Medical Alternatives to Weight Loss Surgery Washington DC

Weight loss surgery Washington DC is one method by which a lot of folks who are obese choose to decrease body mass index (BMI).  But, what about folks who are afraid of having a risky surgical procedure?  About 5% of Bariatric surgery procedures DC involve serious complications up to, and including, death.  In addition, some folks who are extremely obese and need to lose weight the most often have complicating factors like heart disease or breathing problems that make them poor surgical candidates overall.  For some of these individuals, prescription weight loss drugs may be a part of the answer.

Pharmaceutical Intervention Instead of Bariatric Surgery DC

There is never one medical intervention that is the be-all-end-all in weight loss.  Even as technology and medical procedures advance, the basic formula for weight loss remains the same:  eat less and move more.  Medical interventions like Bariatric surgery options Washington DC, which are available through http://www.medstarwashington.org/, and prescription weight loss drugs are simply more tools to put in the weight reduction toolbox.  That is not to say they cannot be valuable tools.

So, what about prescription weight loss drugs as an alternative to surgery?  There are a few choices out there at this time.  Typically, the prescription of these drugs is limited to individuals whose body mass index (BMI) exceeds 30, or those whose BMI is over 27 and occurring along with a co-morbid condition like high blood pressure or diabetes. 

Prescription weight loss drugs may not be appropriate for those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding.

One of the most popular weight loss drugs currently available is called Orlistat, or Xenical as a generic.  This drug is available either with or without a prescription.  As an over-the-counter product, it is called Alli.  Alli contains half of the dose of Xenical.  It works by blocking a certain amount of fat absorption. This type of weight loss drug has some side effects, which may include digestive disturbances like passing gas or loose bowel movements.  People who take this drug should use dietary supplements because some nutrient absorption will be lost along with fat absorption.  Following a diet that is less than 30% fat while taking this medication will help it to work best.

Recovering from Total Hip Replacement Washington DC

Like many other medical procedures, having a Total hip replacement Washington DC has become easier and less complicated in recent years, owing to many technological and medical advances.  Artificial hips have also been improved to be a lot more functional and durable.  Recovering from hip replacement DC requires some care and attention to make sure that the new joint stays in place and functions as well as possible, which is what the professionals at http://www.medstarwashington.org/ do.

After Total Hip Replacement DC

The time it takes to recover from a hip replacement surgery is somewhat dependent on the kind of surgery that was performed.  Some surgeries require quite a large incision that will take a greater amount of time to heal.  In other cases, the hip joint can be replaced through a relatively smaller incision that will heal more quickly.  In either instance, the internal bone structures have undergone essentially the same procedure.  The old hip joint was removed by the surgeon and replaced on with an artificial one that is either bonded with cement or made of a porous structure that will allow bone tissue to grow into and around it, subsequently making it very secure.  Recovery time will also depend on the overall health of the patient prior to the procedure. Here are some things to keep in mind during recovery from hip replacement surgery:

• Remember to take all prescribed medications.  Pain medication can be gradually reduced as healing takes place.  It is important to take blood thinners for ten days or so.
• Rehabilitation services will provide a walker, cane or crutches post-surgery.  The amount of weight that can be borne on replaced hip immediately depends upon whether it was cemented in place or not.
• A physical therapist helps with re-learning how to walk and do various activities of daily living in safe ways within a few days after surgery.  They can provide an exercise program to facilitate faster healing and return to normal routines.
• Certain activities such as as sitting on low chairs, beds and toilets are restricted for a while after surgery because they can place too much stress on the new hip joint before it has had a chance to properly heal.

Bariatric Surgery Washington DC Requires Changes to Eating Habits

Bariatric surgery Washington DC is surgery to help you lose weight, but the procedure alone will not yield results.  Successful results after bariatric surgery DC require a life-long commitment to healthy eating habits.

Portion sizes after bariatric surgery Washington DC

One of the biggest changes that you will have to make after bariatric surgery DC is that your portion sizes will need to be much smaller.  Bariatric surgery procedures DC alter your stomach so that it holds only a small amount of food.  A normal stomach can hold about 6 cups of food, but the capacity of your new stomach will depend on your surgeon and which bariatric surgery options Washington DC you chose.  Laparoscopic banding creates an adjustable pouch that usually has a capacity between ½ cup and 1 cup.  If you chose gastric sleeve bariatric surgery DC, your stomach will hold about 10 ounces of food.  A stomach after gastric bypass may initially only hold about 2 tablespoons of food, but that can change as your stomach heals and stretches.

