9th Jun, 2025
TL;DR: Aging weakens pelvic floor muscles, causing incontinence. Strokes and falls further increase the risk. Physical therapy can help, with surgery offering more significant improvements. Fear of incontinence-related leaks can cause social isolation, mental distress, and depression. Incontinence care for the elderly involves managing diapers and maintaining cleanliness to avoid skin breakdown. Surgery can eliminate the need for pads, leading to improved mobility and sleep.… Read more »
6th Jun, 2025
TL;DR: Weekly leaks, frequent bathroom visits, lost control, or changes in habits warrant medical attention for incontinity. Occasional leaks aren't alarming, but regular ones may signal weak bladder muscles. Urge (sudden need) and stress (laughs, lifts, runs, coughs) incontinence can cause leaks. Red flags include frequency, urgency, daily accidents, dark urine, pain, or blood. Incontinence can lead to mood and sleep disturbances; prompt address can… Read more »
30th May, 2025
TL;DR: Overactive Bladder (OAB) symptoms include sudden urination urges, frequent urination, nocturia, urge incontinence, and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Women may experience OAB more severely due to childbirth, menopause, and aging. Causes include nerve problems, hormonal changes, weak pelvic muscles, and urinary tract infections. Management includes behavioral changes, Kegel exercises, medications, advanced treatments like Botoxe, and potentially, severe cases might require surgical intervention. Natural… Read more »
16th May, 2025
TL;DR: Incontinence medications don't always work due to nerve signals misfiring, habits like caffeine intake overriding the medication effects, and the body developing a tolerance. Common medications like Anticholinergics and Beta-3 Adrenergic Agonists may help, but can stop working over time and have side effects. These medications also impact areas beyond the bladder like eyes, brain and gut. Effectiveness can be influenced by lifestyle and… Read more »
13th May, 2025
TL;DR: To manage incontinence: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks (like sodas), spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and salty snacks as they upset the bladder, cause more urination, or bladder irritation. Also avoid acidic/citrus juices, tomato-based drinks, artificial-flavored waters, drinking too much water at night, and certain teas like dandelion or green tea. Reduce consumption of acidic fruits, onions, garlic, pickled and fermented foods, vinegar, and chocolate… Read more »
30th Aug, 2024
As a bariatric surgeon and director, one of the most common questions I receive from patients is, "How quickly can I get bariatric surgery?" The timeline for bariatric surgery varies depending on several factors, including medical, insurance, and program-specific requirements. While it’s natural to want to undergo surgery as soon as possible, it’s important to understand that at least some of the process is designed… Read more »
16th Feb, 2024
It is not particularly difficult for most people to get approved for bariatric surgery, but there are some steps one usually must go through. In the United States, bariatric surgery is considered medically necessary, and so it is a covered benefit by most public and private health plans. This includes Medicare, government plans, and military plans like TRICARE, most state Medicaid plans, and most commercial… Read more »
19th Jan, 2024
Anyone living with obesity can tell you that the ramifications extend far beyond the physical. It's a health issue that affects every aspect of someone's life, and that includes financial well-being. Recently, there has been growing awareness of the discrimination obese individuals face in the labor market, which translates directly to reduced prospects and limitations on professional advancement. With that in mind, here's what obesity… Read more »
3rd Nov, 2023
Metabolic surgery, specifically gastric bypass, gained prominence forty years ago as an effective intervention for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic disorders. Patients who undergo gastric bypass usually experience substantial weight loss, diabetes reversal, and improvements in various metabolic parameters. However, a critical question that arises is, "How long does gastric bypass last?" Today, I'm sharing a current analysis of the long-term outcomes of… Read more »
15th Sep, 2023
Bariatric surgery is a safe, proven life-changing treatment that can provide significant health benefits to people struggling with obesity. But so much of the success of this transformative procedure hinges on the skill and expertise of the bariatric surgeon, which means it's really important to consider your options. Since choosing the right doctor is a critical first step toward achieving your weight loss and overall… Read more »