Men Man Up: Are you in a High Risk Category?

Being overweight and obese exacerbates many of the health issues facing men. Men tend to gain their weight in the abdominal area, which is related to the hormone testosterone, and people with extra weight in this region are at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. For men, a waist size of more than 40 inches is considered a risk factor for heart disease.

For some obese and morbidly obese individuals, diet and exercise are not enough. Seeking weight loss through bariatric surgery may be the only cure leading to improvement of overall health, including recovery from diabetes, improvement in heart disease risk factors and a reduction in mortality.

Many of the diseases that plague men are directly or indirectly related to obesity but are treatable, even curable. Recent studies have pointed to a lowering or correction of many of the following risks when weight loss surgery is performed. More information on these latest studies and findings can be found by clicking here.

If you are a man (or you love one), educate yourself on the issues and diseases you’re most at-risk for:

• Sixty to 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. People who are overweight or obese are far more likely to have heart disease, cancer, diabetes, strokes and heart attacks.
  
• Boys born in 2000 have a one-in-three chance of developing diabetes in their lifetimes. 85 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Moderate weight loss for those who are overweight and 30 minutes a day of physical activity can reduce chance for diabetes by more than 50 percent. Surgical alternatives have also been successful when medical treatments have failed. For the latest information on surgical options, click here.
• Men have to work harder to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. The best actions to take are to control blood pressure and cholesterol if they’re high; stop smoking; increase physical activity to 30 minutes per day, most days of the week; and eat more fruits and vegetables and less saturated or trans fats.
• Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death among all men, and while women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to succeed. A partner often recognizes symptoms of depression (which include acting overly anxious, trouble sleeping, complaining of feeling sad or helpless, engaging in unusually risky or reckless behavior and losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable activities) sooner than he does.
• Two-thirds of men older than 70 and nearly 40 percent of men in their 40s have erectile dysfunction. Men with ED report less enjoyment in life and are more likely to be depressed. Because of the connection between ED and blood vessels being in poor health, it can be an early warning sign for cardiovascular disease.

Take charge of your life at every age

Men of all ages should exercise, eat a healthy diet (think: high fiber and low fat), not smoke, perform monthly self-exams (paying special attention to breast tissue, moles and testicles for anything out of the ordinary) and schedule regular check-ups with their general physicians.

Men in their 20s should:

• Get a complete physical every three years, including checking your Body Mass Index
• Check your blood pressure every year
• Get screened for cancers of the thyroid, testicles, lymph nodes, mouth and skin every three years
• Have a cholesterol test for total, LDL and HDL every three years
• Have blood tests and a urinalysis, which, in addition to checking cholesterol, screens for diabetes, kidney and thyroid dysfunction, every three years
• Talk to your doctor about the need for a testosterone screening, which can detect erectile dysfunction and depression
• Follow up with a test for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Men in their 30s should:

• Follow all of the above, but begin getting complete physicals every two years
• Talk to your health care provider about the need for a baseline Electrocardiogram at the age of 30, with subsequent checks every three to four years

Men in their 40s should:

• Follow all of the above, but begin getting cancer screenings, blood tests and urinalyses every year
• Get a baseline prostate-specific antigen test and digital rectal exam at age 40. This should be continued annually if you are considered high-risk for these types of cancer.
• If you smoke, talk with your health care provider about the need for a chest x-ray, which can detect lung cancer

Men in their 50s and above should:

• Follow all of the above, but begin getting a prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal exam every year, if not already occurring
• Get a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, which detect colon cancers, every three to four years, or as recommended by your health care provider

For more information about how BayChoice Bariatric Center in Houston, Texas, can help you in the fight against obesity, smoking cessation and living healthier, contact Dr. Kenneth Hollis today at 281-482-5300.

Weight, Women and the Latest on Stroke Risk

Did you know that strokes are the leading cause of preventable death for both men and women in the US?

The CDC has recently documented that one-fourth of all heart attacks and stroke-related deaths are preventable. 

Do you know the warning signs? 
According to a recent survey of more than 1,000 women, only 51 percent recognized that sudden weakness or numbness of the face or limbs might signal the onset of a stroke. Even more alarming is less than half were aware that loss of speech was a sign. Even fewer – less than a quarter of the women surveyed – recognized that sudden severe headaches, unexplained dizziness or loss of vision could indicate a person was experiencing a stroke. 

What are high-risk categories for women and factors increasing your chances for a stroke?

Risk Factors

Overweight/Obesity 
It is estimated that 86% of Americans will be overweight or obese by 2030.

Obesity, defined as a body mass or BMI of 30 or greater, is another risk factor of stroke and increases as BMI increases – the larger your waist circumference, the greater your chances of having a stroke.

