Blog Articles

Why Your Weight and BMI Are Important Barometers of Your Overall Health

The weight crisis in the United States is serious — and it’s predicted to get worse in coming years — so it’s important to understand the impact that carrying excess pounds can have on your overall health.

Feb 2nd, 2025

When Does a Hiatal Hernia Require Surgery?

You’ve been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, and you’re wondering what your future holds. More specifically, you want to know whether surgery is on the horizon. Let’s take a look at when surgery might be the right decision.

Jan 2nd, 2025

5 Compelling Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

Each year in the United States, surgeons perform between 40 million and 50 million procedures. Minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy are used in a majority of them because of the many benefits of this approach.

Dec 2nd, 2024

When Crohn's Disease Becomes Surgical

Life with Crohn’s disease can be challenging as you try to minimize the impact that this inflammatory bowel disease is having on your quality of life. One route that 80% of Crohn’s patients take is surgery.

Nov 1st, 2024

Understanding the Difference Between Lap-Band and Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Over the years, millions of Americans have gotten a boost in their weight loss efforts with surgery. Two of the standouts in this arena are the gastric sleeve and the Lap-Band, and we review them here.

Oct 10th, 2024

What Are the Benefits of Removing My Gallbladder?

You’ve been hanging in there with gallbladder disease, but the pain and discomfort are wearing you down and you really need a way out. That exit strategy will likely involve removing your gallbladder.

Sep 18th, 2024

Is Your Thyroid Goiter a Candidate for Surgery?

There’s some growth in your thyroid gland — a goiter — and it’s starting to lead to symptoms. Is it time for thyroid surgery? The answer to this depends upon a number of factors, which we review here.

Aug 8th, 2024

Does Diverticulitis Require Surgery?

Millions of Americans are living with diverticular disease. Not all of them require surgery, not by a long shot, but enough do to make it one of the more common surgeries in the United States. Learn more about surgery to address diverticulitis.

Jul 1st, 2024

When Surgery Might Be Your Best Solution for Acid Reflux

Your struggle with acid reflux has been a long one, and you still haven't found a solution that’s making any meaningful dent in the problem. It might be time to explore whether surgery holds the key.

Jun 18th, 2024

Why a Colonoscopy Is Such an Important Screening

Each year, 15 million Americans take advantage of an important cancer screening by having a colonoscopy. Here’s why you should join these ranks in taking smart steps to safeguard your health.

May 9th, 2024

Are You a Good Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

You feel like you’ve been dieting since you can remember, but you have disappointingly little to show for all of the effort. While there's no such thing as a magic bullet, weight loss surgery can provide a big leap forward.

Apr 1st, 2024

Healing From Gallbladder Surgery: What to Expect

Your gallstones have arrived at the point where surgery is the next best step. Aside from near immediate relief from your symptoms, here’s what you can expect as you heal after we perform your gallbladder surgery.

Mar 7th, 2024

5 Warning Flags of Appendicitis

Each year in the United States, more than 300,000 appendectomies are performed to avoid the potentially life-threatening complications of appendicitis. Here’s how to recognize when you might have this infection.

Feb 1st, 2024

3 Signs That Your Inguinal Hernia Can Benefit From Surgery

Each year in the United States, doctors perform about 1 million inguinal hernia repairs, helping scores of people — mostly men — find relief. If you’re wondering whether your hernia can benefit from surgery, read on.

Jan 17th, 2024

Is Diverticulitis Serious?

Anytime you see a word ending in “itis,” it usually indicates inflammation or infection. In the case of diverticulitis, this infection is in your colon — and serious complications can develop.

Nov 2nd, 2023

Why Preparing for Your Bariatric Surgery Is Paramount

Preparing well for your weight loss surgery is not only important for your health during the procedure; it sets you up for success afterward. Here’s how, and why, we want you to prepare for your bariatric surgery.

Oct 1st, 2023

What It Means When Your Colonoscopy Reveals Polyps

You’ve undergone a very important screening — a colonoscopy. This effort was well worth your while because we found, and removed, some polyps during the procedure. So, what does that mean?

Sep 1st, 2023

How to Change Your Diet for Less Hiatal Hernia Discomfort

Did you know that more than half of people over age 50 have a hiatal hernia? Fortunately, many of these hernias don’t cause any symptoms, and when they do, diet can often help keep discomfort under control.

Aug 1st, 2023

5 Signs of an Overactive Thyroid Gland

When you have an overactive thyroid gland, the signs can be subtle or may be confused with other conditions. Here, we look at five of the most common side effects of hyperthyroidism to help you recognize a potential issue that warrants treatment.

Jul 13th, 2023

Recognizing the Signs of Gallbladder Disease

Your gallbladder is probably one of those organs you don’t really consider all that much, until it begins to make itself known due to a problem. When you have gallbladder disease, the symptoms are difficult to miss, and we review them here.

