New Procedure for Chronic Acid Reflux Requires No Incisions

Living with chronic acid reflux requires patience, a restricted diet and lots of antacids. Many times, even that isn’t enough to deal with the problem.

I am pleased to announce that I along with Premier surgeon Dr. David J. Harrell are the first surgeons in East Tennessee to offer a new, incisionless surgical procedure that may improve chronic acid reflux, also known as also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and the problems that accompany it, such as heartburn, belching, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, hoarseness or change in voice and regurgitation of food. (more…)

Understanding the Difference between Obesity and Morbid Obesity

Obesity, having too much body fat, is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30. BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height. (more…)

Obesity and Depression

Studies indicate that obesity and depression are closely linked. People who are obese are more likely to be depressed, and people who are depressed are more likely to be obese.

In fact, a study conducted by the Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands, found that obesity increases the risk of depression in initially non-depressed individuals by 55 percent, and depression increases the risk of obesity in initially normal-weight individuals by 58 percent. (more…)

The Causes of Morbid Obesity are Complex

For those who are morbidly obese, the question of, “Why me?” can often enter the thought process. Others assume, as conventional wisdom tells them, that the problem is simply caused by overeating.

Morbid obesity, however, is not always the result of eating more calories than are burned. (more…)

Improving Outcomes after Thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy, the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, is a surgical procedure used to treat cancer and other thyroid disorders such as an enlarged thyroid (goiter) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

When I see patients with thyroid cancer, I always like to reassure them that thyroid surgery is fairly safe, and deaths from thyroid cancer are rare. Nevertheless, as with any surgery there are risks of complication, the degree of which vary according to the experience level of the surgeon. (more…)

Outcomes Best with Prompt Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal

A recent study concluded that, for best results, laparoscopic surgery to remove an inflamed gallbladder should be done within 48 hours of hospital admission. I’ve been performing surgery since 1997 and perform about 200 gallbladder surgeries each year. Based on my experience, I agree that when possible it’s best to conduct gallbladder surgery sooner rather than later. (more…)

Celebrities and Bariatric Surgery

Mention the word “celebrity,” and most of us think of beautiful faces and trim physiques. But even celebrities can struggle with their weight.

For celebrities battling obesity, bariatric surgery is becoming increasingly popular. Some, like Al Roker of NBC’s “Today” and Carnie Wilson of Wilson Phillips and GSN reality show “Carnie Wilson: Unstapled,” are very open about their surgery. Others, such as Star Jones, formerly of “The View,” deny that their weight loss is the result of surgery. (more…)

Surgical Remedies Help Combat Climbing U.S. Obesity Rate

Currently, one-third of adults in the United States are obese. According to a recent study, if current trends continue that rate will increase to one-half by 2030.

The report predicts that, as rates of obesity increase, there will likely be higher rates of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and some types of cancer. (more…)

Celebrating a ‘New’ Birthday

Patients who undergo bariatric surgery often refer to the date of their surgery as their new birthday. This designation is certainly fitting, as undergoing bariatric surgery in many ways marks the beginning of a new life. (more…)

Prosthesis ‘Works’ for Patient

If the average person suffered frostbite in a work-related accident and subsequently had to undergo a below-the-knee amputation, I’m guessing they would be less than enthusiastic about going back to work. Premier Prosthetic Center patient David Hay, however, is not the average person. (more…)