Blog Archive
Unfortunately, there are times when women develop symptoms from gallstones during pregnancy. These acute symptoms can range from mild to severe and may require hospitalization. A mild attack of gallstones which resolves spontaneously is called biliary colic. When a stone becomes lodged in the cystic duct, this causes more severe...
We have established that having a hernia does not necessarily require surgical repair. However, we also know that surgery is the only way to repair a hernia. When they find out about a hernia, many patients wonder whether it needs to be repaired urgently or ever. This decision is often...
Robotic assisted surgery is one of the largest steps forward in modern surgical history and has the potential to have even greater benefits in the future. Robotic surgery has made procedures that were once too complex to be performed open or laparoscopically, routine. Further, the visualization and dexterity improvements that...
Hernias are a very common condition, but only a small fraction of those who develop hernias get them repaired. There are two reasons for this…First, many hernias are asymptomatic, meaning they show no bulge and do not cause any pain. Therefore, patients may never know they exist. Other times, a...
With the advent of surgical mesh to cover a hernia defect, the tension-free method of repairing a hernia has become the gold standard. However, a small proportion of patients do not wish to have a mesh repair. These patients elect to have their hernia fixed without a mesh. For that...
Gallstones are very common in the general population and gallbladder surgery is one of the most frequently performed general surgical procedures in the United States. When gallstones become symptomatic, causing what is often referred to as a gallstone “attack,” the most reliable form of treatment is removal of the entire gallbladder.When patients...
One of the hardest things to do – bariatric patient or not – is to maintain proper diet and exercise when you take a trip either for business or pleasure. As we get into the spring and summer travel season, many of us will be taking trips that not only...
One of the most important decisions that a prospective bariatric patient can make, is choosing which weight loss surgeon is best for them. The key is to understand that there is no “best” surgeon for everyone. Rather, the surgeon that best addresses the patient’s needs is probably the right surgeon. Choosing a...
The Body Mass Index, commonly referred to as the BMI, is probably the quickest and easiest determinant of whether or not a patient may qualify for weight loss surgery. BMI is useful as a guide to surgeons and patients alike, measuring weight vs. height and ultimately determining whether a patient is...
As part of our dedication to advancement in the surgical field, Dr. Lublin now offers patients the option to undergo robotically assisted general surgery procedures – specifically the gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy. By combining traditional laparoscopic benefits with the assistance of a technologically advanced robot, Dr. Lublin can offer patients...
Whenever we embark on a new weight loss journey we set a magic number – an expectation of where we should be once the pounds are shed. For most of us, this number s a lofty goal that may or may not be realistic in the time frame we expect....
Stress, simply put, is one of the most insidious problems that the average American has to face. With lifestyles becoming more hectic by the year and technology adding so many new, sometimes unnecessary, dimensions to our lives, the stress of it all can be overwhelming. Stress can cause anything from...
Eating healthily day in day out after bariatric surgery is no easy task. Keeping healthy dietary choices intact while on the road is even harder. Many professionals who travel extensively for work make less than ideal dietary choices and often find themselves skipping the gym. The same goes for leisurely vacations. The...
How we motivate ourselves is an essential part of success after a bariatric surgical procedure. There are many different ways to self-motivate, some more productive than others. Some of these motivational techniques can be very effective and sustainable, while others may be downright destructive. It is important therefore to understand the...
The gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the most popular bariatric surgery procedures currently being performed in the United States. The procedure has become very popular with surgeons and patients alike as a result of its combination of simplicity and effectiveness. The sleeve gastrectomy was not always performed...
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting those of advanced age and is often exacerbated in those suffering from excess weight and obesity. Traditionally, osteoarthritis has been a disease that affects people as they get older however with the staggering rise in obesity rates throughout the nation, ever...
Any surgical procedure is a major concern in our lives. Of course, nobody wishes to undergo a surgical procedure; however over 15 million people in the United States every year undergo a surgery to address issues ranging from life-saving operations to aesthetics. While most of us are quite nervous before a...
