I am searching for a doctor that performs the gastrointerstinal bypass surgery; however, I am clueless as to what line of practice to begin looking for. Could you please advise what area of medicine performs these surgeries?
Answer:
Dear Kimberly,
You need a surgeon that specializes in gastric bypass...weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery.
I looked at the website for the American society for Bariatric Surgery and found a link to Doctors in North Carolina. Hope this helps...and good luck...here's the link...
http://www.asbs.org/html/member/nc.html
please read this too...
http://www.locateadoc.com/AskADoc/Disclaimer_AskADoc.shtml
Julie Adinolfe RN
Question:
I pass out every time I see or hear something to do with medical treatments (such as taking blood, IVs, surgery, etc.) because I think about it too much and it's a fear of mine. I've had this problem for a long time but it seems to be getting worse because now I have a fear of passing out. What can I possibly do to just get over it and not let it bother me so much?
Answer:
Dear Becca, There are two ways to approach this problem. One can view it as a “simple phobia”, that is, as an isolated symptom, or, one can view it as part of a complex pattern in your life. In the latter case, one would explore this symptom as it fits in with the rest of your life, and try to help you reintegrate your life as a whole. If you saw me, that would be my approach, or, at least, my first approach. It is similar to a holistic approach to medicine in which the problem is not seen as an isolated thing, but as a symptom of problems with the patient’s overall health. Alternatively, there is a procedure for treating only the specific phobia that is presented. This is called desensitization. It involves training in relaxation and then gradually introducing thoughts and fantasies about the feared situation while maintaining the relaxed state. It is impossible to be frightened and relaxed at the same time. Therefore, if the relaxed state is maintained in the face of the feared situation, the fear is overcome. Desensitization is much faster than more comprehensive psychotherapy, but may leave some underlying problems untouched. Look in The National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (in your public library) for psychologists in your area who have expertise in anxiety disorders. If you want desensitization, look for someone whose orientation is Behavioral or Cognitive/Behavioral. If you want a broader approach to psychotherapy, look for someone with an Existential/Humanistic or a Psychodynamic orientation.
Question:
I have a history of pelvic adhesions from previous surgery (when I was 19). My last surgery was in 1991 and the doctor used barriers to try to stop the formation of adhesions again. It's been 10 years now, but I am having the same pains and symptoms as I've had with adhesions in the past. Is it possible for adhesions to return after the use of barriers? If yes, why? Also, I had a Dr. suggest possible ovary removal, if not hysterectomy to fix the problem. What are your thoughts. Thank you.
Answer:
Barriers, such as Interceed, are only somewhat effective in the prevention of adhesions. If you are having significant pain, surgery is the next step. If you are interested in future fertility, removing the uterus, tubes or ovaries should be avoided. If you are finished with child bearing, a hysterectomy, leaving the ovaries behind for hormonal support, may be helpful.
Question:
Dear Dr.
I had laser vision correction 4 days ago. The vision in my right eye is very good at 20/25. My left eye is only 20/40. That was at my post-op visit 2 days ago and my vision in my left eye does not seem to have improved since then. Is it typical for one eye to have better vision initially and will they balance out with time? I have some blurriness and haziness also and it is difficult to read. My vision before surgery was -10.5 diopeters with astigmatism. Will this make stabilizing my vision take longer?
Thanks,
Laura Smyser
meglover61@aol.com
Answer 1:
It is common for the eyes to heal differently, and your vision at this time is not a very good predictor of how it will be after 3-6 months of healing.
Andrew Caster, MD
You had a high correction before your
surgery, so it may be to early to say
what your final result will be. Many
factors play into this including dry
eyes, swelling and possible under or
overcorrection that may change at this
I had been having painful, heavy periods and pain with intercourse for about a year. I went in for my annual exam and my Dr. thought I may have endometriosis. He also noted that my cervix was "drawn" to the right. I had an exploratory lap. and was found to have "mild" endo. I was then started on birth control pills. I have only been taking these for a month. I am still having pain with intercourse. Will this ever go away? Do I need to speak with my doctor again or should I give it time?
Answer:
The pain may never improve without definitive surgery. THis would involve resecting the endometriosis (especially the uterosacral ligaments), not burning it as is usually done.
Question:
hi, i'm a 31 yr. old female and i believe i have "malocclusion"?
an overbite.my top row of teeth almost completely overlaps my bottom row of teeth when i bite..my question is that i've been reading on the net that braces is recommmended for correcting this..does it matter who does this or is it like a plastic surgeon who will create his version of molding depending on his style, the reason why i'm asking is i would like to create a more wider smile since my teeth now which are straight are very narrow and i would like it to expand more outward and also my chin seems to be a little weak, would braces also fix that or do you think i would have to have jaw surgery to correct that. please let me know your opinion about finding a good doctor if it does make a difference on how my outcome of appearance will be..thanks for your patience and time.
