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Question: Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?
Answer:There are certain criteria for bariatric surgery. You may be a candidate if you:Continue Reading- Are over the age of 18
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater, regardless of the presence, absence or severity of comorbidities
- Have a metabolic disease, such as diabetes, with a BMI of 30 to 34.9
Guidelines also recommend adjusting the BMI threshold in the Asian population such that a BMI ≥ 25 suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with a BMI ≥ 27.5 should be offered metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Although the guidelines for surgery listed above are supported by medical research and population studies, most insurance companies will not consider coverage for metabolic surgery unless your BMI is greater than 35.
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Question: How can bariatric surgery improve my overall health?
Answer:Bariatric surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment for obesity. It can have overall health benefits like:Continue Reading- Increased ability for physical activities
- Improved fertility and hormone levels
- Improved quality of life
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved sexual function
- Reduced dependence on medications
- Reduced risk of disease
- Extended life expectancy
Studies have shown that many bariatric surgery patients experience remission of obesity-related diseases like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Prediabetes and metabolic syndrome
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Joint disease
- Back pain
- Fatty liver disease
- Asthma and lung disease
- Depression and anxiety
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Kidney disease
- Risk for numerous cancers
- Risk of strokes
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Question: What happens after the Nuss procedure?
Answer:Even though the Nuss procedure is minimally invasive, your child will need pain medicine and rest after the surgery. He or she will need to stay home from school for about three weeks.
For about six weeks after the surgery, your child should:
Continue Reading- Do all breathing exercises (this helps prevent infection)
- Walk or do other gentle exercises as recommended by the surgeon
- Avoid strenuous activity, including running
- Ride in the back seat to avoid possible trauma from an airbag in the event of an accident
Your child should not play sports that could cause a chest injury (such as football, soccer and baseball) until the surgeon says it's OK.
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Question: What happens during the Nuss procedure?
Answer:During the Nuss procedure, the following steps are performed:Continue Reading- The surgeon makes two small cuts on each side of the chest
- One or more bars are placed behind the breastbone and attached to the outer edge of the ribs; the surgeon will use a tiny camera to get the bars in the right place
- From there, the surgeon turns the bars, raising the breastbone
- A metal plate (called a stabilizer), sutures (stitches), or fiberwire will help hold the bars in place
The chest reshapes after 2 years, at which time the bars are typically removed as an outpatient procedure. Your child may return to normal activity, except contact sports, six weeks after surgery.
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Question: What happens after the Ravitch procedure?
Answer:Your child will need pain medicine and rest after the surgery. He or she will need to stay home from school until prescription pain medicine isn't needed.
For about six weeks after the surgery, your child should:
Continue Reading- Take all medicines as prescribed by the surgeon
- Do all breathing exercises (this helps prevent infection)
- Walk or do other gentle exercises as recommended by the surgeon
- Avoid gym class at school
- Not carry a backpack or other heavy items
- Avoid strenuous activity, including running
- Ride in the back seat to avoid possible trauma from an airbag in the event of an accident
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Question: What happens during the Ravitch procedure?
Answer:During the Ravitch procedure, the following steps are performed:
Continue Reading- An incision is made across the child’s chest
- The rib cartilage is reshaped
- One or more drains are placed under the skin to drain fluid from the surgery site
- A chest tube may be placed to prevent the lungs from collapsing before the incision is closed
In the months after surgery, the cartilage grows and keeps the breastbone in the new position.
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Question: What are the different treatment options?
Answer:The Ravitch (open approach) and Nuss procedure (minimally invasive approach) are two surgical options. We also offer intraoperative cryoablation therapy (temporary freezing of nerves) for postoperative pain management, which allows most patients to be discharged 2 to 3 days after surgery. Postoperative activity will be tailored for each patient based on surgical approach and condition. -
Question: What is pectus carinatum (pigeon chest)?
Answer:Pectus carinatum is when the sternum (breastbone) is pushed outward from the chest due to abnormal cartilage, causing a pigeon chest. The defect does not apply pressure to the heart or lungs, but can cause atypical chest pain and breathlessness on exertion. Carinatum defects can be treated non-invasively with bracing at almost any age, or surgically during adolescent years. -
Question: What is pectus excavatum (sunken chest)?
Answer:Pectus excavatum is when the sternum (breastbone) is pushed into the chest due to costal cartilage. The defect can apply pressure and displace the heart and lungs. Pectus excavatum correction surgery can be performed by pediatric thoracic surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Treatment options include the suction bell, Ravitch (open) surgical repair, and the Nuss (minimally invasive) repair. The defect typically worsens during adolescent growth spurts and can be corrected starting at 12 years old. -
Question: How do I pay my bill for AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Harker Heights?
Answer:You can pay your bill for AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Harker Heights by paying online or calling Call1-866-751-3326 to speak to billing. Learn more about this practice.