If you are considering weight loss surgery, you probably have a million questions running through your mind. Any type of surgery is a big step to make, and many types of bariatric procedures will require commitments that extend far past your recovery period. It isn’t wise to enter the operating room without a thorough understanding of what you’ve agreed to. Here are some common questions our patients ask before choosing weight loss surgery.

Am I Good Candidate?
Weight loss surgery is not for patients who are struggling to lose a few stubborn pounds here and there. Most doctors will only consider doing bariatric procedures on obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or those with health complications caused by their weight. Bariatric surgery might help people struggling with type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or heart problems.

What Are My Options?
Plantation General Hospital offers four types of weight loss surgery:

• Gastric Banding
• LapBand
• Gastric Bypass
• Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Resection

Each patient will fit best with one of these approaches, depending on lifestyle and BMI. Consulting with a bariatric surgeon will help you decide which method will work best for you.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe?
Although all surgeries carry some risk, weight loss surgeries are very safe procedures with low rates of complications. However, some procedures will require a strict diet and lifestyle change so the patient remains healthy after the procedure takes place.

How Will My Lifestyle Need to Change After Surgery?
Although some may call weight loss surgery an “easy way out,” much effort is needed from patients after their procedure is complete. Eating habits often must be adjusted, not only to maintain their achieved weight, but to protect their health. Pregnancy might also need to be avoided for a certain amount of time. Before signing up for surgery, discuss with your doctor what kind of lifestyle changes your selected procedure will require, and determine whether you can make the commitment.

For more information about weight loss surgery at Plantation General, visit our bariatric department’s website. If you have more questions, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® hotline at 1-888-256-7724 at any time.

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Choosing an obstetrician is an important decision. By definition, this person will be your primary medical resource through pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. Here are some factors to consider when searching for just the right doctor.

Your healthcare network and coverage benefits. The medical expenses associated with pregnancy and childbirth add up quickly. Review the specifics of your health insurance coverage and determine if it’s important to you to choose an in-network doctor.

Convenience. It’s common to see your obstetrician more frequently as your pregnancy progresses. While convenience isn’t likely to be your primary reason for choosing one doctor over another, it may play a part in your decision.

Certifications and experience. Board-certified obstetricians have passed a test given by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. An obstetrician’s experience can range from residency training to years of post-residency work.

Services offered. Many obstetricians also practice gynecology and can perform annual exams and other routine gynecological services. However, some do not and in such a case, you would need to see a gynecologist for those procedures.

Areas of specialization. Some obstetricians specialize in areas such as high-risk obstetric care or reproductive endocrinology. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may or may not need such specialized care.

Affiliations with hospitals and/or birthing centers. If you plan to give birth at a specific hospital or birthing center, be sure that a potential obstetrician has work privileges at your place of choice.

Point of view. Talk with a potential obstetrician about his or her thoughts on writing a birth plan, inducing labor, Cesarean section and more to help determine if his or her views on these matters are similar to your own.

Personality. Consider how comfortable you are talking with a potential obstetrician and whether or not he or she shares ideas and encourages questions.

When you need an obstetrician, Plantation General Hospital can help. We are affiliated with many wonderful obstetricians and gynecologists. Just call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7724 for a referral.

Sources:

American Pregnancy Association

CNN Health

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If you’re expecting a baby, you may wonder about your due date, what color the nursery should be, and what names to consider. But before you get ahead of yourself, remember that you have a precious life growing inside you. The best way to protect that little life is to take care of yourself.

Here are some important guidelines to consider.

Get checkups. As soon as you know you are pregnant, create a schedule of appointments with your doctor. Be sure to stick with the schedule, since different issues are evaluated at each checkup.

Eat well. Remember that everything you eat and drink will affect your little one, too. So start your baby off right be eating lean meats, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. This balanced diet will provide key vitamins and minerals for the baby—and for you. Watch out for certain foods that could carry disease. These include soft cheeses (for example, Brie and blue cheese), raw eggs, unpasteurized milk, raw or undercooked meat (including sushi), and fish with high levels of mercury. Talk to your doctor about specific questions you have.

Take supplements. Your doctor will likely prescribe prenatal vitamins that are high in folic acid and iron, as well as other nutrients.

Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids while you are pregnant. Your blood volume has increased dramatically, so extra water will keep you hydrated.

Get exercise. You don’t want to overdo it, but getting some exercise every day can help prevent excess weight gain, prepare you for childbirth, and improve your energy level. Try swimming or walking. Some yoga studios also offer classes specifically for pregnant women.

Rest up. It is really important that you get enough sleep while you are pregnant. This helps keep your body healthy, which is critical for both of you. As your baby grows, you may find it hard to get comfortable, so try sleeping on one side with a pillow between your legs. Some women also find it more practical to sleep in an easy chair. Talk to your doctor about what options can work for you.

Avoid harmful substances. When you are pregnant, be sure to avoid anything that can hurt your baby, including tobacco, recreational drugs, and alcohol. Also completely avoid or limit caffeine. Try to stay away from cleaning product fumes, insecticides, second-hand smoke, and other chemicals. If you get a cold or other illness, be sure you talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter medications.

Enjoy yourself. In the months before you give birth, be sure to spend some time doing things you love. Go to movies, go out to dinner with your partner, and go shopping with your friends. Your life is about to change, so take advantage of all the “me time” you can right now!

To learn more about staying healthy during pregnancy, contact Plantation General Hospital. We offer a wide range of classes that can help you get ready for childbirth and prepare you for caring for your baby. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7724 so we can answer all your questions.

Sources:

Staying Healthy during Pregnancy (Kids Health)

Healthy Pregnancy (WomensHealth.gov)

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All women hope that they will have easy, healthy pregnancies. Unfortunately, even some of the healthiest women can experience high-risk pregnancies.

Here some of the more common variables that can place you in the high-risk category.

· Being under age 17 or over 35

· Having a history of heart disease

· Having a history of smoking, alcohol, or drug abuse

· Living with high blood pressure

· Being obese

· Having kidney problems

· Having an autoimmune disorder

· Having a sexually transmitted disease

· Living with diabetes

· Having a history of cancer

· Leading a sedentary lifestyle

There are also a number of medical conditions that can develop during the course of your pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about those issues.

If your doctor has labeled you a high-risk pregnancy, there are steps you can take to cope and stay healthy.

Get informed. While your doctor’s goal is to explain all the risks, don’t immediately panic. The truth is that less than one-quarter of all pregnancies dubbed high-risk require any sort of intervention. Discuss with your physician why exactly you have been placed in this category and what you can do to alleviate the risks. Staying informed will give you the peace of mind you need to deal with any challenges ahead.

Ask for help. Juggling your everyday responsibilities may seem overwhelming when you are pregnant. Don’t be afraid to let your partner, friends, and family members assist you. They will likely be happy to lend a hand.

Cope creatively with bed rest. While unpleasant, sometimes bed rest is an unavoidable consequence of a high-risk pregnancy. If possible, try to avoid bed rest in the hospital, as the atmosphere can cause extra stress. Stay in street clothes if possible and maintain your daily grooming routine as much as you are able. Also be conscious of the risk of depression. This is a treatable illness that can easily result from feelings of isolation and boredom.

If you have questions about pregnancy or maternity care, contact Plantation General Hospital. Our Maternity Services department offers classes, tours, and other useful information. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-866-442-2362 if you need a referral to an obstetrician in Central Broward County.

Sources:

Parenthood.com

National Institutes of Health

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