Jun 5th, 2023

When Medications Can't Control Your Acid Reflux

Americans are no strangers to acid reflux, a condition that affects about 20% of the population. If medications and lifestyle changes are falling short of remedying your acid reflux, surgery may hold the key to relief.

May 17th, 2023

What Causes Goiter and Does It Require Surgery?

When you have goiter, an abnormal enlargement of your thyroid gland, there are many different treatment possibilities — from hormone supplementation to surgery that removes all or part of the gland. Get answers to your goiter surgery questions here.

Apr 12th, 2023

Who Should Have a Colonoscopy and How Often?

The ability to screen for a serious illness, such as colon cancer, is one preventive measure you shouldn’t pass up. Here’s a look at a few rules of thumb when it comes to scheduling your colonoscopy, a potentially life-saving procedure.

Mar 12th, 2023

Myths and Facts About Weight Loss Surgery

You’re toying with the idea of weight loss surgery, but you have some concerns. Here, we look at a few of the common misconceptions about bariatric surgery to help you make an informed decision.

Feb 15th, 2023

The Worst Foods for Your Gastrointestinal Health

Diarrhea, constipation, gas — these are just some of the unfortunate side effects of an unhealthy gut. If you want to avoid these uncomfortable issues, you’d do well to steer clear of certain foods.

Jan 11th, 2023

Signs You Have Appendicitis (And What to Do Next)

Most people spend their lives blissfully unaware of their appendix, but for the 250,000 who develop appendicitis each year in the United States, the small organ can become a medical emergency. Here’s a look at the symptoms of appendicitis.

Dec 9th, 2022

Lumps In Your Breasts? They May Be Benign

With a 13% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, women are, understandably, concerned when lumps form in their breasts. Breast lumps are common in women (and in some men, too), and they aren’t always cancerous.

Nov 13th, 2022

Is Surgery the Only Way to Get Rid of Gallstones?

Nearly 1 million people are diagnosed with gallstones each year in the United States, but not all of them require surgery. Here’s a look at when gallbladder surgery is the best course of action.

Oct 11th, 2022

How Do I Know Which Weight Loss Surgery is Right for Me?

You’ve decided to take the important step of improving your health through weight loss surgery. Now, you’re faced with some choices, and we want to help break them down for you. Here’s a look at the options we offer.

Sep 14th, 2022

5 Tips to Help You Prepare for Surgery

Preparing for most things in life can improve outcomes and smooth the way forward, which is certainly true when you’re facing surgery. Whatever type of surgery you’re having, these five preparation tips will help you through.

Aug 9th, 2022

Does a Hiatal Hernia Heal on Its Own?

Spoiler alert: Hiatal hernias (or any hernia, for that matter) don’t heal on their own. But there are ways to manage the condition to avoid surgery. That said, surgery sometimes may be required. Here’s a closer look at hiatal hernias.

Jul 13th, 2022

5 Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

If, like millions of others, you struggle with acid reflux, there are many things you can do to better manage the condition that don’t involve medications or surgery, starting with the five tips we outline here.

Jun 1st, 2022

Do All Hernias Need to Be Surgically Repaired?

About 1 million hernia surgeries are performed each year in the United States, making it one of the more common procedures. If you're wondering whether you need to join these ranks, read on.

May 1st, 2022

Where Do You Fit on the Body Mass Index?

When it comes to assessing your weight, one of the frontline tools is the body mass index (BMI) calculator, which measures your body fat based on your height and weight. Here’s where your results fit in.

Apr 3rd, 2022

Should You Have a Colonoscopy This Year?

Deaths attributed to colorectal cancers have been dropping over the past several decades, and colonoscopies play a very large role in this decline. Here’s a look at when you should undergo this important cancer screening.

Mar 7th, 2022

5 Tips for Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery typically isn’t one that’s made overnight but after years of trying, unsuccessfully, to lose weight. With that decision made, there are a number of things you can do to prepare so everything goes smoothly.

Feb 1st, 2022

What Role Does My Thyroid Play in My Body?

Body temperature, metabolism, heart rate — these are just three of the many areas in which your thyroid plays a role. Here’s a look at the large influence this small gland has in your body.

Jan 4th, 2022

What Are Colon Polyps and Why Should I Be Concerned About Them?

You understand that you need to screen your colon for certain signs of cancer, which includes polyps. What exactly are colon polyps and what role do they potentially play in colon cancer? We explore these questions here.

Dec 7th, 2021

Recognizing the Signs of Appendicitis

While your appendix serves no real purpose, it can be life-threatening when it’s in trouble. To help you recognize when there’s a problem, here’s a look at some of the more common signs of appendicitis.

Nov 5th, 2021

Signs You May Need Reflux Surgery

Your acid reflux is resisting your every effort to get it under control, or you’ve developed a hiatal hernia — these are the two scenarios in which reflux surgery can help you find much-needed relief.

