gastric lap band, a gastric bypass, and the sleeve gastrectomy.  This short article is intended to provide an introduction to the sleeve gastrectomy.

Bariatric Surgery DC:  Sleeve Gastrectomy

This operation physically removes most of the stomach.  Therefore, it is not reversible like lap banding.  After the largest portion of the stomach is removed, the remaining porting is formed into a tube shape that holds only a small amount of food.  This part of the stomach is attached to the very beginning of the small intestine, which is called the duodenum.  Because this surgery does not remove any of the small intestine, food is digested more normally, eliminating the side effect of "dumping syndrome" which sometimes occurs with gastric bypass surgery (because of the removal of the duodenum).

Bariatric surgery DC for the sleeve gastrectomy include many advantages.

• Because of the reduction in the size of the stomach, the patient feels full much sooner and is able to eat a much smaller quantity of food.  The reduction in the number of calories consumed leads to weight loss.
• The hormones that signal feelings of hunger and fullness are produced by the portion of the stomach that is removed.  In the absence of these hormones, the patient will not usually feel hungry.  They will naturally consume less food.
• The portion of the stomach that is removed also produces some of the hormones that control blood sugar.  As a result, this surgery sometimes helps in controlling type 2 diabetes.
• Most patients report a loss of half to three-quarters of their extra weight during the first year or two after surgery.  Such a drastic weight loss can greatly improve chronic health conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and other cardiac conditions.

IBD treatment DC via changes in the diet for Crohn’s disease

How diet can be effective IBD treatment DC

Though there are medications that are useful for the treatment of bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, in some cases, patients will be able to adequately manage their conditions by making simple changes to their diet. These changes might not seem like they will do a lot to help improve health, but the truth is that the more aware patients are of the things that they consume, the better off they will be. It is important for many people to do what is necessary to make themselves more comfortable on a daily basis, so the following tips are ones that have the potential to help people overcome their Crohn’s disease symptoms long term and are considered some of the best IBD treatment 

DC options.

- Consume larger amounts of low residue foods. This will help the body to digest things easily, forcing the body to eliminate foods without stress or added difficulty.

- Avoid consuming things like nuts, seeds and beans, which can irritate the lining on the insides of the stomach and intestines.

- Avoid fresh foods like fruits and vegetables along with caffeine. This can decrease the amount of stool that will be expelled by the body, and can help to decrease the likelihood of experiencing diarrhea.

- Some people may experience issues digesting fats. This can be determined by the status of the stool.  If it is oily or loose, the body may be having a difficult time with this intake. One solution is to choose foods lower in fat of all kinds, but since they cannot be totally avoided, choosing naturally occurring fats is a good option.

- Choosing to eat more frequently but only consuming small meals at a single sitting is is recommended, too. This will ensure that the body is constantly in a state of digestion, and that there is not lot of food to be digested at once.

- Nutritional supplements are a great solution for people suffering from this condition, since the body may be missing out on them as it works to digest the food that is consumed.

It is very important to note that although symptoms can be managed effectively, in most cases, it is not possible to “cure” conditions like this even with valid IBD treatments DC, and people may experience a resurgence of symptoms in the future, even if they are very careful with their diets.

Bariatric Surgery Washington DC for Getting rid of Life-Threatening Weight

Despite our focus on being fit, feeling healthy, and the obsession we have with certain types of healthy foods and how they affect the body, over a third of the United States population is overweight. To be obese means to be at least 20% over what is considered the average amount of excess weight. This can occur due to a number of factors including lifestyle, medical reasons, and even genetics. Many people attempt dieting and weight control to help manage their weight gain, but sometimes to no avail. Hormones also often play a role in some extra pounds, which sometimes means there are other factors at work as well, like overactive thyroids. Whatever the case may be, obesity can be threatening to the individual's health, and an extreme situation may become life-threatening. When everything else has failed in an attempt to lose extra poundage, many people have turned to bariatric surgery Washington DC as their last resort to get themselves healthy again.

Bariatric Surgery Washington DC is Extreme but Effective

Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that takes a small upper portion of the stomach and forms a  little pouch to act as a new smaller stomach. The upper part of the intestines is then bypassed, and the area below that is connected to the new stomach pouch. By creating this new route, first off, the patient feels fuller because they can only eat so much compared with the original size. Secondly, the surgery bypasses a portion of the smaller intestines which then doesn't allow the body to absorb as many calories and nutrients. By doing this, the person can eat less, and take in less in a much more effective effort than dieting.

