Choosing a Doctor for Bariatric Surgery - What Questions Should You Ask?

Q1. What types of bariatric surgery do you perform?
There are two primary types of bariatric surgery plus the newer gastric banding surgery.
Bileopancreatic diversion bypass & Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass
In both bariatric bypass surgeries, a small pouch is created by stapling a portion of the stomach. The small intestine is then attached to the stomach so that food bypasses the upper part of the small intestine (the duodenum). This results in significantly reduced food intake and the patient also feels full sooner. With both of these techniques, the patient loses most weight in the first year, and weight loss is usually complete by the end of the second year. Both procedures are permanent and cannot be reversed.
Gastric banding involves placement of a silicone band around the upper stomach to restrict food intake. This slows the passage of food to the lower stomach, resulting in the patient feeling full sooner. This band can be inflated or deflated to reduce or increase the size of the passage between the two stomachs. This surgery is done laparoscopically and has the least recovery time. In some cases, this surgery can be done on an outpatient basis.
While the two bypass surgeries may limit the foods the patient can tolerate, the banding procedure only limits quantity. Over time, patients who undergo gastric banding may be more likely to regain the weight lost.
Read our Bariatric Surgery Glossary for additional information.
Q2. If you prefer one bariatric procedure over the others, could you explain why? What are the factors you use in deciding which to perform?
The Roux-en-Y procedure is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure and produces good weight loss, usually up to 50 to 60 percent of excess weight in the first two years. It is less invasive than the bileopancreatic diversion surgery, can be done laparoscopically in some cases, and recovery time is usually quicker. It has a lower risk of complications and nutritional deficiencies.
Laparoscopic banding (also known as lap band) is the least invasive but requires a great deal of patient compliance to achieve maximum weight loss. Gastric banding also requires frequent doctor follow-up at to adjust the band. It is reversible when weight loss is complete.
Q3. Are there any things that might disqualify me for the surgery?
• Active substance abuse
Active substance abuse is an immediate disqualifier. You must not be actively using any addictive substances, other than physician-prescribed medications, at the time of surgery. You must also be able to abstain from alcohol for a period of time before and after surgery.
• Untreated mental illnesses
Personality disorders such as schizophrenia or depression, are also a cause for disqualification. You must be able to show that you understand the nature of the surgery and the lifestyle changes required, and that you are willing to comply.
• Life threatening disease
If you have a life-threatening disease, such as cancer, that is not likely to improve with weight loss, you may not qualify for bariatric surgery.
• Non-compliance with other medical treatments
A failure to address diabetes or other treatable conditions will also disqualify you.
Q4. What types of ongoing support do you provide for your patients? Do you have support groups at your clinic or do you refer patients somewhere specific?
As with other weight-loss programs, bariatric surgery requires significant lifestyle changes. A support group is important both before and after the surgery. There are support groups in the community, often offered by hospitals or clinics.
Following surgery, the support group will provide you with tips as you learn new behaviors. It will also give you a place to find support for the physical and emotional changes you are going through from others who have also had the surgery.
It is important to remember that you will need a local lap band post-operative care center for your adjustments. If you decide on medical travel instead of a local surgeon, be sure to discuss this post-operative care need with your doctor.
Q5. How long have you been performing bariatric surgery and how many of that specific type of surgery that you are recommending has the doctor performed?
Bariatric surgery is medical specialty that requires training and ongoing continuing education. Look for a doctor who has done many surgeries and don’t be afraid to ask his success rate, including his complication and mortality rates.
Ask your doctor if he has done a residency or fellowship in weight-loss surgery.

Colon Cleansing Diet Before Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy screening is a recommended procedure for those over the age of fifty that screens for colon cancer or other abnormalities. If you've had bleeding from the rectum, a relative with colon cancer, or other health condition that could indicate possible colon problems, a colonoscopy may be recommended even earlier.

In order to prepare for this procedure, it's necessary that you follow a diet that will aid in cleaning out your bowels. The foods, beverages and medications we ingest can affect the way the colon looks, altering the accuracy of a colonoscopy. A colon cleansing diet can help you be best prepared for this procedure.

Homemade Colon Cleansing Diet

A homemade colon cleansing diet can help you completely eliminate the contents of your colon. Foods rich in fiber and lots of pure water are the primary staples you'll need to focus on. High fiber foods and lots of water will help you easily eliminate the contents of your colon.

