- Men's Health, Women's Health, Wellness, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhile many patients have success with safe, long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery, there are instances when revision of the surgery may be required. For those who are experiencing recurring complications, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe gastric reflux, or malnutrition, a qualified bariatric surgeon with expertise in revisional procedures can determine if corrective surgery is the right course of action. Candidates for revisional bariatric surgery may no longer be comfortable socializing or exercising, and they may be in pain or malnourished. In the case of severe gastric reflux, they may also be at high risk of esophageal cancer. The goal of revisional bariatric surgery is to correct the underlying problem by adjusting or removing an original bariatric device, such as a lap-band, and in some cases performing a new bariatric procedure that is more appropriate for the patient’s body and current condition. These include sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. Patients should expect revisional surgery to be more complex than their original bariatric surgery, which may include a longer recovery time; however, the revision should enhance their overall quality of life. Read the inspiring story of a patient who underwent revisional bariatric surgery. Author By Alex Gandsas, MD, a bariatric surgeon and director of AAMC’s Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program. To reach him, call 443-924-2900.
- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn recent years, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have increased substantially in popularity. They are commonly advertised as a “healthier” and cheaper alternative to cigarette smoking. Smoking e-cigarettes, an activity known as vaping, is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a method for smoking cessation. It is important to remember that e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Unlike FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies, such as the patch, lozenge and gum, which contain regulated amounts of nicotine, the nicotine found in e-cigarette cartridges can vary widely among brands. Without large scale, well-designed research studies it is difficult to determine the real impact of e-cigarettes both now and in the future. Furthermore, by appealing to teenagers and young adults, there is the concern that e-cigarettes usage will reverse the progress made in smoking prevention, as well as normalize smoking behaviors. A Battery-Operated Nicotine Delivery Device Let’s look closer at what an e-cigarette is. An e-cigarette is a battery-operated nicotine delivery device. Rather than inhaling smoke from burning tobacco, users inhale a vaporized liquid solution. In 2009, the FDA published a study that identified varying levels of nicotine in these solutions, even in some e-cigarette cartridges that claimed to be nicotine free, and known carcinogens including diethylene glycol, an ingredient found in anti-freeze, and nitrosamines. Although sale to minors is prohibited in Maryland, virtually anyone can sell or buy e-cigarettes. Convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores offer the most popular brands. Unlike traditional tobacco products there are no restrictions on Internet sales, which makes it relatively easy for youths to make online purchases. This may account for teen use of e-cigarettes doubling between 2011 and 2012. While e-cigarette manufacturers may claim they do not market directly to young people, flavored cartridges such as bubble gum, caramel and chocolate clearly appeal to children. And the industry has exploded. Revenues for e-cigarette companies have doubled every year since 2008, and the market exceeded $2 billion in 2013. A Lot of Unknowns for E-Cigarette Safety So, are they safe? While it is widely believed e-cigarettes are less toxic than cigarette smoking, there are no scientific studies to support this belief. Furthermore, there is no information as to the future effects of vaping or the effects of second-hand vapor inhalation. Most importantly, the lack of regulations for the e-cigarette industry leads to a wide variation in e-cigarette nicotine levels and potentially toxic substances in the vapor. Without scientific data establishing the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes, there is no basis for recommending them as an alternative to cigarette smoking. Combining counseling and medications is proven to be an effective way to quit. The FDA has approved several forms of nicotine replacement therapies, including gum, lozenges, transdermal patches, inhalers and nasal spray, as well as bupropion and varenicline (Chantix). Talk to your doctor about how to stop smoking. If you have teenagers, talk to them about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping. Ready to quit smoking? Learn more about smoking cessation programs at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Courses and individual counseling are free if you live, work or attend school in Anne Arundel County. If you live elsewhere in the region, our staff may be able to navigate you to free resources in your area so please call 443-481-5366. Author By Stephen Cattaneo, MD, medical director of Thoracic Oncology at Anne Arundel Medical Center. He may be reached at 443-481-5838.
