As general surgeons, we see a wide range of concerns stemming from the intestines – small (also called the small bowel) and large (known as the colon). The intestinal tract is essential for our overall health because it can become diseased, and the microbiome or intestinal flora (normal bacteria) can regulate everything from insulin secretion and gluten tolerance to weight loss and maintenance. Of course, what we eat, and drink makes a significant difference in our overall intestinal health, so it stands to reason that we should discuss whether a gluten-free diet makes sense ..read more

You’ve had surgery to lose weight and settled into a gym routine that combines strength training or weightlifting for building muscle and some cardio for calorie burning. You probably feel great right now. You’ve likely lost a good amount of weight, and your body’s shape is starting to change for the better. You’ve also probably figured out your favorite cardio activities. But how do you make the most of building muscle and burning calories while avoiding injury? Let’s dive in ..read more

can be tricky, even with your closest friends and family. This can be complicated because some family members may not agree with your decision and may criticize you for the path you’ve taken. On the one hand, you may receive a great deal of support and excitement from certain relatives. With the holidays coming up, how do you navigate these differing ideas to ensure you stay on track and get the support you need ..read more

We must manage expectations when discussing the weight loss process after bariatric surgery. For many, this includes discussing realistic goals for how much weight should be lost (and how quickly). We try to temper expectations. Sometimes, patients set unrealistic goals or those that would not be achieved for several years and this leads to frustration and a feeling of failure. However, patients often find, especially in the first few months after surgery, that they may be losing significantly more weight than they expect and more than we suggest in their postoperative packet. There are many p ..read more

The effects and results of are a complex interplay of physical and psychological factors that help patients lose a significant amount of weight. But every patient is different, as are their motivations and abilities. As such, all patients are unique, and predicting results beyond the generalities is challenging, if not impossible. With that, many patients come into their consultation (sometimes even leaving it) with misconceptions and misunderstandings that should be fully understood before surgery. This article will discuss those and how we ensure patients understand the truth about their pro ..read more

Dr. Chang is a straight shooter and wants anyone to know the truth about the process. Having performed thousands of weight loss procedures, he has an outlook on losing weight that may be jarring for some and refreshingly honest for others. Let’s get right to it…how not to lose weight ..read more

As you probably already know, is a leading cause of hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension, along with several other weight-related concerns, make up metabolic syndrome, a significant risk factor for longer-term heart disease and congestive heart failure. While this is no secret, the medical community has not been all that great about educating patients on how obesity can cause high blood pressure. In this article, we will discuss just that ..read more

is an insidious disease affecting many parts of our bodies. It also has physical and psychological effects that can change someone’s life and lifestyle in a decidedly negative way. Unfortunately, with such a significant part of the population overweight and obese in the United States today, metabolic diseases and their consequences are becoming increasingly apparent. While the effects of obesity on many parts of the body and organs are discussed all over the internet, we are less apt to discuss sexual function, something that can be significantly impaired in individuals with obesity. For this ..read more

Before we start, it’s important to remember that there can be a significant difference between the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of a vitamin or nutrient and how much your body needs. For one, dietary allowances are based on somewhat older data that may or may not be compatible with what we know today. On the other hand, we don’t know the full breadth of interactions between supplements, nor do we understand exactly how an individual needs different levels based on their genetic predispositions and environmental circumstances. As such, before starting any supplementation regimen, it’s esse ..read more

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