Weight problems affect both men and women; however, there is a higher chance of stroke in women. Abdominal obesity is more problematic for postmenopausal women. Carrying excess abdominal weight increases your chance of developing insulin resistance, high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular disease more so than fat distribution in other areas of the body. Post-menopausal women with a waist measurement larger than 35.2 inches and a triglyceride level higher than 128 milligrams per liter may have up to a five times greater risk of stroke.

Overweight individuals can lower their risk of stroke by doing the following:

•    Lose weight
•    Follow a Mediterranean-type or Dash diet
•    Eat foods low in saturated fat
•    Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
•    Exercise or be more active
•    Consider surgical weight loss options

Calculate Your BMI 
If your weight is placing you at greater risk for stroke and high blood pressure, and you have unsuccessfully tried losing weight through conventional means, then weight loss surgery may be right for you. Dr. Ken Hollis at BayChoice Bariatric & Digestive Center specializes in bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) for morbidly obese patients. To find out if your BMI is placing you at greater risk, please take advantage of our BMI calculator.

High Blood Pressure, or Hypertension 
Did you know that approximately 75% of post-menopausal women over the age of 60 have high blood pressure? While women typically have lower blood pressure for most of their lives, it changes as women go through menopause. Since women live longer than men, strokes affect them more.

Even those with mild hypertension can be at risk. Often people don’t have any symptoms with systolic blood pressures of 160-170 and they fail to get checked… going untreated can be a costly and potentially fatal oversight.

Atrial Fibrillation or AFib  
Atrial Fibrillation or AFib can be another risk factor causing the heart’s two small upper chambers (the atria) to quiver versus beating normally. This impacts the heart and body by not allowing the blood to be pumped effectively, causing blood to pool and clot. As a result, these clots can be pumped into the brain resulting in a stroke or ischemic stroke. The incidence of Afib is not known to be greater in women or men; however, it does increase with age with women over age 75 making up about 60%. Symptoms for Afib are not always apparent, with some people never experiencing the classic ones such as shortness of breath or a racing heartbeat. For these individuals, a home monitor is usually prescribed for diagnosis.

Pregnancy   
Pregnant women are at greater risk for stroke than those who are not pregnant. One reason for this is associated with a condition during pregnancy called, Preeclampsia. This is a complication which can cause increased blood pressure and protein in the urine. There are no symptoms associated with this condition and it must be diagnosed by a physician. Even many years later, women who have had preeclampsia during pregnancy have double the stroke risk of women who did not. Therefore the risk does not end after the birth of the child. 

History of Miscarriages 
Having a history of miscarriages is beginning to be linked to an increase in stroke risk, which is possibly related to undiagnosed clotting disorders. A warning sign can be multiple and recurring miscarriages. Being placed on an aspirin regimen or other anticoagulant should be considered. Overall, clotting conditions are seen more often in women than men and may be related to estrogen.

It is important to recognize stroke symptoms and act quickly. Reacting quickly can lessen the chances for permanent damage or death.

 

The National Stroke Association recommends the following guidelines with specific ones relating to women:

Common stroke symptoms seen in both men and women:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Women may report unique stroke symptoms:

• Sudden face and limb pain
• Sudden hiccups
• Sudden nausea
• Sudden general weakness
• Sudden chest pain 
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Sudden palpitations

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have any of these symptoms
 
Every minute counts for stroke patients and acting F.A.S.T. can lead patients to the stroke treatments they desperately need. The most effective stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within the first three hours of the first symptoms. Many Americans are not aware that stroke patients may not be eligible for stroke treatments if they arrive at the hospital after the three-hour window.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test:
 
F—FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A—ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S—SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

T—TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
 
NOTE THE TIME WHEN ANY SYMPTOMS FIRST APPEAR. If given within three hours of the first symptom, there is an FDA-approved clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
 
Learn as many stroke symptoms as possible so you can recognize stroke as FAST as possible. For more information about how BayChoice Bariatric Center can help you in the fight against obesity, please contact Dr. Kenneth Hollis today at 281-482-5300.

10 Tips to Take Your Life Back

Spring is a time of renewal, which means that it’s a great time to re-evaluate your health. Oftentimes we are so bogged down with work, family, community activities and other obligations that we fail to take time for ourselves. Whether you are preparing for bariatric surgery, want to lose a few pounds or just want to enjoy a healthier version of yourself, use these 10 tips to take your life back and charge into summer feeling refreshed and in control.

 

      1.     If you haven’t lately, see your doctor for a physical and discuss how you can become a healthier version of yourself. If nothing else, check your Body Mass Index to know where you stand in terms of a healthy weight.