A surgical procedure is traumatic. As such, the body responds to healing in different ways during its recovery. While recovery should never be rushed, there are ways to help ensure it is swift and successful. Quicker recovery often revolves around blood flow throughout the body. You may notice that immediately after...
Many experts now believe that one of the most common and detrimental nutritional deficiencies is that of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is most easily absorbed into our bodies through exposure to the sun. However, we have a significant choice…that of the benefits of Vitamin D and preventing skin cancer from...
Any surgical procedure, minimally invasive or open, simple or complex will come with a degree of pain afterwards. This pain, while unavoidable, can be managed effectively and mitigated with proper care, both in the hospital and after discharge. The key to pain management is open communication with Dr. Lublin and your...
Most of us have smart phones these days and while they have become somewhat of a distraction or convenience – depending on how you look at it – they can also be extremely useful in our weight loss goals after surgery. Smartphone applications have become incredibly sophisticated and there are...
When the gastric band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, it is connected by soft, thin tubing to what is called an injection port. This port is attached to the abdominal wall just beneath the skin and is used to allow us to modify the volume of...
Early detection is a critical part of surgical success whether it is a hernia, breast cancer, gallbladder problems or any other issue requiring surgical treatment. Recognizing the symptoms and acting upon them is critical to make sure the disease doesn’t progress causing more pain and eventually complications. Early detection is touted...
Naturally, one of the most significant concerns, both from a patient and their families alike, is the safety of any surgical procedure.First and foremost, surgery has become ever safer over the past several decades. Surgery is not the same as it was for our parents a generation or two ago....
While an ice cold beer or a fruity drink with an umbrella sounds great on a hot day, it may not be the best idea after surgery. Alcohol is not good for the waist, and some bariatric surgery patients may get intoxicated more quickly than before surgery. Further, carbonated beverages like beer...
One of the side effects of bariatric surgery is the potential, depending on age and skin elasticity, of excess skin. This is especially true for the arms, neck, thighs and in the abdomen. This excess skin occurs in about 40 to 50% of patients. Luckily, many bariatric patients are also candidates for...
A very common side effect of obesity and excess weight is joint pain as a result of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is broadly defined as age-related wear and tear on our joints – the breaking down of the fragile cartilage that separates our bones in the joints throughout our body. This cartilage...
The gastric sleeve, also known as the sleeve gastrectomy, is rapidly becoming one of the most popular weight loss surgery procedures available in the United States today. Initially conceived as the first part of a dual stage process – the second of which would usually be a duodenal switch – the...
There is no doubt that the first consultation is a fact finding mission, but it is also the very first impression that you will have of the surgical practice and that your surgeon will have of you. It is a time where trust can be built or broken and sets...
One of the most important parts of a successful post-bariatric surgery life is setting achievable goals. Goals are a part of our everyday lives and affect just about every facet of our lifestyles. Many of our goals are very lofty and not readily attainable. While this may be okay for...
No matter how minimally invasive or minor the surgical procedure, there will always be a degree of pain once the procedure is over and the anesthesia has worn off. Pain is of course very uncomfortable; however it is also an important part of recovery. The type and degree of pain...
Many of us believe that when we eat out less often, we are eating more healthily. While that may be the case for some of us, it is certainly not true across the board. Sometimes, we make the wrong choices at the grocery store that can add hundreds, if not...
Depending on the surgery being performed, there may be plenty of time to prepare for your surgery. It is important to take the time to understand what’s needed to make your surgery as effective as possible. You will receive an informational packet detailing exactly what you should do in the...
A common concern among our surgical patients is the question of paying for surgery. Indeed, oftentimes it is the cost of surgery that makes people wait until the absolute last minute before they undergo a surgical procedure. Some patients believe that since their symptoms are mild, they can wait and...
It’s important to mention first and foremost that bariatric surgery is not the right option for everyone. It’s also imperative that every prospective patient understands that they may not qualify for bariatric surgery. Finally, bariatric surgery is a very personal decision. It comes with requirements and a lifelong commitment. Prospective patients need to be...
Do you know the difference between real hunger and head hunger? Many weight loss surgery patients have a hard time distinguishing the difference, even after surgery. Head hunger has played such a huge part in our lives that real hunger, stomach hunger, is something we rarely, if ever consciously understand.Distinguishing...