Eat several small meals a day after bariatric surgery DC

The small portion sizes required following bariatric surgery DC will mean that you can no longer eat the traditional three meals a day.  Instead, your bariatric surgery doctors Washington DC will likely recommend that you eat 5-6 small meals per day.

Monitor your intake of liquids

With or without bariatric surgery procedures DC, staying hydrated is an important part of staying healthy and after bariatric surgery DC you will have to put more thought into how you do so.  Even with a small stomach pouch, if you drink a lot of high-calorie beverages they may go right through your stomach and keep you from losing a significant amount of weight.  Water is the best choice for staying hydrated, and your bariatric surgery doctors Washington DC may recommend that you do not drink during your meals so you do not fill your small stomach with only liquids.

Be aware of nutritional deficiencies

Another change that you will have to make after bariatric surgery DC is that you will have to make sure that you are getting enough nutrients and you may be monitored for nutritional deficiencies.  Some bariatric surgery options Washington DC (specifically gastric bypass) can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies so you will have to read food labels carefully and visit your doctor regularly for checkups.  Visit www.medstarwashington.org to learn more about bariatric surgery options Washington DC.

Total Hip Replacement Washington DC due to Arthritis

Your hips are ball and socket joints on either side of your pelvis.  They allow motion and stability, but because they bear your weight they are susceptible to damage.  The most common cause of a break down of tissue in the hip is arthritis.  Arthritis can be mild, but when it becomes severe a total hip replacement Washington DC is sometimes needed.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause pain and limited movement in joints.  It can affect any joint in the body, but some of the most commonly affected joints are the hands, knees, and hips.  The cause of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis.  The two most common types are called osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis rarely requires hip replacement surgery DC

Rheumatoid arthritis is less common than osteoarthritis.  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues.  It causes inflammation of the joints and can affect how they look and function.  Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint, but it is most common in the hands so it is rare that rheumatoid arthritis leads to hip replacement surgery DC.

Total hip replacement Washington DC and osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.  Your joints have cartilage to help them move smoothly, and osteoarthritis is the break down of this cartilage.  It can lead to pain and limited range of motion.  It is one of the most common conditions to lead to hip replacement surgery Washington DC because it is usually worse in weight bearing joints.  It is usually caused by normal wear and tear, so those who are older and who are overweight are more likely to need hip replacement surgery DC due to osteoarthritis.

Hip replacement surgery Washington DC

When your doctor determines that the breakdown of cartilage in your hip is severe enough that medication and other nonsurgical treatments are not enough, he or she may recommend hip replacement surgery Washington DC.  During hip replacement surgery DC, your doctor removes the top of your femur and part of the socket.  Your doctor finishes your hip replacement surgery Washington DC by putting artificial parts in their place. To learn more about hip replacement surgery DC, visit http://www.medstarwashington.org/our-services/orthopaedics/treatments/hip-surgery/.

Diagnosing Pituitary Tumors Washington DC and Choosing a Surgical Treatment

Diagnosing pituitary tumors Washington DC usually includes imaging tests to determine the size and exact location of the tumor.  After diagnosis, treatment often includes surgery and the imaging tests can help your doctor decide what type of surgery is right for you.  The goal of the surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible.  This is usually done using an endoscopic procedure, but sometimes a procedure called a craniotomy is necessary.

Diagnosing pituitary tumors Washington DC and preparing for surgery

Before surgical pituitary treatments Washington DC, sometimes other treatments such as radiation therapy will be needed.  Radiation uses x-rays to kill cancer cells and can be effective before surgery by shrinking the tumor and making it easier to remove.  If the pituitary tumor is functional (meaning that it produces excess hormones) you may be put on medication before your surgery to block hormones and lessen symptoms.

Endoscopic pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC

Endoscopic pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC use a long flexible tube called an endoscope.  The endoscope has a light and a camera and sends the image to a screen so your doctor can see.  It is usually inserted through the nose, but sometimes it needs to be inserted through an incision behind your upper lip.  The doctor uses the endoscope and tiny tools to remove the tumor in small pieces.  This is the most common surgical pituitary tumor treatment Washington DC.