* Drink filtered or purified water. Use a filtration system that can be attached to your sink or a filtration pitcher to purify your water. Alternatively, you can purchase bottled purified water, although this may be more costly.
* Eat a variety of vegetables. Organic vegetables are preferred because non-organic foods could contain toxins from pesticides. Most vegetables contain fiber, but dark, leafy green vegetables are those with the highest fiber content. Try broccoli, lettuce and squash.
* Choose high fiber fruits. Again, choosing organic is the preferred option. Apples, oranges and berries are particularly high in fiber.
* Try a juice cleanse. If you choose, you can modify this colon cleansing diet by substituting whole, fresh fruit juices in place of fruits.

A homemade colon cleansing diet can be followed for about three days. Your regular diet should be incorporated gradually, to avoid shocking your system and causing gastrointestinal upset.

Following a colon cleansing diet before a colonoscopy benefits you by allowing your provider to achieve the most accurate results from the procedure. In addition, you'll experience many pleasing side effects from following a colon cleansing diet. Your skin will look clear and healthy and you'll find yourself with more energy. You'll be free of constipation, aches and pains and you may even experience weight loss.

Many individuals who have tried a colon cleansing diet to prepare for a colonoscopy have enjoyed the benefits so much so that they incorporate the principles of a colon cleansing diet into their daily lives or undertake a colon cleanse periodically to achieve the many benefits that can be obtained.

A colon cleansing diet before colonoscopy is an effective way to prepare for the procedure. Many individuals prefer a colon cleansing diet to other preparations, such as an enema. While it's a matter of personal choice, it's worth your time to try a colon cleansing diet for yourself. Author Resource:- At Megavista Health, we focus on positive, holistic health and nutrition. Learn about the many benefits you can experience from a colon cleansing diet by visiting www.megavista-health.com

Berhenti Makan Setelah Jam 7. Benarkah?

Ada pendapat yang mengatakan kalau malam hari aktifitas tubuh sudah berkurang dan mendekati jam tidur, maka sebaiknya berhenti makan. Pendapat ini tidak sepenuhnya bisa diikuti. Mengapa? Karena

1. Justru kebanyakan orang, terutama yang hidup di perkotaan berolahraga selepas jam kerja. Berarti aktivitas tubuh menjelang malam semakin tinggi.
   
2. Meskipun jumlah kalori yang terbakar saat tidur lebih rendah....yang lebih menjadi concern adalah sumber energi yang terbakar saat beristirahat. Apakah lemak atau gula?
   
3. Jenis makanan tertentu bisa dikonsumsi, bahkan dalam jumlah yang mencukupi, di antaranya: sayur-sayuran, salad, protein putih (ikan, ayam, putih telur, tempe, tahu, kacang kedelai) dalam penyajian rendah kalori (tanpa penambahan minyak, santan, mentega, margarin, aneka tepung, gula pasir).

Pendapat berhenti makan setelah jam 7 biasanya dilakukan oleh mereka yang tidak berolahraga secara teratur, sehingga alih-alih mencoba membakar kalori lebih banyak mereka memilih menghemat kalori yang masuk. Cara seperti ini biasanya malah tidak sehat, membuat kita semakin mudah gemuk, dan semakin lemas.

20 Steps To Maximize The Productivity

Salah satu elemen terfundamental yang harus dimiliki agar sukses yang ingin dicapai semakin cepat ter – realisir adalah produktivitas. Untuk mendapatkan produktivitas yang optimal maka

1. RESTFUL. Agar produktivitas kerja bisa optimal maka kondisi tubuh harus senantiasa fit / fresh. Untuk mendapatkan kondisi ini, istirahat haruslah cukup. Tubuh manusia sama ibaratnya dengan mesin, yang perlu segera diistirahatkan setelah digunakan untuk jangka waktu tertentu.

2. REVIEW. Apapun yang telah dilaksanakan, senantiasa diadakan review untuk mengetahui APAKAH sudah terlaksana sesuai dengan perencanaan atau APAKAH keluar dari jalur / rambu – rambu yang telah ditentukan. Disamping itu, juga untuk mengetahui tingkat progressive dari keberhasilan. 3. EXERCISE. Melalui latihan – latihan yang berkesinambungan, selain akan bisa meminimalkan kegagalan tetapi juga menemukan kiat – kiat yang ter – efektif untuk mendapatkan yang terbaik.