Answer:
Rachel, It sounds like you need an orthodontist. Find one who is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. You may need jaw surgery if you have such a deep bite. If so the orthodintist will direct you to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Question:
hi, i'm a 31 yr. old female and had liposuction twice on my abdomen, i'm 5'3 and 110 pd. 80%of my body fat seem to be in my stomach, my first lipo i wasn't satisfied because the moment i ate food i got fat bulges coming out on my sides and lower ab, so my doc. redid it, it seems to me that he took out pretty much all the fat out, but my waist is still fatty feeling, it seems like i have fat rolls, but i think that maybe it could be excess skin,when i tighten my abs it goes pretty flat but my skin feels and looks like an old lady's skin, kind of like "chicken skin" very loose but the rest of my body my skin is very tight, but the first time he did my lipo my skin was firm, do you think that maybe he took out too much fat?.. do you recommend a tummy tuck for this, i don't want to do lipo again, and if you do recommend a tummy tuck how is the scar situation for this and also what if i decide to get pregnant will that put me back to square one or worse with stretch marks, please help..thanks
Answer:
Dear Rachel,
The skin can only contract so much after liposuction surgery. If there was too much fat removed and your skin could not contract fully after its removal, you have excess skin. You do not say when the second liposuction was performed but, given that it was several months ago, you likely have skin excess. The only way of dealing with this is by some sort of tummy tuck, with a larger scar being necessary for the more skin that needs to be removed. If you are going to have children I would suggest that you wait until after pregnancy or else you will likely need to have the procedure repeated in the future.
Question:
Dear Dr., I had Lasek surgery less than a year ago. I would like to know if Lasek surgery can cause cataracts? I am 55 years old. Any information or direction would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Answer 1:
LASEK or PRK itself is not a known cause
of cataracts as the laser does not
penetrat through the cornea. Topical
cortico-steroids that are used in
refractive procedures can in some cases
cause cataracts after prolonged use
(many months or years), which is not
usually the case with refractive
surgery.
I have some questions that I would really appreciate a response to. First, I had breast implants done approximately 16 years ago (silicon) I was 25 years old at the time. I now am faced with "capsular contraction" (I believe that is what it is called, hardening and discomfort of the breasts). I would like to know what the success rate is for successfully replacing the implants and not having the problem reoccur. Is it possible to have the upper and lower eye lids lifted at the same time as this replacement surgery? Also, one question that I am very embarrassed about since I have never heard of this problem before, is there any surgery that would alter the appearance of "extremely" long vaginal lips, I take the word "extremely" from an obstetrition who must have felt that since I was in labor that I would not be sensitive to his remark "she has extremely large vaginal lips". Please answer this question, it has made me very self concious even though my husband says its great!
Answer:
Dear Donna,
The capsular contracture is a difficult problem and recurrence is common (at least 50% from published studies. It is reduced by the use of textured implants and also by placing the implants under the muscle (a less natural position but one which better "hides" the implant. Eyelid surgery can very safely be performed at the time of explantation, removal of the capsules and replacement surgery. The vaginal lips question is very common. Often women are uneven on the two sides and require evening of the lips. The labia minora (proper term) reduction is commonly performed in my practice (about once or twice per month) with excellent results. Make certain that they are not over reduced, your husband won't appreciate it.
Question:
On july 10th I had moh's surgery under my left eye, it was quite extensive and I've been left w/ a diagonal scar under my left eye beginning 1/4 of an inch under my tear duct and going towards my left ear. The scar is approximately 2 inches in length and I am having dermabrasion on the 19 of Sept. I would like to know what to expect, will I be in any discomfort, will it swell, and how long does it generally take to heal. Thank you for your time. I have visited a website on dermabraision and did get some information but I guess I feel I just need a little more positive thoughts. Thanks again.
Answer:
Dear Margaret,
I understand that you will be having dermabrasion on this scar. If the scar is narrow and not too depressed, this may help a little. In that area, dermabrasion is not the best treatment since the lower eyelid skin is very thin and fragile and does not lend itself well to mechanical abrasion. I would suggest that you visit with a plastic surgeon in order to explore the possibility of either scar revision if the scar is wide or thick and, if optimal from that viewpoint, laser resurfacing so that an adequate depth of resurfacing can be performed without danger to this very thin skin or your eye.