Q & A
Search Questions & Answers
-
Q:Question: What are the symptoms of heart valve disease?
A:Answer:The symptoms of heart valve disease can vary depending on the type and severity, but common signs include:
- Chest pain or discomfort: often felt as tightness or pressure in the chest
- Fatigue or weakness: unusual tiredness, especially during physical activity
- Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing, especially during exertion or while lying down
- Heart palpitations: irregular or racing heartbeats
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or abdomen: fluid buildup caused by the heart's inability to pump effectively
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: feeling faint or unsteady, often due to low blood pressure or reduced blood flow
- Fainting or near-fainting: caused by poor blood circulation or arrhythmias
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially chest pain or shortness of breath, it's important to seek immediate medical care so you can get evaluated by a doctor. Early treatment can help manage the condition and prevent complications.
-
Q:Question: Is mitral valve prolapse considered heart disease?
A:Answer:Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is not typically considered a form of heart disease, but it is a heart valve disorder. It occurs when the mitral valve doesn't close properly, causing one or both of its flaps (leaflets) to bulge (prolapse) into the left atrium during heartbeats. While many people with MVP experience no symptoms and live normal lives, it can sometimes lead to complications, such as:
- Mitral valve regurgitation: where blood leaks backward into the left atrium
- Arrhythmias: irregular heart rhythms, which can cause palpitations or dizziness
- Infections: in rare cases, MVP can increase the risk of heart valve infections like endocarditis
In general, MVP is considered a benign condition, but it can be associated with mild to moderate symptoms in some cases, and in rare instances, may lead to more serious heart problems. It's important to monitor the condition with regular checkups if diagnosed, but it doesn't usually fall under the category of heart disease.
-
Q:Question: Can the stomach stretch back out after surgery?
A:Answer:If you overeat or have an unhealthy diet, your stomach can stretch, which can lead to health complications.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYour stomach can stretch out after surgery if you constantly overeat or follow an unhealthy diet plan. This can lead to your body no longer feeling as "full" as it should, allowing you to eat more calories and gain weight.
A stomach pouch that stretches out too much can also lead to dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly through the stomach pouch without being properly digested and passes right to the small intestine and out of the body. Dumping syndrome can lead to nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and nutritional deficiencies.
-
Q:Question: What changes are required before and after surgery?
A:Answer:Since weight-loss surgery isn’t a “quick fix,” you’ll need to be willing to commit to a healthier diet and regular exercise before and after surgery.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerWhile bariatric surgery helps with weight loss, it's not a "quick fix." Patients need to be willing to commit to a healthier lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and regular exercise. This starts before surgery, as your doctor will ask you to change your diet by removing sugar and fat and increasing protein intake. You’ll also be asked to quit smoking and start a regular exercise program.
For the first few weeks after surgery, you'll be placed on a liquid diet. Soon after, your doctor and dietitian will help you create a bariatric-friendly meal plan. You'll start with soft foods before switching to solid ones and avoid foods that can be troublesome to your new digestive system. They'll also work with you on building mindful eating habits. You may also be asked to take nutritional supplements and continue regular physical activity.
-
Q:Question: What is the recovery time for bariatric sleeve surgery?
A:Answer:While every patient is unique, it generally takes three to six weeks to fully recover.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerEvery patient is different, but it normally takes three to six weeks to fully recover from gastric sleeve bariatric surgery. Pain management, limited diet and only light activity can be expected in the first few weeks after surgery. About a month post-surgery, most patients can return to a regular bariatric-approved diet and increase their activity level.
-
Q:Question: What are the risks of gastric sleeve surgery?
A:Answer:Immediate complications of gastric sleeve surgery include blood clots, sleeve leakage and nausea. Long-term risks include hernias, gallstones and nutritional deficiencies.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerSince this type of bariatric surgery is typically laparoscopic, the potential risk for complications is much lower when compared to more invasive procedures. Potential immediate complications include:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Excessive bleeding from the incisions or staples
- Infection
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sleeve leakage at the staple line
There are also potential long-term complications for bariatric surgery, such as:
- Depression or anxiety
- Dumping syndrome
- Gallstones
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Hernia
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Small bowel obstruction
-
Q:Question: What are the most common types of heart valve disease?
A:Answer:The most common types of heart valve disease are:
- Aortic stenosis: narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body
- Mitral regurgitation: the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium
- Mitral stenosis: the mitral valve becomes stiff or narrowed, obstructing blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle
- Aortic regurgitation: the aortic valve doesn't close tightly, allowing blood to flow back into the left ventricle
- Tricuspid regurgitation: the tricuspid valve leaks, causing blood to flow backward into the right atrium
- Pulmonary valve stenosis: narrowing of the pulmonary valve, which limits blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs
Each type can lead to complications like heart failure or stroke if not managed properly, so it’s important to talk with your health care provider about the right treatment for you.
-
Q:Question: How much weight can I expect to lose after surgery?
A:Answer:You can generally expect to lose 10 to 20 pounds in the first few months after surgery. It takes 12 to 18 months to lose 60 to 70% of your pre-surgery weight.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerGenerally speaking, bariatric sleeve surgery patients experience rapid weight loss within the first few months post-surgery, losing between 10 to 20 pounds. From there, it normally takes 12 to 18 months for patients to lose between 60 to 70% of their pre-surgery weight. Weight loss will slow down slightly after the first few months post-surgery. However, losing weight too quickly can be jarring to the body and harder to maintain.
-
Q:Question: Does cancer show up in blood work?
A:Answer:Yes, certain types of cancer can show up in blood work through markers that indicate the presence of cancer cells or other abnormalities. Early detection through blood tests and other screenings can lead to timely treatment, which significantly improves the chances of recovery.
-
Q:Question: How can I prevent cancer?
A:Answer:Many types of cancer can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure. Regular check-ups and screenings are also powerful tools in catching potential issues early, making treatment more effective.