Oct 6th, 2021

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Hernia Pain

There’s a good case for not ignoring pain of any kind. Here, we look specifically at the pain and discomfort that can come with a hernia. The good news is that there are solutions that can bring you relief.

Sep 6th, 2021

5 Important Habits for Long-Term Colon Health

When your colon isn’t in good health, the effects are not only uncomfortable; they can also be life-altering — and even life-threatening. Here are five steps you can take to support colon health and avoid disease.

Aug 10th, 2021

Is Weight Loss Surgery for Anyone Who’s Overweight?

You’re struggling to lose weight, and you want to know whether weight loss surgery is an option. The short answer is: It depends. What it depends on is complicated, so we review candidacy for weight loss surgery here.

Jul 27th, 2021

4 Benefits of Routine Colonoscopies

Life is uncertain, so when you’re presented with a potentially life-saving step, you want to seize the opportunity. This is certainly the case when it comes to getting your routine colonoscopy. Here’s why.

Jun 20th, 2021

Recovering From Thyroid Surgery: What to Expect

When it comes to surgery of any kind, knowing what to expect beforehand can make the recovery process much easier. Here, we provide a brief review of what you can expect after thyroid surgery.

May 4th, 2021

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Acid Reflux

You’re tired of struggling with acid reflux, which always seems to be lurking around the next meal. If you want to avoid having indigestion hijack your overall wellness, here are a few lifestyle tips to remember.

Apr 1st, 2021

What Do Gallstones Feel Like?

Nearly 1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with gallstones each year, and about one-quarter of these cases require treatment thanks to debilitating symptoms, which we cover here.

Mar 2nd, 2021

Weight Loss Surgery: Why Emotional Support Matters

There’s little doubt that weight loss surgery can be life-altering — physically, mentally, and emotionally. While the surgery may take only hours, you still have a long road ahead of you, and you need all the support you can get.

Feb 3rd, 2021

Do Hernias Ever Heal on Their Own?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia, your first question is bound to be about treatment options. **Spoiler alert: Most hernias don’t go away on their own. Here’s what you should know.

Jan 1st, 2021

What to Expect After Gallbladder Surgery

Each year in the United States, 1 million people have their gallbladders removed. If you’re about to join this growing number, here’s a look at what you can expect after gallbladder surgery.

Dec 29th, 2020

5 Signs of Thyroid Disease

Your thyroid is one of those organs you give little thought to — until something goes wrong. Here’s a look at five of the more common signs that you may have thyroid disease and when you should seek help.

Nov 1st, 2020

Don't Put Off Your Colonoscopy

Yes, the thought of a colonoscopy may be off-putting, but there are two important things you should consider. First, this simple procedure can save your life. Second, it’s really not as bad as you think.

Oct 1st, 2020

10 Foods That Trigger Acid Reflux

If you suffer from acid reflux, there’s much you can do to control the condition through your diet. In the following post, we list some common triggers that you should avoid to help you keep your acid reflux in check.

Sep 21st, 2020

Recognizing the Signs of Gallstones

Many people have gallstones and aren’t even aware of the condition, but when gallstones produce symptoms, prompt treatment is important. Here’s a look at how you can recognize the signs of problematic gallstones.

Aug 13th, 2020

Understanding the Difference Between Malabsorptive and Restrictive Weight Loss Surgery

With more than 42% of the population in the United States tipping the scales into obesity, many are turning to weight loss surgery to gain control of their health. Here, we review the two approaches to this type of surgery.

Jul 15th, 2020

5 Foods That Promote Good Digestive Health

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who struggle with digestive issues, you know how problems in this area of your health can hijack your overall well-being. To fight back, here are five foods that can help boost your digestive health.

Jun 15th, 2020

What Triggers Cholecystitis?

Approximately 20 million people in the United States have gallstones, but only 20% of this number are symptomatic. Among the more common causes of symptomatic gallstones is cholecystitis‚ and we review this condition here.

May 22nd, 2020

Improve Your Health With Our Weight Loss Surgery Options

If you’ve struggled with obesity, dieting to no avail, weight loss surgery can provide you with the push you need to finally shed those dangerous pounds. Here’s a look at some of the more effective options when it comes to bariatric surgery.

Apr 17th, 2020

Abdominal Pain: Do I Have a Hernia?

There are many different types of hernias, and each has its own telltale warning signs. Here, we review the most common hernias and whether your abdominal pain may be signaling a problem.

Mar 12th, 2020

Common Thyroid Disease Symptoms

Your thyroid is one of those areas of your body that you may not think about much until there’s a dysfunction that forces you to take notice. Here’s a look at some of the more common signs that you may have thyroid disease.