The surgery is irreversible and is a lifestyle choice that the person has to be totally committed to. Once receiving gastric bypass surgery, the patient loses on average 50-90% of their excess weight within the first 12 months. An excess of sugars and other unhealthy foods may cause problems, so the doctor will not only work with their patient on and during the surgery but will continue working with them on a plan for a long term healthy lifestyle in order to make the operation a success and to ultimately save their life.

IBD Treatment DC is Critical to Intestinal Issues Sufferers

Irritable bowels are a part of everyday life. They happen, but for some people, unfortunately, they occur more often than for others. Spicy food is often a culprit and sometimes even dairy, but every once in a while certain individuals may find themselves curled up in a ball for days without any knowledge or explanation. Such a scenario occurs quite often and is known as IBD or irritable bowel disease.

IBD is an umbrella term for people suffering from chronic symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and even fatigue. These people suffer from very alike, but differing symptoms, from what is known as IBS. IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, presents the same signs as IBD; however, IBS can be cured. IBD on the other is chronic, and IBD treatment DC may be the only relief.

Individuals suffering from IBD are diagnosed with one of two diseases, Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. Both are chronic and can be anything from annoying to debilitating, but while ulcerative colitis can be cured with surgery, Crohn's cannot. Both can cause people symptoms of anything from minor discomfort to days of debilitating cramps and they also put the individual at a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

IBD treatment DC for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's

Ulcerative colitis is the inflammation of the lining of the lower intestinal wall. The inflammation causes a number of uncomfortable symptoms and isn't able to be cured. Medications such as anti-inflammatories and steroids ate sometimes effective in maintaining order in these conditions, but the effectiveness is entirely dependent upon the individual and case. Patients with this disease are encouraged to watch their diet and keep track of certain types of foods and ingredients that could be contributed to their flare ups. Spicy food, dairy, wheat, and any other food allergies could cause irritation, as can stress. The only way to completely relive these symptoms is via complete removal of the entire lower intestines. Eventually, most individuals elect to have surgery to completely remove the lower intestines and rectum in order to rid themselves of the painful symptoms of IBD Washington DC.

Crohn's disease is different in that it may affect any areas of the intestinal tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Crohns is an autoimmune response to irritants in the body that causes wears, and eventually ulcers, within the lining and tissues. These can become extremely painful, but unfortunately, the exact causes are still unknown. The biggest risk with leaving these symptoms untreated is the widening of the ulcers to an extent where the eat through the intestinal linings and begin to affect surrounding organs. This can cause leaky gut, fistulas, and other conditions. It is critical that these are attended to immediately in order to prevent further problems.

Understanding and Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease Washington DC

Individuals who are newly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis may be upset and confused to learn that they have a diagnosis in the category of inflammatory bowel disease Washington DC.  In order to better understand how to manage this type of diagnosis, it is helpful to know a little bit more about how different variations of ulcerative colitis might look.

Ulcerative Colitis and IBD Treatment DC

Not all diagnoses of ulcerative colitis are created equal.  Inflammatory bowel disease doctors DC have categories that help to illustrate the severity of individual cases of ulcerative colitis.

• Ulcerative colitis is considered to be mild if it includes up to four incidents of loose stools per day, some blood in the stools and mild abdominal pain.
• Moderate ulcerative colitis can include four to six loose stools per day, some blood in these stools and moderate abdominal pain.  At the moderate stage, enough blood is being lost to result in testing that is clinically positive for anemia.
• When ulcerative colitis becomes severe, it can be expected that more than six bloody stools per day will occur.  Anemia will be present, along with other symptoms like a fever and a rapid heart rate.
• Potentially, ulcerative colitis can be fatal in the very severe stage.  This is also called the fulminant stage.  Loose, bloody stools may be almost constant, with a minimum of ten occurrences per day.  The abdomen becomes tender and distended.  Anemia may have progressed to the stage where a blood transfusion is necessary.  Fatal complications can include death from excessive blood loss, a perforated colon, or a very serious infection that becomes systemic.  It goes without saying that the patient is suffering greatly and fully disabled at this point in time. These factors make the need for IBD treatment DC absolutely necessary.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis depends partly on the stage of the disease.  Earlier stages may be well controlled with over-the-counter medications and some dietary and lifestyle adjustments.  Disease in the severe and fulminant stages may require surgery to remove all or part of the large colon in order to stop the blood loss and remove infected tissue.  Lifestyle changes and compliance to treatment in the earliest stages may lessen the chances of the disease advancing to life-threatening stages.