4. BREAKFAST. Agar produktivitas optimal, dibutuhkan energy yang constant. Untuk itu, breakfast harus dijadikan suatu kebiasaan sebelum mengawali suatu pekerjaan.

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5. LEARNING. Proses pembelajaran adalah proses yang tanpa batasan usia, jabatan atau status sosial. Tanpa adanya kemauan untuk mau meningkatkan potensi diri melalui proses pembelajaran ini maka seseorang akan lemah daya saingnya, yang mana dampak akhirnya adalah menurunnya produktivitas.

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6. PRIORITIZED. Agar hasil lebih optimal dan menghindari stress yang tidak seyogianya timbul maka buatlah skala prioritas yang jelas sebelum mengawali apapun yang akan dikerjakan.

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7. SCHEDULE. �Buatlah jadwal harian, mingguan, bulanan yang jelas dan laksanakan serta evaluasi hasilnya.

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8. DO THE MOST UNPLEASANT. Agar senantiasa semangat menyelesaikan pekerjaan sampai tuntas, maka awalilah penyelesaian pekerjaan yang tidak disukai pada rangking pertama dan setelah itu baru yang disukai.

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9. WORK SMART. �Selalulah bekerja secara cerdik, yang senang team work dan saling membagi tugas yang disesuaikan dengan kompetensi masing – masing. Ingat, yang dibutuhkan bukanlah SUPERMAN tetapi adalah SUPER TEAM.

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10. MESSAGES. Pesan – pesan yang disampaikan, haruslah jelas dan dimengerti oleh semua pihak. Jangan menyampaikan� pesan yang biasnya besar dan tidak akurat pada sasaran yang ingin dicapai.

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11. NO ALCOHOL. Agar setiap keputusan senantiasa efektif dan bijaksana hasilnya maka satu – satunya minuman (* Alkohol) yang mana bisa menghilangkan kesadaran, haruslah sesegera mungkin disingkirkan.

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12. DILIGENT. Dengan rajin mengerjakan tugas dan tanggungjawab maka hasil yang dicapai akan lebih optiomal.

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13. FOCUSED. Apapun yang ingin dicapai, harus dikerjakan se – fokus mungkin, yang mana dampak langsungnya selain akan meminimalkan persentase kegagalan tetapi juga akan meningkatkan persentase keberhasilan.

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14. PURE WATER. Agar kinerja senantiasa optimal maka kesehatan harus senantiasa dijaga dan dirawat dengan selalu rutin meminum air murni.

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15. PRIORITIZED LIST. Dafar prioritas kerja harus senantiasa dibuat agar kelelahan dan kejenuhan kerja bisa diminimalis.

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16. SMILE. Tidak kalah pentingnya, apapun yang sedang dan telah dikerjakan selalu tersenyum.

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17. ENJOY. Nikmatilah pekerjaan itu bagaikan menjalani rekreasi maka selain beban akan menjadi berkurang, hasil yang dicapai juga akan optimal.

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18. RELAX. Pada waktu kerja, kerjalah se – serius mungkin� tetapi pada waktu santai, santailah se – relax mungkin maka semua beban akan sirna dari pundak kita.

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19. QUALITY SLEEP. Tidur yang cukup, selain akan menjaga stamina tubuh tetapi juga akan meningkatkan semangat kerja.

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20. BE THANKFUL. Terakhir selalulah berterima kasih dan bersyukur karena diantara sekian manusia yang mencari pekerjaan, kita adalah salah satu orang paling beruntung karena telah mendapatkan pekerjaan. Three Rules of Work : Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. ALBERT EINSTEIN.

