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The most common questions I get in the sleep program have to do with the effects of weight loss and weight loss surgery in sleep apnea. I always respond with helping people understand Obstructive Sleep Apnea; what it is and why it occurs.  The definition for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is; “a cessation of breathing followed by a snore, then an oxygen desaturation.” That means - you stop breathing when you…

  What Happens When You Drink? We have all experienced the effects that come with drinking an alcoholic beverage or two.  Drinking alcohol can come with considerable costs also. Moderate amounts of alcohol can feel socially beneficial, but an excessive amount can cause a variety of negative consequences. Impaired judgement from excessive alcohol can cause people to over-consume empty calories and perhaps drive when they shouldn’t. It is important to…

Physical therapy plays an important role in your bariatric weight loss experience.  Physical therapists work with you during various points of your journey, both prior to and often after surgery.  They offer a pre-operative evaluation to start you on an exercise program appropriate to your level of function, activity level and/or mobility constraints.  They also provide post-operative care to address weight loss changes to your body, orthopedic problems and to…

From Left to Right: Dr. Brice Hamilton, Dr. Aaron Lloyd, Dr. Billy Helmuth, Dr. Stanley Hoehn & Dr. Kelvin Higa   Bariatric Center of Kansas City surgeons Stanley Hoehn and Brice Hamilton recently participated as faculty members for the course Enhancing the Bariatric Patient Experience, presented by the Johnson & Johnson Institute September 15 and 16, 2017. The J & J Institute presents specialized programs to healthcare providers as part…

  Christopher Still, DO, FACN, FACP, recently published an article in Bariatric Times that provided helpful insights into the world of sugar (“When in Doubt, Just say ‘NO’ to All Sugars”) -.  Specifically, he cited a certain type of sugar, fructose (or fruit sugar), as being detrimental for all people, not just those actively seeking weight loss.  But for folks on a weight loss journey, it can be especially harmful…

  Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. Globally, this deficiency affects 9-16% of adult women (1). Iron deficiency occurs when the levels of hemoglobin carried by the red blood cells are decreased. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that helps to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When hemoglobin levels are low, this causes the heart to work harder in order to…

When it comes to weight loss - cauliflower is a hot food trend lately in the low-carb spectrum. But do you know the weight loss benefits of eating this cruciferous plant? Cauliflower is a rich source of Vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption and acts as an antioxidant to fight off infections such as the common cold. It is also high in Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, folate, and fiber.…

  We are happy to report that, with the increasing demand for weight loss services in the Kansas City Metro Area, The Bariatric Center of Kansas City has expanded its services to more fully support the needs of bariatric patients. An additional office in Building A of the Shawnee Mission Health Prairie Star complex is now open for business at 23351 Prairie Star Pkwy, Suite A-305. (Our new office is…

Weight loss and medications after bariatric surgery article written for ObesityHealth.com by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez June 16, 2017 Should you continue your medications after weight loss surgery? Will reducing the medications effect how you feel? What medications do you advise against? What can you expect long term? These are just a few of the many questions I answer on an almost daily basis. I understand you have concerns, you’re worried…

June is National Fruit and Vegetable Month, which fits nicely with our discussions about bariatric health. What better way to celebrate than to shop at your local farmer’s markets for fresh produce? Other than the benefit to your bariatric health, there are many benefits to buying fresh produce from our local farmers. Here are our top reasons for shopping local: Buying local produce contributes to your community and its economy.…