About Weight Management Washington DC

It seems like weight management Washington DC is a topic that is on everyone's lips these days.  In spite of all the talk and attention directed toward the topic, more than one in three adults in the United States remains obese.  The rate of obesity among children is about 17%.  Being overweight or obese does not simply impact the way an individual fits into an airplane seat, or what kind of clothing choices are available to them.  There are serious health consequences tied to carrying that extra weight.  The risks for kidney disease, fatty liver disease, stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, among other frightening health problems, increase more and more with each pound gained.

Why is Weight Management DC so Difficult?

This is probably a question for the ages.  Certainly, there is no lack of awareness about the problem.  It is impossible to turn on a television or log onto the internet without seeing some type of information about either the problems caused by obesity, or some proposed solution for bariatics and weight management Washington DC.  There is also no real mystery about how people who are overweight can become thinner.  It comes down to a simple equation of consuming less calories than are burned.  Two proposals have been made purporting to explain this apparent paradox.

• People have been becoming heavier since the 1990's.  Some social scientists propose a correlation between the advent of computer technology and video games with the expansion of waistlines, especially among younger people.  Kids who might have been playing outdoors most of the day started spending more time online.
• Food has changed a lot over the past century.  "Fresh and local" food is now seen as a novelty product, and access to it is an indicator of a higher socioeconomic class.  A hundred years ago, the only food that was available was fresh and local.  If it wasn't native to the area, it was eaten very rarely, if ever.  Today, food is imported from all over the world to create the cheapest and most convenient versions of "American classics" like the hamburger or pizza.  The nutritional content of these foods is very different from those that were/are fresh and local.

Weight management Washington DC tips and tricks

How weight management Washington DC works

Getting older and gaining weight are two of the things that people often have no control over. Though birthdays come and go each year like clockwork, when people are younger, their bodies often respond very differently to the foods and beverages that are consumed than the same body does when people get older. As metabolism changes and people’s lives take them in very different directions, having time to ensure that a careful diet is followed can be difficult, as can sticking to an exercise program. When things start to get out of control, or people simply want to make some healthier changes for their own benefit, the services of bariatrics and weight management DC professionals may become necessary. These doctors, nurses and nutritionists will help people come up with viable and valuable plans that can help people make changes and get a better handle on the way that their body looks. For more information about the ways that these professionals can help, visit http://www.medstarwashington.org/our-services/bariatrics-and-weight-management/why-choose-us/.

Weight management Washington DC options

1. Decrease portion sizes. This might seem like common sense, but a lot of people eat more than they think that they do each day. Taking the time to measure out portions, or choose not to have that second helping can make a big difference.

2. Choose foods that are good for you, not just the ones that taste good. Yes, we’re all entitled to our bad days when all we want to do is indulge in fried foods, sweets and that coffee with double cream and double sugar… but when these things become habits, weight can quickly increase, leading to decreasing health levels. Fresh fruits and veggies are good options, and so are lean meats like fish and poultry. The better food choices are, the healthier people will feel.

3. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Even for people that are severely overweight, simple exercises like stretches and walking short distances can help a lot. This will get the blood circulating, can improve strength, and can help to burn some excess calories. Making this a habit will also build people up to be able to go further, stand or move for longer, and add more weights as time passes.

4. Drinking water is an important part of weight management Washington DC, because keeping hydrated is essential to good health. Not only will the body’s muscles appreciate the added water intake, but keeping the stomach full of this liquid can help to keep people from making bad choices when it comes to drinking other things like soft drinks, sugary juices and specialty coffee drinks.

5. Eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day can help people manage their weight. This may sound counterproductive, but it will keep the digestive system working, give people an opportunity to snack without overdoing it, and ensure that people do not overeat with each meal. For many, this is an effective form of weight management Washington DC that only involves a little bit of change when it comes to daily habits.

Preparing for Surgery: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Washington DC

Having surgery for any reason often produces a lot of anxiety and is otherwise upsetting for a lot of folks.  Knowing a few basic facts about what will happen during surgery and recovery can help to ease fears and make things go much more smoothly.  This short article is intended for individuals who are getting ready to undergo a colectomy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease Washington DC.