       2.     Eat less, more often. Rather than eating three large meals a day, break up your calories into five or six meals. Your digestive system works more efficiently on a lighter load, and your blood sugar levels stay more consistent, which leads to fewer food cravings. Try our Simple Food Swaps for a Healthier You. 

      3.    Make a weekly meal plan and prepare food in bulk. Place the plan on the fridge so all family members can see it and can help with preparations. Take an hour or two on the weekends to prepare food for the week ahead so your prep time on weeknights is minimal and you can more easily stick to your nutrition goals.

4.     Drink more water. Substituting water for high-calorie or high-sugar beverages can help with weight loss and fitness goals. To increase your intake, drink water with, or after, every snack and meal, and keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day. 

5.     Get moving. Walking for short periods of time, several times a day, is a great way to start an exercise regimen. That activity can slowly be increased to 30 to 45 minutes of activity daily. Incorporate strength training to maintain muscle.

6.     Get more sleep. If you are currently getting around six hours of sleep a night, like the average American, just one more hour of sleep a night will help you feel more physically energized, emotionally resilient and mentally clear. 

7.     Get your head in the game. Hypnotherapy has been shown as a valuable component and adjunct to many medical treatments, including weight loss, smoking cessation, and being fit and healthy. BayChoice Bariatric Center’s certified hypnotherapist is experienced in maximizing positive results for our patients through behavioral changes.

8.     Get rid of negativity. If there are people in your life who consistently bring you down, spend less time with them. Cut back on your own negativity, be it about yourself or the world around you. Journaling feelings and participating in support groups can be great sources of strength and positive energy.

9.     Say no. Cut back on the activities in your life that don’t produce tangible results or lead you to success. Keep track of what you spend your time doing for a week. Are you spending an excessive amount of time watching TV, on social media or even volunteering for a board or community organization? Determine your true priorities and stick to them. 

10.  Keep track of your successes. Write down 10 of your strengths on a notecard and keep it with you. If you mess up at work, are dreading a difficult workout or have the urge to grab fast food, take it out to remind yourself of your positive traits and help break bad habits.

If you want to lose weight, stop smoking, live a fit and healthy lifestyle or have other behaviors you want to change, our hypnotherapy programs can help. And if you have unsuccessfully tried diet and exercise to lose weight and are obese or morbidly obese, let us discuss your bariatric surgery options with you. For more information about how BayChoice Bariatric Center can help you take back your life, contact us today at 281-482-5300.

Simple Food Swaps Ideas to Eliminate Unnecessary Calories and Be A “Food Fashionista”

See what’s Trending in Healthy Foods

Did you know that a series of simple food swaps throughout your day can eliminate many unneeded calories, leading to weight loss over time? Healthy eating doesn’t mean deprivation and it doesn’t mean giving up on taste, but rather making better choices about the foods you already enjoy. Whether you’ve undergone bariatric surgery, are trying to lose weight before surgery or are just seeking a healthier version of yourself, try these 10 swaps to look and feel better. 

    1) Choose AVOCADO over butter or mayonnaise. Whether as a spread on toast or condiment on a sandwich, a tablespoon of avocado saves you almost 80 calories over butter, and you’ll benefit from more fiber, vitamins and minerals.

2) Choose NUTS over croutons. For a healthier salad, replace carb-laden croutons with walnuts, which are high in polyunsaturated fat, a good fat that can lower LDL (or “bad” cholesterol) while boosting HDL (“good” cholesterol).

3) Choose ROMAINE LETTUCE over hamburger buns. You’ll still get the feel of picking up your burger to eat it, but you’ll save about 140 calories. Lettuce is a great substitute for tortillas on a burrito, fajita or taco as well. Lettuce Wraps are quite the trend so you will be keeping up those “foodie” fashionistas!

4) Choose RED WINE over cocktails. Red wine has about a tenth of the carbs of a margarita, and, when consumed in moderation, you’ll benefit from antioxidants believed to lower LDL and boost HDL.


5) Choose SPAGHETTI SQUASH over traditional spaghetti noodles. Even whole wheat spaghetti contains nearly 40 grams of carbohydrates in a cup, much more than the body typically burns between dinner and bedtime.

6) Choose HOMEMADE DRESSING over store bought. Drenching a salad in high-fat dressings defeats the purpose of those healthy veggies. Instead, drizzle salads with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice to keep the flavor while ditching the calories.


7) Choose GROUND TURKEY over ground beef. Ground turkey contains half the saturated fat of even 85 percent lean ground beef. While poultry is a better option than red meat, eating more FISH is one of the best strategies for reducing cholesterol through diet.

