Our Bariatric & General Surgery Blog
Advanced GERD Procedure Restores Quality of Life to MTA Officer
When avid gym goer and Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) police officer Christopher Matzinger began having trouble breathing during his routine workouts, he grew frustrated and concerned.
“It’s easy to take something routine like breathing for granted, until you can’t do it,” said Matzinger.
Upon consulting with his general practitioner, Matzinger was diagnosed with asthma. Still, the 39-year-old remained committed to making physical activity a priority despite daily sore throats, which he then attributed to allergies. But when he began to gag and throw up stomach acid at the gym on a regular basis, he knew something else medically was going on.
- 1 in 5 people in the United States experience GERD
- 20 million patients are on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), 38 percent still have symptoms
- 10-15 percent will develop Barrett’s esophagus
- These individuals have a 40 times greater risk of developing esophageal cancer
Inhalers, allergy shots and a slew of medications failed to provide him with relief, so Matzinger set out on a quest for answers. He researched his symptoms and advocated for several diagnostic tests, including two endoscopies, which confirmed he was experiencing “silent acid reflux,” a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort in the throat. Wanting the very best treatment, coupled with very best care, Matzinger turned to NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island for help.
Maintain Your Inspiration After Bariatric Surgery!
Physical action and movement in fulfilling your dreams can rekindle the Spark but, without incorporating your mind and spirit into the process, any achievements may be short-lived. Here are some ways to incorporate your mind and soul into the steps you take…
Winthrop Surgical Associates Welcomes Dr. Jun Levine
NYU Langone Long Island Surgical Associates is very pleased to welcome Dr. Jun Levine, a highly skilled and experienced bariatric and general surgeon, to our practice. Dr. Levine adds yet another layer of expertise to our practice and represents a key part of the continued growth in our multi-specialty surgical program.
Presenting Our New Online Weight Loss Surgery Seminar
One of the first steps you will take toward renewed health with bariatric surgery is attending a weight loss surgery seminar. During your research you may have noticed that most bariatric practices offer some kind of seminar before their consultation; and there’s good reason. The seminar is a way for you and other patients to meet the members of the practice, learn about the procedures available, and understand how those options may or may not be suitable for your particular circumstance. Bariatric surgery is not an easy decision, and understanding more about what is involved, both during surgery and in life after surgery, can make the process and decision far less daunting.
Expansion of the Winthrop Surgical Associates Hernia Surgery Program
Hernia surgery is the most commonly performed general surgical procedure in the United States. Over 1 million hernias are repaired every year, 800,000 of which are inguinal or groin hernias. Despite the prevalence of hernia repair there are still many considerations of surgery and as a result, some patients experience recurrence or other complications that require further treatment.
Too Many to Choose? Comparing GERD Treatment Options
One of the fastest growing cancers in the United States is that of the esophagus. This is, in part, due to the staggering increase in untreated or undertreated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD also known as chronic acid reflux. As a result, novel treatments are being developed to improve or eliminate acid reflux with the ultimate goal of preventing reflux-related discomfort and esophageal cancer.
NYU Langone Long Island Surgical Associates prides itself on offering a wide range of treatments for GERD. However, we also understand that choosing which procedure is best can be overwhelming, especially with so many and varied options. Below, we will briefly discuss each procedure, however a consultation with a qualified surgeon such as those here at our practice is the best way to fully understand the options. Before we begin
8 Things You Need to Know About Bariatric Surgery And Pregnancy
Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term solution for morbid obesity and its positive effects extend far beyond simple weight loss. Many women who are of childbearing age have reduced fertility as a result of being obese. Undergoing bariatric surgery can, in some cases, allow patient to become pregnant after surgery.
What Is Bariatric Surgery, Really?
Bariatric surgery has developed an inaccurate reputation as the “last resort” for those needing to lose weight. With that being said, the reputation is well-deserved as the term weight loss surgery is, rather unfortunately, used interchangeably with bariatric surgery. And while a bariatric procedure’s most obvious effect is weight loss, the true benefits lie in the improvement or resolution of obesity related diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes and sleep apnea.
Expectations After Bariatric Surgery
You’re going to do it! You’re having weight loss surgery and you are suitably excited. You know that bariatric surgery has been proven to help people lose weight, but you’ve also been cautioned that surgery is not a magic bullet that simply zaps away that excess weight. This is why it is so important for us to discuss patient expectations of bariatric surgery.
Before you read on, take a moment to gather your thoughts and the current expectations you have of your surgeon and the procedure you’ve chosen. You may even wish to write them down and discuss them with your bariatric team to ensure that they are realistic. In the meantime, we will go over a few key points before your consultation.
Family – A Great Help or a Potential Hurdle?
You’re all set to go. You’ve done your research, found a bariatric surgery practice, had a consultation, and completed all the insurance requirements. Our office just called to advise you that you’ve been approved for surgery! You’ve saved enough to pay your out of pocket fees – everything is perfect…well almost. Now you just have to tell your family.
You may have already told several family members that you were thinking about weight loss surgery. But by their reaction, you might be hesitant to mention it again. Your family loves you, you know they do. But, despite their best intentions, it’s still hard to understand why they would be against something that you know will be so good for you. Something life-changing.