Before Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease DC

• Make sure to understand why your doctor thinks surgery is the best option for your inflammatory bowel disease Washington DC.  While it is very likely that a competent gastroenterologist has exhausted all of the less invasive IBD treatment DC options before referring you to a surgeon, you should understand whether or not there are other choices available to you.
• Give your surgeon a list of all the medications, supplements and herbal preparations you take before your operation.  Some medications might need to be discontinued for a few days if they have a side effect of thinning the blood.  More often, you will be advised to take medications normally, but to take them with only a sip of water on the morning of your surgery.
• The anesthesia provider should be informed of any important health conditions you have, like asthma or heart disease, in addition to any medications you are taking or any street drugs you use.  While you may hold back some of this information in many areas of your life, it is important to be completely honest with the anesthesiologist.
• Everyone knows it is incredibly difficult to quit smoking.  However, if you can quit smoking before your surgery, it will significantly reduce the risk of respiratory problems while you are under anesthesia.  Again, though, if you have not quit smoking, make sure to tell the anesthesia provider.
• Most people remain in the hospital around three or four days after their colectomy.  It is important for you to be able to eat normal food and have a bowel movement before you go home.  Plan for any help you may need with driving or other personal or household tasks before your surgery takes place so that you don't have any complications during your inflammatory bowel disease treatment DC recovery.

Autoimmune Disorders: IBD Treatment DC

In the last few years, it seems there has been more and more information in the media about autoimmune disorders.  These are diseases in which the body's own immune system seems to get out of balance and begin attacking its own perfectly healthy tissue.  Some autoimmune disorders include multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).  Those who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease Washington DC are likely to have a constellation of "stomach problems" that might include excessive gas, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting, among others.

IBD Treatment:  Categories of Disease

It is difficult to initiate IBD treatment DC without a more specific diagnosis.  IBD is not just one disease, but a group of related disorders that impact the digestive system.  What they have in common is that they are caused by the immune system attacking various organs of the digestive system even though these organs are often completely functional and healthy.  The two major types of inflammatory bowel disease are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.  They are differentiated by the location of the pathological immune response in the body.  Ulcerative colitis impacts only the large intestine.  Crohn's disease can occur in any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.  The most common site for ulcerative colitis to strike is the small intestine.

These two forms of IBD also have a few things in common.  Both of them usually have a course of greater and lesser intensity, and even periods of what seem to be complete remission or recovery, over several years.  Like other autoimmune disorders, the specific digestive symptoms are often accompanied by a low-grade fever, fatigue, and/or a general lack of energy and malaise.  IBD treatments DC also depend on identifying the specific group of symptoms that are present for each individual patient, and, if possible, triggers for bouts of active disease.  "Triggers" often include the following:

• Tension and stress, especially over a prolonged period of time.
• Certain foods, particularly those that are very spicy or containing a lot of fiber.
• Insomnia or inadequate opportunities to sleep and rest.
• IBD can be a secondary diagnosis to another autoimmune or other illness.

Types of Bariatric Surgery DC

Bariatric Surgery DC has become a very popular choice for individuals who have a lot of weight to lose in order to decrease their risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease.  A lot of folks are surprised to learn that there are actually a number of types of bariatric surgery Washington DC.  With these surgical options having been developed mostly over the past fifty years, bariatric surgery is often equated simply with "stomach stapling" which was, literally, the very first surgery of this type to become widely available.

Varieties of Bariatric Surgery DC

Today, weight loss surgery Washington DC patients have some choices.  Different surgical procedures are available and are recommended for different types of patients based on their unique case information and their preferences.

These are the most common types of surgeries for weight loss:

• Adjustable gastric band surgery has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for patients whose BMI exceeds 30, and who have at least one related, chronic health condition.  This surgery is often done laparoscopically, meaning that several small incisions are made in the patient's abdomen, while the surgeon visualizes the abdominal cavity using very small, sophisticated cameras.  An adjustable and removable band is placed around the top part of the stomach to reduce its capacity.

• The gastric sleeve procedure physically removes a large portion of the stomach and then closes it so that its capacity is greatly reduced.  It is not a reversible procedure.  With the smaller capacity of the stomach, the patient will feel full after eating only a small amount of food.  There is also some evidence that, eventually, some patients who have had this surgery will experience a change in their overall metabolism.

• One of the most extensive of these surgeries is the Roux-en-Y bypass, which not only greatly reduces stomach capacity, but also bypasses a section of the small intestine and then attaches the stomach pouch directly to a lower portion of the small bowel.  Food is still digested normally, but less calories are absorbed because of the bypass procedure.  This operation can sometimes be reversed.  While the stomach capacity is reduced, none of the stomach is actually removed.