8) Choose QUINOA over rice or pasta. One cup of quinoa has 15 percent fewer carbs, 25 percent more fiber and 60 percent more protein than brown rice.


9) Choose POPCORN over tortilla chips. Though tortilla chips are a better alternative than potato chips, air-popped popcorn has 80 percent less saturated fat than tortilla chips and more than twice the fiber.

10) Choose FAT-FREE GREEK YOGURT over sour cream. Whether used as a garnish or in a sauce, use Greek yogurt to cut out excess fat without losing taste or texture. 

If you have unsuccessfully tried diet and exercise to lose weight and are obese or morbidly obese, you may want to consider bariatric surgery with BayChoice Bariatric Center in Houston, Texas, to improve your overall health. The U.S. National Institutes of Health recommends bariatric surgery for individuals with a body mass index of at least 40 and for those with a BMI of 30 who also have serious medical conditions. Bariatric surgery decreases the size of the stomach, reducing the amount of food an individual can eat, and can lead to significant long-term weight loss, as well as recovery from diabetes, improvement in cardiovascular risk factors and a reduction in mortality. 

For more information about how BayChoice Bariatric Center can help you in the fight against obesity, please contact Dr. Kenneth Hollis today at 281-482-5300.

What Are the Results from Gastric Sleeve Surgery and How Do People Adjust?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery – hear how our patients are winning the battle with diabetes and fighting heart disease
 

CG has transformed her life and changed her health over the last 5 months following gastric sleeve surgery performed by Dr. Ken Hollis of Clearlake, Texas. Many patients like CG are shedding pounds, trading a life of yo-yo dieting and high cortisol and blood sugar levels for a healthier chance to have normal blood pressure and be diabetes free. Partial comments can be read below and full testimonial found at http://www.baychoicebariatrics.com/Testimonials

These results are confirmed clinically in a recent Cleveland Clinic study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2012.[1] The findings are among one of the first randomized studies-the most rigorous of clinical trials-to compare surgery head to head against standard medical treatment. This study demonstrated that patients were more likely to lower blood sugar levels to normal after undergoing one of the three versions of available bariatric surgery than those treated with drugs, diets and exercise counseling.  

On average, the surgery patients in the study also lost five times as much weight as those grouped in the medical therapy arm with many of the patients being able to discontinue some of their medications prior to leaving the hospital. 

-CG discusses her experience with our readers and hopes to encourage those who are searching for answers. 

How Long Did It Take Before You Saw Results?

“ It has been over 5 months since I have had the Gastric Sleeve done and to date since the surgery, I have lost 44 pounds (228 now 184 and counting) and have gone from a size 20-22 to size 16-14.

What Were Your Treatments or Attempts to Lose Weight Prior to Surgery?

I tried everything out there, I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure and asthma, and my knees were killing me. After attending my 35^th class reunion and trying to keep up with my classmates I decided I needed to do something regarding my weight because I knew that I would not be here very long if I continued on the road I was on.”….

What Are Your Results Following Surgery?

“My doctor has lowered the dose on my blood pressure medicine. ….I have been taken off my sleep apnea machine and my asthma machine…..My future is to continue on this weight loss journey and to be in the best health possible. I think of how heavy a 10 pound bag of potatoes is and I think, how was it possible that I have already lost 4 of those 10 pound bags…Never in my wildest dreams..”

-CG

To read more testimonials concerning how our patients are getting their life back on track, please visit our website at  http://www.baychoicebariatrics.com/Testimonials. If you would like to receive a packet of information on the types of Bariatric Surgery Procedures or Behavioral Counseling for Weight Loss, please submit your information at http://www.baychoicebariatrics.com/Contact

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[1]Phillip Schauer, “Bariatric Surgery vs. Intensive Medical Therapy in Obese Patients with Diabetes”, NEJM March 2012.  Accessed January 10, 2014 at http://healthcare.utah.edu/bariatricsurgery/schauer2012.PDF

Love Your Heart – At Any Age

Did you know heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States?

Did you know that every minute, one of these women lose her battle with the disease?

The 60 to 70 percent of Americans who are either overweight or obese are at a higher risk for many health problems, including heart disease. Fortunately, even a modest weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds is proven to decrease the chance of developing heart disease.

The good news is that heart disease is preventable as long as women take charge in knowing and practicing heart-healthy habits. In honor of National Heart Month and the Go Red for Women movement, the American Heart Association and BayChoice Bariatric Center recommends the following tips for women at every age to love their hearts:

Women in their 20s should start practicing good heart habits, which includes scheduling regular checkups with your primary care physicians at least every five years.