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* Untuk konsultasi gratis, silakan email ke : dm.peterlim@gmail.com atau 0812 600 2482

Improved RNA interference kits launched by Imgenex

RNA interference (RNAi) is the process of mRNA degradation that is induced by double-stranded RNA in a sequence-specific manner. RNAi has been observed in all eukaryotes, from yeast to mammals. The RNAi pathway is thought to be an ancient mechanism for protecting the host and its genome against viruses and rogue genetic elements that use double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in their life cycles. They have also been shown to play a role not only in mRNA and dsRNA stability/degradation, but also in regulation of translation, transcription, chromatin structure, and genome integrity. In plants and animals, RNA silencing has been adapted to play a critical role in regulation of cell growth and differentiation using a class of small RNAs. In the RNA interference process, the dsRNAs get processed into 20-25 nucleotide (nt) small RNAs by an RNase III-like enzyme called Dicer. Then, the small RNAs assemble into endoribonuclease-containing complexes known as RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs), unwinding in the process. The small RNA strands subsequently guide the RISCs to complementary RNA molecules, where they cleave and destroy the cognate RNA (effecter step). Cleavage of cognate RNA takes place near the middle of the region bound by the siRNA strand. The small RNAs that provide target specificity to the silencing machinery includes short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), repeat-associated siRNAs (rasiRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) and is distinguished by their origin. siRNAs are processed from dsRNA precursors made up of two distinct strands of perfectly base-paired RNA, while miRNAs originate from a single, long transcript that forms imperfectly base-paired hairpin structures. siRNAs were originally identified as intermediates in the RNAi pathway after induction by exogenous dsRNA; however, endogenous sources of siRNAs have now been recognized. The endogenous siRNAs are derived from repetitive sequences within the genome, and are termed repeat-associated siRNAs, or rasiRNAs. miRNAs were discovered through their critical roles in development and cellular regulation, and represent a large class of evolutionarily conserved RNAs. miRNAs have always been recognized as being of endogenous origin. RNA interference has emerged as a natural mechanism for silencing gene expression over the past decade. This ancient cellular antiviral response can be harnessed to allow specific inhibition of the function of any chosen target genes, including those involved in causing diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and hepatitis. It is already proving to be an invaluable research tool, allowing much more rapid characterization of the function of known genes. More importantly, the technology considerably bolsters functional genomics to aid in the identification of novel genes involved in disease processes. Last but not the least the technology can be harnessed as a novel therapeutic agent and is suitable for combating viral diseases, cancers and inflammatory diseases.
Imgenex (San Diego) recently launched the pSuppressorAdeno construction kit for adenovirus mediated gene knockdown. The kit provides the ability to infect a broad range of cell types, including many primary cell lines as well as dividing and nondividing cells, according to a company official. The kit also offers the flexibility to validate sequences using the nonviral expression plasmid prior to construction of adenoviruses, notes Sujay K. Singh, Ph.D., president and CEO of Imgenex, which markets plasmid-based RNA interference (RNAi) products. “One of the greatest advantages is the ability of recombinant adenovirus vectors to reduce gene expression both in vitro and in vivo,” he adds. RNAi, initially considered a bizarre attribute of petunias and later a gene-silencing mechanism in worms, is creating a stir as one of the hottest new technologies in molecular biology. It is revolutionizing the field of functional genomics.
Author Resource:- IMGENEX India Pvt Ltd. the only biotech company in Orissa and one of its kinds in Eastern India. IMGENEX India started in Oct as an outsourcing branch of IMGENEX Corporation, San Diego, USA. Find out more information about RNA interference.

Pollen allergy may be the reason for your sneezing in spite of a change in seasons

About Hay Fever

In the various seasons (spring, summer, and fall) during the year, pollen grains are dispersed from trees, weeds, and grasses. These pollen grains travel on air currents to fertilize other plants. Inhaling pollen, in some people, can trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis which is also called pollen allergy or hay fever. In this condition the mucous membranes in the nasal passages inflame, which causes swelling, sneezing, itching, irritation and a runny nose.

Allergy seasons are:

• May - July/August – Grass pollen:
• Feb – June – Tree pollen (depending on whether allergic to early or late flowering trees)
• August – September – Nettle/weed pollen

Hay fever symptoms can continue all the year round and may also occur from indoor allergens like house dust mites, pets and possibly indoor moulds.

Hay fever is actually an attempt by the body to rid itself of allergens but the immune system overreacts and releases chemicals which cause inflammation, causing:

• Itchy, watery, red eyes
• Frequent sneezing
• Constantly dripping nose

Sufferers, when afflicted with this condition, have to struggle to breathe through their nose. Symptoms are often quite bad in young people and tails off in later years as the body adapts. Studies have shown that hay fever can severely affect the quality of life, disturb sleep patterns, impair daytime concentration and work performance.

What is pollen allergy?

