Holiday Eating Tips After Bariatric Surgery

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

It’s the holiday season, and as we spend time with our family and friends, we enjoy each other’s company over delicious meals. Unfortunately, the holiday season can be a time when we run into problems with weight gain. It can be especially challenging after bariatric surgery. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage our weight during the holiday season. Here are 10:

Don’t save your calories. It may be tempting to skip meals to save calories for holiday treats, but it is better to stick to your regular eating patterns. You are more likely to overeat if you arrive at a holiday function hungry

Remember the basics. Just because it is the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t maintain the same healthy eating habits you had during the rest of the year. Pay attention to your portion sizes, start with protein, eat slowly, and track what you eat. Keeping these basic rules in mind can help you avoid overeating

Be mindful of how much you are eating. Eating while socializing can easily lead to eating too much. Enjoy the company and conversation and save eating for a time when you can focus on your meal

Avoid the buffet table and the kitchen. Standing close to where the food is being served may result in mindless noshing. Carefully select the food you truly want to try, and then walk away

Limit alcohol consumption. Drinks containing alcohol are full of empty calories. It is better to eat your calories than to drink them. Additionally, alcohol doesn’t just add calories; it can also dehydrate you. Be aware that alcohol can affect you differently after bariatric surgery. You may feel the effects much sooner, even after consuming less alcohol. You are also more likely to overeat at the buffet table after a couple of drinks

Stay hydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water and plan ahead. This ensures that you can avoid drinking within 30 minutes of eating and still get in the recommended 64 ounces a day

Exercise. The holiday season can be a busy time, and our exercise routines may suffer because of it. It is easier to get out of the habit of exercising than it is to get back into it after the holidays. Consider creating a workout schedule or organizing activities for the family that get everyone moving

Bring a healthy dish to share. This will ensure that there is a healthy food option at the gathering

Find healthy alternatives for your favorite recipes. Look for healthier substitutions that cut the fat and calories of recipes. Some examples include:

Using skim milk instead of whole milk in mashed potatoes

Using fat-free creamed soups in recipes rather than full-fat versions

Replacing sugar with unsweetened apple sauce or noncaloric sweeteners in desserts

Adding flavor with garlic, spices, and herbs rather than fats such as butter and gravy

Combining ¼ cup of Greek yogurt with ½ cup of butter to replace 1 cup of butter in a recipe

Replacing each egg with two egg whites and substitute evaporated skim milk in place of heavy cream when baking your favorite holiday treats

Be kind to yourself. You may overeat a bit or sample more treats than you should. However, that doesn’t mean all is lost. It is important to forgive yourself and recommit to healthy patterns and move forward. It is okay to have a treat once in a while.

Undergoing bariatric surgery requires preparation, dedication, and several lifestyle adjustments. Adopting a whole different way of eating can be challenging, and it will take some time to get used to it. Following these tips can help you plan and enjoy your food in moderation.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a form of venous disease that occurs when the veins in the legs become damaged and do not work properly.

Normally, the valves in the legs keep blood flowing back up to the heart. CVI damages those valves, causing blood to pool in the legs, increasing pressure in the veins, and causing symptoms such as swelling and ulcers.

Chronic venous insufficiency can happen due to damage to any of the leg veins. These can include:

Deep veins, which are the large veins deep in the body that run through muscle

Superficial veins, which are close to the skin’s surface

Perforating veins, which connect the deep and superficial veins

CVI may cause mild symptoms at first. However, this condition can interfere with a person’s quality of life and lead to serious complications over time. There are several signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, including:

Legs that feel tired or achy

A burning or prickly feeling in the legs

Reddish brown colored skin

Varicose veins

Flaking or itching on the legs or feet

The feeling of fullness or heaviness in the legs

Cramping in the legs at night

Swelling in the lower legs and ankles, especially after standing for a while or at the end of the day

Leathery-looking skin on the legs

Ulcers that form near the ankles, which can become infected and painful

Chronic venous insufficiency usually affects people over the age of 50. The risk of developing the disease rises the older a person gets. Overall, chronic venous insufficiency affects about one in 20 adults.

Venous disorders are a general category for many possible vein issues, including CVI. They have various stages that are based on clinical signs, which a healthcare provider can see or feel when they examine your legs. The stages of venous disorders range from 0 to 6. These stages include:

Stage 0: There are no visible signs; however, a person may feel fatigued or achy

Stage 1: superficial veins, such as spider veins, are visible

Stage 2: varicose veins that are at least three millimeters wide

Stage 3: swollen limbs that don’t have any changes to the skin

Stage 4: changes to the color and/or texture of the skin

Stage 5: an ulcer that has healed

Stage 6: an open ulcer

Chronic venous insufficiency is diagnosed at stage 3 or above.

There are three causes of valve malfunction: congenital, primary, or secondary.

Congenital causes of valve malfunction are deformities in the leg veins that a person is born with. Some people can be born without valves in their legs
Primary causes of valve malfunction are any changes to the leg veins that stop them from working correctly. A vein may get too wide, preventing its valve from completely closing
Secondary causes of valve malfunction are other types of medical issues that damage the leg veins. This is usually caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the most common cause of CVI. The blood clot, or thrombus, leaves behind scar tissue, damaging the valve

Chronic venous insufficiency is diagnosed through a physical exam and ultrasound imaging.

Treatment for CVI involves lifestyle changes, such as leg elevation, exercise, weight management, and compression therapy. If these measures are not enough, a healthcare provider may recommend a procedure or surgery. The best treatment depends on how far the condition has progressed and the other medical conditions a person has.

The goals of treatment are to help the blood flow better through the veins, help ulcers heal and limit their chances of returning, improve the skin’s appearance, and reduce pain and swelling.