Unfortunately, we don’t always have a choice when it comes to having surgery. However, we do have the choice of which surgeon to choose – and it is an important one. Following are just a few criteria to evaluate when choosing a surgeon for a non-emergency surgical procedure. Experience: Choosing a surgeon...
Whether it is a hernia repair, appendectomy or bariatric procedure, your recovery after surgery may set the stage for the eventual success of the procedure. Even the smallest and simplest of surgeries requires care and attention to prevent complications. You will feel weak and under-the-weather for a while after surgery – that...
When it comes to healthy eating, moderation is the key! Healthy eating is not about strict diets and depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, the ultimate goal should be to feel great about yourself, build self-confidence, increase your energy levels, and consume foods that your body needs.Eating smart...
I am often asked the difference between open and minimally invasive surgeryand when each is appropriate for hernia surgery and other general abdominal procedures. Ultimately, the answer can only be given after a consultation and thorough evaluation of your particular medical circumstances. Most procedures tend to be performed in a minimally invasive manner,...
Dr. Lublin is now performing his laparoscopic hernias through a single – less than 1 inch – incision in the belly button. Normally, this surgery is performed through three small incisions. Now, the surgery is able to be performed through a single incision. This results in a much better cosmetic...
Carbs or carbohydrates are a source of contention for many dieters. Many of us have a love/hate relationship with carbs and most of us would admit that when we decide to go on a diet, we cut out carbs first…sometimes entirely. Rather than avoiding carbs altogether, we should be aware...
New research shows proof that weight loss surgery can reverse and possibly cure diabetes.Two recent studies, which were published online by the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at an American College of Cardiology conference in Chicago, released that compared stomach-reducing operations to medicines alone for “diabesity,” which is type 2...
Due to the significant changes that your body will experience after weight loss surgery, most especially the restriction or malabsorption of calories or nutrients, you will need to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals. The degree to which you will need supplementation largely depends on how your body reacts to...
There was an excellent article last week in the Wall State Journal about hernias.Here is the link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203833004577249344022834000.htmlThe take home points of the article: 1) The laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias results in less pain and quicker return to normal activity when compared to an open repair. 2) More importantly, there...
Hernias should not be taken lightly. While many hernias can be small and not cause symptoms, hernias usually will enlarge or cause symptoms in the future. A simple elective operation to repair a hernia, scheduled when you have time to plan the day of surgery and allow for a period of...
Dr. Lublin was recently recognized as one of America’s Most Compassionate Doctors! The Compassionate Doctor certification is part of Patients’ Choice recognition program, where patients rate and vote for their favorite doctors.Please continue to visit Dr. Lublin’s profile listing on various websites such as Patients’ Choice, Vital, Google, Healthgrades and a...
What was the first thing you thought of when you first began to research weight loss surgery? If you’re like most of us, it was “losing weight, of course!” And while weight loss is the most measurable of the benefits associated with bariatric surgery, it is not the primary advantage. In...
Hear Dr. Matthew Lublin’s on KABC-TV Ch. 7 as they discuss the FDA accusing 1-800-GET-THIN centers of deceptive advertising.
Join us for a Free Weight Loss Surgery Seminar on Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m.Please fill out our seminar contact form below or call our office at (310) 828-3209 to attend a Free Informational Seminar with Dr. Matthew Lublin.Seminars are held at our Santa Monica Location on the 2nd and...
Hear Dr. Matthew Lublin on the NFL Network call in to discuss whether an appendectomy could keep Chiefs quaterback Matt Cassel out of Sunday’s game vs. the Chargers. This story aired nationally on December 8th.Click here to listen
Chiefs’ Cassel has appendectomy, return unclearBy ADAM TEICHERThe Kansas City StarThe Chiefs began preparing Wednesday for their biggest game in years without their starting quarterback.The Chiefs also face the possibility that Matt Cassel won’t play Sunday against the Chargers in San Diego. Cassel had an appendectomy Wednesday.The 8-4 Chiefs can take...