Craniotomy for pituitary tumors DC

If the tumor is very large or has affected the brain or nerves, your doctors may need to preform a craniotomy.  During this procedure, your doctor makes two incisions to access the brain through the skull.  Your surgeon uses endoscopic tools to see the tumor and nearby structures and removes the tumor.

After your pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC

After endoscopic pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC, most people need to spend a few days in the hospital.  After a craniotomy, more recovery time may be needed.  During this time, you will be closely monitored by nurses to track pituitary function.  You can learn more about pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC at www.medstarwashington.org/.

How to Get Around After ACL Reconstruction Surgery in DC

ACL injuries are brutally painful, not only physically but emotionally as well. As someone with an active lifestyle, it is difficult to imagine staying at home in bed while your ACL reconstruction heals. The good news is that living in Washington, DC has unique benefits that aren’t necessarily true of other cities: almost everything is accessible for those who can’t be active and on their feet. Read on to find out how to get around after ACL reconstruction surgery in DC.

Start at the Source

Hopefully, you’ve chosen a hospital that has a free shuttle service to allow you to get to check-ups and physical therapy easily. If you’re still in the process of choosing the hospital, consider this service the highest priority. This will significantly cut down the stress of commuting and will give you peace of mind knowing you won’t have to find a way to make it to your appointments. Free shuttle service for patients is not offered by all hospitals, so make sure yours does.

Act Like a Tourist

Staying at home to heal from your ACL reconstruction surgery DC may eventually leave you climbing the walls. Get out and see your city from the perspective of a tourist. There are tons of tour companies that allow passengers to sit and are wheelchair accessible. Many of them have a drop-off feature which allows you to get off at any tour stop and get back on when the next bus comes. Most monuments and museums to see in DC are wheelchair-accessible. You might learn something new about your city and have the time to explore all of the historically significant and beautiful features that make DC unique.

Find Others Recovering from ACL Reconstruction Surgery DC

They will have unique perspectives and advice that others may not have thought about. Some offer group gatherings and provide buses or transportation to get members to meet-ups, and some will simply suggest unique ways to get from your home to work. Either way, people who have gone through the frustration of getting around after ACL reconstruction surgery in DC will be a lifesaver. Good luck!

Bariatric Surgery in DC – Fun Things to Do While You Recover

Bariatric surgery takes an emotional toll on many people as they watch their bodies change and feel the pain from surgery. The worst thing you can do during this time is staying in your own head and question yourself, shut yourself off from loved ones, and become depressed. Instead, get out there and have some fun as you recover from bariatric surgery DC.

Take a Class

One of the great things about Washington, DC is the multitude of classes and adult education options that are available for free or cheap. Get a friend to go with you or just treat yourself to learning a new skill or talent. Sewing, drama, music, and language classes are all common classes available pretty much anywhere that will allow you to learn something new and meet people who share your interests.

Embrace Your Bariatric Surgery in DC

Take advantage of the countless restaurants in DC. Try a new restaurant that serves healthy, soothing food. You’ll feel great about treating your body to something good for it and start the new lifestyle you’ve been wanting for years. Once you’ve found a new treat, take a calming walk around DC. Enjoy the nature, buildings, statues, street art, and general serenity of DC. After you’ve fed your body and soul, you’ll know bariatric surgery in DC was the best decision you’ve ever made.

Gather Your Friends for a Photoshoot!

Get your friends together for an unofficial, silly photoshoot. Grab some funny props and find a secluded corner of a beautiful park in DC. Play some fun music and take turns being the photographer for each-other. Make funny faces and capture some candid pictures of each other laughing your heads off. Having an escape from the seriousness of the real world and recovery will be healing and comforting, and your pictures will last a lifetime!

Find a New Sport

There are tons of unique and fun sports that you can do while you recover from your surgery. Archery, calisthenics, gentle water aerobics, and frisbee golf are all sports that are really enjoyable. Many of them are even available at local hospitals! Just be sure to check with your doctor to see when you’re able to take on new physical activity. Is there anything better than getting fresh air and challenging yourself?