- Behavioral Health, Women's Health, Uncategorized, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOne Friday, after a long day at work at Anne Arundel Medical Center, Christina Delfendahl decided she was done with cigarettes. She was literally tired of smoking after 16 years of the habit. A quick stop after work at the local pharmacy to pick up nicotine patches, and she was on her way to a new beginning. Christina was certain it would work this time. She tried to quit the year before, first cold turkey, then by using a prescription, then a few months later using specialized gum. She also attended free employee smoking cessation counseling at AAMC. The counseling provided support and resources, and the counselors developed a personal plan to help Christina cope with the ups and downs of quitting. Before she wasn’t quite ready to kick the habit, but now this pack-a-day smoker really wanted to do it. “I knew it would work this time because I was ready. I really wanted it. I knew it would be a few weeks with the patches and that made it easier to know there was an end not far away. It ended up taking four months with the patches before I was smoke-free,” says Christina. Christina adds that having a support system made a difference. “My co-workers had been encouraging me to stop smoking for long time and once I decided to do it, they were there to help me stick with it,” she says. It’s been almost one year since Christina quit and she feels great. Christina is doing CrossFit classes and enjoys having more energy, a better sense of smell and an overall healthy living lifestyle. As an added bonus, Christina set aside the money she would have spent on cigarettes, saving enough to buy a new bedroom set. Ready to quit? Learn more about smoking cessation programs at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Courses and individual counseling are free if you live, work or attend school in Anne Arundel County. If you live elsewhere in the region, our staff may be able to navigate you to free resources in your area so please call 443-481-5366. If you’re an employee, we have specific resources for you, too.
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Wellness, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat Susan Dennis says is most extraordinary about her life now is that it is so ordinary. In the last few months, she’s taken many long walks, gone to a baseball game, flown to Florida on vacation, and walked down the beach in a swimsuit. Nothing that unusual for a 40-year-old woman, except if you are Susan Dennis. Flash back a year, and Susan says you wouldn’t recognize her. She weighed over 300 pounds and had full-blown diabetes, high blood pressure and a host of other serious health issues. “I didn’t go out, I didn’t like seeing friends, walking was a chore,” Susan says. “I felt weighed down by myself, by everything. It wasn’t a happy existence.” A Lifelong Struggle Susan has struggled with her weight since she was 16. Over the years she tried fad diets, weight loss groups, even medically supervised prescription diets. But nothing worked. Finally, with her health in steep decline, her endocrinologist suggested bariatric surgery. At first, Susan balked at the idea. “I told her no. I thought it might be the easy way out and that I could do it on my own.” But as her health worsened, Susan finally realized she needed help. The Right Decision Susan decided to have gastric bypass surgery with Alex Gandsas, MD, who leads AAMC’s Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery program. Susan says she liked that the care felt “very personalized.” Dr. Gandsas says it’s essential to have a rigorous bariatric surgery program that addresses the whole person. “We are helping our patients engage in a different life,” Dr. Gandsas says. “The surgery helps them change course and shed weight, but it’s only one component. We want them to have all the tools they need to permanently succeed.” Intensive Help Before, and After At AAMC, weight loss patients begin preparing for surgery six months in advance with medical testing, diet, exercise, and nutrition counseling. And it doesn’t end there. After surgery, patients continue to receive careful monitoring and meal plans. Just 4½ months after her surgery, Susan was doing great. In addition to having lost 83 pounds, her blood pressure was down and her diabetes was fully controlled. What’s more, Susan says she’s happy all the time. “I just feel wonderful, I feel like I can take over the world.” But for now she’s content trying to live her extraordinarily ordinary life. Next on the list: yoga classes. To learn more about bariatric surgery at Anne Arundel Medical Center, please visit www.AskAAMC.org/WeightLoss.
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Wellness, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn 2012, Tammy Smith weighed 340 pounds. She attended a weight loss surgery seminar and decided to have gastric sleeve bypass. Her journey to new health habits began several months prior to her surgery, leading to a nearly 200-pound weight loss. Here’s Tammy’s story in her own words: Two years ago, I was very scared and nervous about the idea of bariatric surgery. I went to a seminar and met Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Alex Gandsas and he was amazing. After speaking with him, I decided to go through with the surgery to have the gastric sleeve bypass. The easiest part of the journey has been the surgery itself. There was very little pain. The hardest has been adjusting to a new way of thinking about food and establishing an exercise routine. But the program is set up for success by helping you adjust to new habits before surgery. Three months leading up to surgery, I met with the nutritionist in Dr. Gandsas office who guided me in the right direction. It was a lifestyle change that needed to take place in order to be successful. Each month, I picked two or three of the changes that needed to happen. I worked on making these changes every month until they became habits. As weeks went by the challenge was to make good choices and exercise regularly. I have lost 191 pounds. I started at 340 pounds and size 24. Now I am in a size 4. My journey has changed me. I love the new me. I never knew this life I now know could have existed. This surgery is not a quick fix or a magic procedure. It is about changing your way of life, not just a diet. Bariatric surgery is a tool in your tool box. Learning good eating habits and educating yourself about nutrition is key. For those who choose not to work out, the results will not be as great. The true test for maintaining and continuing my weight loss came after I lost my husband. Getting through the last six months has been a huge test to old eating habits. But I have stayed the course, and I know I will continue with my new lifestyle. I am so thankful for this program at AAMC. If you make the changes and do the hard work you will be successful! Learn more about bariatric surgery at www.AskAAMC.org/WeightLoss.
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