The exact cause of breast cancer isn’t fully understood, but a variety of factors contribute to its development. It’s likely a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle elements:

Your AdventHealth bariatric care team will educate you about the dietary changes you'll need to make after your surgery. You'll be limited to a liquid diet for the first few weeks, followed by soft foods for a few weeks, which will help your body adjust to eating smaller amounts of food. Additionally, you will want to avoid foods and drinks high in sugar or fat and focus on high-protein foods.

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can often be felt as a lump or seen on an X-ray. It can develop in different areas of the breast, including the ducts, lobules or connective tissue.

After your surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days so your doctor can monitor you for any surgical complications. Most patients fully recover within four to six weeks. However, everyone is different, so your recovery time may differ.

Bariatric gastric sleeve surgery is less invasive and complex than other surgeries, which leads to a quicker recovery time.

Initially, you can expect a follow-up appointment a few weeks post-surgery, then every few months until it’s been a year.

Heart valve disease can be caused by various factors, including:

• Aging: over time, heart valves may thicken, stiffen or develop calcium deposits, affecting their ability to function properly
• Congenital heart defects: some people are born with heart valve abnormalities that may affect the valve’s structure or function
• Infections: infections like endocarditis can damage heart valves, and bacteria or viruses can affect the valve tissue, leading to scarring or infection
• Rheumatic fever: a complication from untreated strep throat that can cause scarring of the heart valves, leading to long-term damage
• High blood pressure (hypertension): chronic high blood pressure can strain the heart and cause damage to the valves, particularly the aortic valve
• Heart disease: conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attack or heart failure can lead to valve problems, especially when the heart’s structure is affected
• Other conditions: diseases such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect connective tissues and lead to valve problems

Managing risk factors, like controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and treating infections early, can help prevent heart valve disease.

Preventing heart valve problems involves maintaining your overall heart health and managing your risk factors. Controlling high blood pressure through a healthy diet, regular exercise and medication when necessary is essential, as high blood pressure can strain the heart and valves. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and managing diabetes can reduce the risk of heart disease and valve problems. Smoking should be avoided, as it damages blood vessels, and excessive alcohol intake can also contribute to heart issues. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can help support your cardiovascular health.

Preventing infections, such as strep throat, and treating them promptly can lower the risk of rheumatic fever, which can damage heart valves. Regular checkups with a doctor allow for early detection of valve problems or other heart conditions, while awareness of any family history of valve disease is important for early intervention. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart valve disease and keep your heart beating strong.