For more information, visit http://www.medstarwashington.org to find medical professionals that can further educate you on these types of surgeries.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: IBD Treatment Washington DC

There are a number of different kinds of bowel diseases that impact sufferers in a variety of ways.  One very uncomfortable type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the type that primarily consists of constipation as a symptom.  Constipation means that it is difficult for food to pass through the digestive system.  Food material may become "stuck" at some point, causing the individual with IBD to go days or more without having a bowel movement.  IBD treatment Washington DC does focus specifically on relieving constipation when the patient suffers from this variety of digestive system illness.

Constipation:  IBD Treatment DC

IBD treatment Washington DC focusing on constipation can take any number of forms.  As with other medical problems, the best practice is to work from the least intrusive kind of treatment to options to those that are more medical in nature.

These are some basic concepts around the treatment of IBD that is primarily characterized by constipation.

• Constipation is not caused by stress; but stress can be a contributing factor.  Different people have varied ways to reduce stress in their lives.  Increasing exercise can be a good way to reduce stress.  Moving the body around can also help to move waste through the digestive system in a more efficient manner.
• Diet obviously is going to have an impact on digestive symptoms like constipation.  While this is a complex issue that may need to be sorted out by a dietitian, one very basic part of the equation is fiber.  Dietary fiber is known to keep bodily waste soft and allow it to move more freely through the digestive system.  There are many good sources of dietary fiber, with fresh vegetables and grains being some of the most readily available.
• It addition to managing constipation with diet, it is important to take in plenty of liquids.  While many liquids are good for keeping stools in a softer form and allowing them to move more freely through the body, most liquid intake should consist of plain water.  Many experts agree that the human body needs at least two quarts of water daily to function, and more in environments of extreme heat or physical exertion.

Vein surgery DC for varicose veins

What are varicose veins and why do they require vein surgery DC?

Although they do not typically cause a great deal of pain or day to day problems, varicose veins are not something that people typically feel confident or happy about looking at. They are usually located just beneath the skin’s surface, and can cause a raised, lumpy area on the legs that may even feel hard to the touch. In some patients, they may cause pain at or below the skin’s surface, increase the potential for blood clots, and simply be unsightly. The longer they go without treatment, the more likely they are to cause problems for patients, and require vein surgery Washington DC.

Vein surgery DC is a simple solution

Since varicose veins DC most often occur on older people, many doctors will suggest lifestyle changes before they opt for surgery, unless the condition is causing many problems when it is diagnosed. Surgery for varicose veins DC can be done in a various ways, depending on the needs of patients and the overall health of patients. It is important to select the right type of surgery or procedure to adequately treat the severity of the varicose veins without overdoing it.

Laser vein surgery DC is used to cause the vein to fade over time, and is commonly practiced on very small cases of varicose veins. This is an outpatient surgery, and is totally non-invasive.

Endoscopic vein surgery is another option that many patients choose for large and painful varicose veins. Although this option for vascular surgery Washington DC is an invasive surgery, most patients are able to go home on the same day that it’s done because patients aren’t put fully out during the procedure.

Vein stripping is one of the most common options for vein surgery, and it involves the actual removal of the impacted veins. Though this is an outpatient procedure too, recovery from this type of vein surgery can take up to a month, as there is more that needs to heal.

To learn more about available options for vein surgery or for other treatment methods that may be useful, visit http://www.medstarwashington.org.

Weight management Washington DC tips and ideas

Coming to terms with the need for weight management Washington DC

No one wants to admit that they need to do something about their weight, because this often means that there is an immediate need to change habits like diet, sleeping, exercise and even in some cases, personal habits. These can be difficult changes to make on your own, so many people turn to professionals for help with making these difficult but necessary changes and choices. It’s really important to remember that nothing will happen overnight, and it can take weeks to make new routines habit, so weight loss Washington DC is all about the journey.

Where to look for help with weight management Washington DC

For starters, it may seem easiest to turn to friends and family that are already adept at working out and staying fit. This can be helpful, but it can also be difficult, since admitting that there’s a problem that you’d like to change can be hard - especially when you’re admitting it to someone you know. Having a gym buddy is a great thing, and so is getting recipes and finding someone close to motivate you, but it’s not always easy… and it doesn’t always work.

Weight management DC can also be accomplished by seeking out the services of a personal trainer, a dietitian, a nutritionist, or even a bariatric surgeon, if the situation calls for it. These types of professionals are experienced with caring for and offering advice to patient s like you, and can be found by visiting sites like http://www.medstarwashington.org. These groups of people are all able to provide expertise in a different area, making it possible to learn, grow and get healthier with guidance and all of the necessary support that these types of professionals can provide. Not only are they educated about the many different aspects of weight management, they know how to best personalize plans and courses of action that will help people of all types and health levels reach their goals.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with needing some assistance when it comes to developing a lifestyle plan that involves healthier habits, because after not paying close attention to these things, it can be very difficult to switch gears. Weight management Washington DC is about more than diet and exercise… it’s about making these things habits and using them in conjunction with each other to improve health over time. Finding the right person to work with that will help you get your weight under control and keep it there is essential to making the right choices long term.