·      Know the health-related numbers that impact your heart. Find out your cholesterol levels, and strive for less than 200 mg of total cholesterol intake daily. Understand your blood pressure reading, which ideally should be 120/80 mm Hg or less. Be careful not to exceed 1500 mg of sodium per day.

·      Be aware of your family history. If you have a family history of heart disease, your chances for developing it increase. Talk to your doctor about what this means for you.

·      Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Women who smoke have a 25 percent higher risk of developing heart disease.

·      Drink in moderation, which means no more than one drink per day.

·      Choose birth control carefully, which can be problematic for your heart if it increases blood pressure.

·      Eat balanced, healthy meals, with concentration on fruits and vegetables, fish, fiber-rich whole grains, and nuts, legumes and seeds.

·      Exercise three to four times a week for 40 minutes at a time.

Women in their 30s are often balancing a family and career, while also trying to maintain healthy habits. If you successfully avoid the conditions that put you at risk for heart disease until you turn 50, you’re far less likely to develop the disease.

·      Learn to manage your stress, which can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

·      Get enough sleep, which means six to eight hours a night.

·      Continue to make smart birth control choices, which can be problematic for your heart if it increases blood pressure.

·      Make time to eat and cook healthy, with concentration on fruits and vegetables, fish, fiber-rich whole grains, and nuts, legumes and seeds.

·      Continue an exercise routine three to four times a week for 40 minutes at a time.

Women in their 40s are typically run ragged taking care of spouses, children, parents and work obligations, but it’s imperative you also invest in your own health to prevent heart disease –for yourself and the people who count on you.

·      Worry less. Take 15 to 20 minutes every day to relax and practice stress management techniques.

·      Continue your favorite physical activities, or find time to incorporate 40 minutes, three to four times per week into your life. Jogging and yoga are excellent heart-healthy activities.

·      Give your heart the nutrients it needs, which also improves cholesterol and blood pressure. Concentrate on fruits and vegetables, fish, fiber-rich whole grains, and nuts, legumes and seeds. Lean meats and fat-free or low-fat dairy are also heart-healthy choices.

·      Get regular checkups. In addition to blood pressure checkups and heart-health screenings, have your blood sugar level tested by the time you are 45 as Type 2 Diabetes is most likely to develop in women after this age.

·      Make sleep a priority by striving for six to eight hours a night.

Women in their 50s will start to lose some of your natural defenses against heart disease, primarily due to hormonal changes.

·      Monitor changes in your body and talk with your doctor about how hormonal fluctuations can impact your heart health.

·      Get heart screenings. Get your cholesterol checked every five years, your blood pressure every two years, your blood glucose levels every three years, waist circumference as needed and BMI during every regular healthcare visit.

·      Watch what you eat. Concentrate on fruits and vegetables, fish, fiber-rich whole grains, and nuts, legumes and seeds. Lean meats and fat-free or low-fat dairy are also heart-healthy choices.

·      Get physical. If exercising has long been part of your routine, change up the types of exercise you engage in to keep things interesting. Incorporate core strengthening exercises, as well as those to increase bone density once a week. If you haven’t been exercising, start now by choosing activities you enjoy and starting slowly. 

Women in their 60s tend to have rising blood pressure, cholesterol and other heart-related matters, but keeping your risk factors under control can still prevent heart disease.

·        Be on the lookout for symptoms of heart disease. Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of heart disease had no previous symptoms. Women’s heart disease symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, back pain, jaw pain, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, and extreme fatigue.

·      Know your numbers. Be aware of your cholesterol levels (both HDL and LDL), Triglycerides, blood pressure and BMI, as well as what each of those mean to your heart health.

·       Keep moving. The older we get, the more difficult exercise can be. The recommendation is still 40 minutes a day, three to four times per week. Even short brisk walks for 10 minutes at a time can provide enough physical activity to keep your heart in shape. Light weight lifting, water aerobics and yoga are great options as you age.

·       Eat heart healthy. Concentrate on fruits and vegetables, fish, fiber-rich whole grains, and nuts, legumes and seeds. Lean meats and fat-free or low-fat dairy are also heart-healthy choices.

When diet and exercise aren’t enough

One third of Americans are overweight and another 35 percent are obese. For some obese and morbidly obese individuals, diet and exercise are not enough. Seeking weight loss through bariatric surgery may be the only cure leading to improvement of overall health, including recovery from diabetes, improvement in heart disease risk factors and a reduction in mortality.

For more information about how BayChoice Bariatric Center in Houston, Texas, can help you in the fight against obesity and heart disease, contact Dr. Kenneth Hollis today at 281-482-5300.