Pollen once released from trees, weeds and grasses, ride on air currents with a mission to disperse and fertilize other plants. However, they rarely reach their targets. On the way they get into human noses and throats, triggering allergic reactions.

Pollen is one of the most pervasive things that can cause an allergy and cannot be avoided. Many allergy causing foods, drugs, or animals can be largely avoided but insects and household dust are inescapable. However, short of staying indoors, there is no foolproof method of evading windborne pollen. Nonetheless, ways have been established that help ease the symptoms of hay fever. Moreover, scientists are working to find better approaches to allergy treatment.

Research has helped provide a better understanding of the causes of allergy, improve the methods for diagnosing and treating allergic reactions and thereby eventually preventing them. The common signs and symptoms of pollen allergy are:

• Sneezing, the most common, may be accompanied by a runny or clogged nose
• Itching eyes, nose, and throat
• Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by restricted blood flow near the sinuses)
• The "allergic salute" (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose)
• Watering eyes
• Conjunctivitis (is inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed eyes)

In a pollen-sensitive person, as soon as the allergy-causing pollen lands on the mucous membranes of the nose, a chain reaction occurs that leads the mast cells in these tissues to release histamine. This potent chemical dilates the small blood vessels in the nose; causing the fluids to escape through the expanded vessel walls, which in turn results in swelling of the nasal passages as well as nasal congestion. On the other hand, histamine also causes itching, irritation, and excess mucus production. Similarly, other chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes also contribute to allergic symptoms.

Some people with pollen allergy also develop asthma, a serious respiratory condition, which can eventually become chronic. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath due to a narrowing of the bronchial passages and excess mucus production.
Author Resource:- Webmaster associated with hay fever related site. This site provides various information headache and pollen allergy.Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk

Herbs to Lower Cholesterol, Cholesterol Lowering Herbs

High cholesterol can be found in any person. Still, at more risk are people who lead stressful lives but also maintain unhealthy diets. In order to lower your cholesterol level, the best thing to do is eat foods that are low in fat content (especially one kind of fat – saturated fat) but also to increase the amount of physical activity. Cholesterol lowering herbs are generally available for people who do not start taking prescription drugs to lower cholesterol immediately. This article will also give you some examples of herbs that lower cholesterol.

Cholesterol is responsible for causing fatty deposits to harden and accumulate in the arteries. These fatty deposits harden to form a substance called plaque, which blocks the artery and prevents blood from flowing and reaching organs such as the brain. Blocked arteries are responsible for strokes and heart disease.

Herbs that lower your blood cholesterol levels are actually a fairly new science. In today’s society, increased LDL cholesterol has become a major health issue. New ways to lower cholesterol naturally are researched by people of all over the world due to this. Because of the lack of side effects and contraindications, natural supplements to lower cholesterol levels are often preferred to their drug counterparts.

Other herb products that lower cholesterol include plant stanols and sterols. these are naturally occurring substances found in some plants. Stanols can also be found in dietary supplements or are added to margarine, orange juice as well as in dressings. According to research findings, plant stanols help reduce cholesterol, and being similar in structure to cholesterol, help in blocking absorption of cholesterol from the intestines.

Since ages guggul has been the companion of mankind saving him from many diseases. Botanically known as Commiphora mukul, it is a wonderful herb that is responsible for treating so many ailments that man suffers. The powerful action of guggulu helps in lowering down the levels of triglycerides and cholesterols there by managing the proper ratio of High density lipoproteins to low density lipoproteins. In a study it was proved that guggulu helps in lowering the cholesterol levels by 15 to 28 % and triglycerides level by 20 to 30 %.

Garlic. Garlic is a cholesterol lowering herb that is slowly but heavily gaining popularity. It has been shown through medical reports that it can increase the HDL cholesterol levels while lowering LDL levels. Studies have also shown that garlic can reduce both triglycerides and cholesterol by up to 15 percent. In one study, people who were given 800 milligrams (about one clove) of garlic daily experienced lower cholesterol levels as well as lower blood pressure.

Artichoke leaf is another herb that helps lower cholesterol levels. This herb works by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Artichokes are also known to contain cynarin that supposedly increases bile production in the liver and speeds the flow of bile from the gallbladder, which together increases the excretion of cholesterol Author Resource:- Read about guggul, lower cholesterol naturally and treatment for obesity