A serious disease without a permanent cure can be managed with inflammatory bowel disease treatment DC

If you are a victim of severe and recurring abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, fatigue, and fever you may have a condition known as IBD. IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease and is a recurring and chronic condition that affects the intestinal tract of afflicted individuals. While almost everyone is prone to having stomach issues at some point in their lives, IBD patients are different in the severity, the frequency, and the impact the issues have on their body over time.

IBD is caused by one of two severe and chronic conditions, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. The origins of these diseases are unknown, but experts do expect genetics, health, diet, and lifestyle to be some of the main contributing factors. Crohn's disease is more likely to occur in people at a younger stage in life, usually under 30, and ulcerative colitis is more prone to develop at any point in time.

These illnesses may seem like nothing more than irritating stomach problems, but the conditions worsen over time to affect the patient's daily activities to the point of sometimes even becoming debilitating.

What are My Options for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment DC?

Medications are the first step in inflammatory bowel disease treatment DC. IBD is known for causing debilitating flare-ups, and people can go for years without having any symptoms. After a patient is diagnosed, they are encouraged to exercise, focus on a low-stress lifestyle, and assume a healthy diet that is found to cause less irritation to the system. Medications are generally useful in managing the pain and other problems, but they do usually stop working over time. If this happens, your doctor may need to switch you to a different treatment regimen.

Pain management is the primary concern for individuals with severe IBD, but if medication is ineffective, some people may elect to have surgery to relieve the pain. Ulcerative colitis patients may need to have the entire colon and rectum removed in order to take away the swelling and avoid reoccurrences. Crohn's patients are different in that they develop ulcers and growths anywhere within the intestinal tract that can cause leaks and blockages. These patients will sometimes need surgery to remove the affected area and to prevent the disease from causing harm to any of the surrounding organs.

The biggest concern of IBD is that the constant attack on the intestinal tract leads to ulcers, fissures, and a higher risk of colon cancer. Because of this, patients are encouraged to have constant screenings to ensure that no polyps or abscesses develop. To learn more and to find medical professionals that can diagnose and treat you, visit http://www.medstarwashington.org

How to get Healthy Using Bariatrics and Weight Management DC

The process of weight management encompasses a wide range of topics. Natural dieting, cutting calories, and even a regime of pills can be taken in order to a shed those extra pounds, but these methods do not always work for everyone. Each person's body is different and requires its own specialized technique. For some people, it is a natural process, for others, a genetically inclined disadvantage, and for others it becomes psychological. Dedication to a healthy lifestyle change is the key to losing weight and keep it off. If you have gone through every technique and still find yourself on the higher end of your goal weight spectrum though, then you may need to look into weight loss surgery.

Bariatrics and weight management DC go hand in hand, especially if you find yourself in a struggling position when it comes to body image. If you feel like giving up on weight loss, first consider that there is n alternative surgery that you may be a candidate to try.

Bariatrics and Weight Management DC

Bariatric surgery is a last resort for those struggling with weight management. This weight loss technique is only recommended as a last resort because it is a semi-invasive surgery, and unreversible. However, some patients may find they have no choice but to attempt such drastic measures. Due to genetic, or physical inhabitants, other dieting techniques may not work. When someone has tried every method in the book without results, it can be hard to continue and persevere in your weight loss goals. When extra pounds become a health risk though, you may have no choice but to stay on your weight management journey and attempt the extremes.

The Process of Weight Loss Surgery DC

Bariatric surgery is not as intense as it may sound. In fact, most patients only have a hospital stay of 2-3 days and can continue with their regular daily routine within weeks of the procedure.

During a bariatric surgery, the doctor will make some small incisions around the abdomen area. Because the operation is laparoscopic, these are very small and cause little pain. A small band is placed around the stomach, and the patient is then released. The most intense part of bariatric weight loss isn't the procedure, but the journey afterward.

In order for the procedure to work a patient must diet as they usually would, but the difference is that, with the help of the small band, they become fuller faster and are automatically inclined to eat less. When in a state of dieting desperation, this is often the key to start you on a healthy weight loss track.