Feb 1st, 2020

Chronic Acid Reflux: Top Treatments for GERD

Americans are no strangers to gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux — in fact, between 15% and 30% of the US population has GERD. While medications and lifestyle changes can go a long way, surgery can also help with more severe cases.

Jan 1st, 2020

Here's What Happens to Your Body When Your Thyroid Is Imbalanced

Under normal circumstances, you don’t really give your thyroid much thought. But if there’s an imbalance in the hormones this gland produces, your thyroid suddenly takes center stage. Here are some of the warning signs of an imbalance.

Dec 1st, 2019

Losing Weight Lowers Your Risk of These Chronic Conditions

It’s been projected that by 2020, more than 150 million Americans will be suffering from a chronic disease. Almost across the board, weight loss can have a positive impact on these diseases, even reversing them. Here’s a look.

Nov 1st, 2019

What Does the Gallbladder Do and What Happens When It Malfunctions?

The gallbladder is part of your digestive system, so it’s no surprise that digestive issues spring up when this small organ isn’t functioning properly. Prompt treatment can help you feel better and restore healthy digestion.

Oct 1st, 2019

Why Are Men More Susceptible to Hernias?

Hernias are often thought of as a man’s problem, and for good reason. Compared to women, men are much more likely to develop a hernia. The good news is laparoscopic repair means fewer complications and faster recovery.

Sep 1st, 2019

3 Types of Thyroid Problems That May Require Surgery

Thyroid problems are common, and most of them don’t require surgery. However, when you need it, thyroid surgery is a safe, effective way to treat a variety of thyroid issues to restore your health.

Aug 9th, 2019

Preparing for Your First Colonoscopy

The thought of having to prepare for a colonoscopy can cause feelings of dread. The good news is that most patients tolerate it well and find it much easier than anticipated, especially if you implement some handy tips.

Jul 12th, 2019

Considering Weight Loss Surgery? Here’s the 101

Desperately needing to lose weight and having little success can leave you feeling hopeless. Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term solution if you’re severely overweight. Here’s what you should know about this often life-saving procedure.

Jun 21st, 2019

Does Having Gallstones Require Surgery?

Gallstone attacks tend to come on suddenly and quickly become worse. If you have gallstone attacks it’s unlikely that your condition will improve on its own. Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment for gallstones.

May 30th, 2019

How to Prevent Hernias in an Active Job

There are many types of hernias. The most common — inguinal hernia — occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through a weak area of the abdominal wall. Having a physically demanding job puts you at risk.

Apr 17th, 2019

Symptoms You May Not Realize Are Being Caused by Gallbladder Disease

Problems with your gallbladder can cause a number of symptoms — including pain in the upper right or middle part of your abdomen as well as other symptoms you might not associate with gallbladder disease.

Mar 21st, 2019

Why Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery Is Such a Great Option

With today’s advancements in laparoscopy, surgeons can perform many of the same surgical procedures but with a reduced risk for complications and with a shorter recovery time. Learn how this minimally invasive surgery can be a great option for you

Feb 1st, 2019

Why Reflux Surgery Might Be Necessary

When medication fails to adequately control your acid reflux symptoms, you have another option for treatment. Reflux surgery effectively treats acid reflux to bring you relief and prevent damage to your esophagus.

Jan 9th, 2019

How to Prepare for Your First Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a painless test that helps gauge the health of your colon, including identifying polyps that may develop into cancer. Find out how to prepare for your first colonoscopy and why your commitment to the prep is so important.

Dec 12th, 2018

Life After Gallbladder Removal

What happens after gallbladder removal? You may notice some temporary changes in how your stomach reacts to certain foods, but you can take practical steps to speed your recovery and help your body get used to life without a gallbladder.

Nov 21st, 2018

Warning Signs of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is most often curable when treated early. Learn more about your thyroid gland’s role in your health as well as the early warning signs of thyroid cancer and how we treat it.

Oct 25th, 2018

What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery?

When it comes to surgery, there are two words you want to hear: minimally invasive. Laparoscopy is one such technique that delivers excellent results without the collateral damage of traditional surgical techniques.

Sep 14th, 2018

6 Tips to Mentally Help You Prepare for Weight Loss

Effectively preparing will ensure that you get the best result possible while reducing stress and minimizing your risk of complications. Here are six tips to mentally help you prepare for your upcoming weight loss surgery.

Aug 27th, 2018

Are You A Candidate for Acid Reflux Surgery?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic heartburn condition that left untreated, can damage parts of your digestive tract. Some people with frequently occurring reflux episodes can benefit from minimally invasive surgery.

Jul 23rd, 2018

How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Find out how you can lower your risk and even prevent colorectal cancer from developing.

Jun 8th, 2018

Weight Loss Surgery of Major Benefit for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Weight loss surgery has a long history of proven results. It’s especially beneficial for patients with Type 2 diabetes and has life-altering effects that can transform your health and quality of life.

May 11th, 2018