If you are experiencing symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, you can schedule an appointment with a vascular surgeon from our Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Jamaica Hospital in New York or learn more about the services at our vascular surgery center in New York. Please call 718-206-6713.

Common Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Bariatric, or gastric bypass surgery for weight loss, is a surgical treatment for severe obesity that involves making changes to the digestive system. It is performed when diet and exercise haven’t worked, or when a person is at risk for serious health problems due to their weight.

There are several myths and misconceptions about bariatric surgery and its outcomes, including:

Bariatric surgery is unnecessary, and people just need to eat less and exercise more
Bariatric surgery is dangerous
Bariatric surgery will make a person thin
Bariatric surgery and weight loss will make a person happy and improve their relationships
Bariatric surgery will prevent a person from overeating
Bariatric surgery is an easy way out
Most people will gain the weight back after surgery

Bariatric surgery can be a lifesaving solution for many people who are overweight. Bariatric surgery, along with a commitment to lifestyle changes, not only provides long-term weight loss but it significantly improves the health and quality of life for many.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

Benefits of Robotic Surgery vs Laparoscopic Surgery

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When a patient requires a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider and surgical team determine the most appropriate surgical method based on the patient’s condition. Two types of surgical methods that can be used are laparoscopic and robotic.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed by hand and involves the use of a thin rod with a two-dimensional camera attached, called a laparoscope, which helps the surgeon visualize the abdominal and pelvic cavities through tiny keyhole incisions.

Robotic surgery is also a minimally invasive surgical technique. However, a surgeon performs surgical procedures using a robotic device. The device features a three-dimensional camera and a robotic arm that can hold small surgical instruments and is more dexterous than a human hand.

There are several advantages of laparoscopic surgery, including:

· It causes less trauma to the abdominal wall and inside of the stomach

· It causes less blood loss and a lower risk of hemorrhage

· It leaves smaller scars

· It causes less risk of infection

· It allows for a shorter hospital stay

· It has a faster recovery time

· It causes less pain during healing

Laparoscopic surgery can also have its disadvantages, including:

· It can only be performed by a surgeon with laparoscopic surgical training

· It can cause bleeding from the incision

· It can cause injury to nearby organs and blood vessels

· It can be expensive, especially if multiple procedures are needed

Robotic surgery can have several advantages, including:

· It is more precise and accurate than laparoscopic surgery

· It is less invasive

· It reduces blood loss

· It has a faster recovery time

· It creates fewer scars

· It gives the surgeon a better range of motion

· It gives the surgeon a better view of the surgical site, leading to more accurate and effective surgeries

The disadvantages of robotic surgery include:

· It gives the surgeon limited tactile feedback- It may not provide the same feedback as a surgeon’s hands.

· There can be technical difficulties, which are extremely rare.

Both laparoscopic and robotic surgery have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on the patient’s needs and what the healthcare provider and surgical team deem as the best course of action for that patient. For more information about robotic surgery or to learn more about other surgical options at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call (718) 670-5000 to make an appointment.

Robotic Surgery: Hernia Repair

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen, often along the inguinal canal.

Some signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

A bulge in the area on the pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when upright, especially during a cough or strain

A burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge

Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting

A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin

Weakness or pressure in the groin

Occasional pain and swelling around the testicles occur when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Other causes of hernias can include:

Increased pressure within the abdomen

A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall

Straining during bowel movements or urination

Strenuous activity

Pregnancy

Chronic coughing or sneezing

Some risk factors that can contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:

Being male

Being older

Family history

Premature birth or low birth weight

Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair

Typically, a physical examination is sufficient to diagnose an inguinal hernia. A healthcare provider will check for a bulge in the groin area. They can also ask you to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent.

Healthcare providers recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias. The types of surgeries used to repair inguinal hernias include:

Open surgery

Laparoscopic surgery

Robot-assisted surgery

Robot-assisted surgery can repair smaller hernias or rebuild the entire abdominal wall. There are many potential advantages of robot-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of the inside of the abdomen that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate, compared to the 2D images used during laparoscopic surgery

Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand

You will have a few tiny scars rather than one large incision (as with open surgery)

You are more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery, compared to open surgery

You are more likely to have a quicker recovery time than with open surgery

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135 to schedule an appointment.

Traditional vs Robotic Surgery

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Traditional, or open surgery, is a surgical technique that involves cutting the skin and tissues to provide the surgeon with a complete view of the structures or organs involved, such as the removal of the gallbladder or kidneys.

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which a surgeon performs a surgical procedure using a robotic device. The device features a robotic arm that can hold small surgical instruments and is more dexterous than a human hand.

There are several advantages of traditional surgery, including:

The effectiveness in treating a wide range of medical conditions
It allows for direct visualization and manipulation of organs and tissues
It can be performed quickly in emergencies
Many surgeons are highly trained and experienced in traditional surgical techniques

Traditional surgery can also have its disadvantages, including:

It can be invasive and cause pain, scarring, and longer recovery times
It can have a higher risk of infection and other complications
It can be expensive, especially if multiple procedures are needed

Robotic surgery can have several advantages, including:

It is more precise and accurate than traditional surgery
It is less invasive
It reduces blood loss
It has a faster recovery time
It creates fewer scars
It gives the surgeon a better range of motion
It gives the surgeon a better view of the surgical site, leading to more accurate and effective surgeries

The disadvantages of robotic surgery include:

It can cost more than traditional surgery
It gives the surgeon limited tactile feedback
There can be technical difficulties

Both traditional and robotic surgery have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on the patient’s needs and what the healthcare provider and surgical team deem as the best course of action for that patient.

For more information about robotic surgery or to learn more about other surgical options at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call (718) 670-5000 to make an appointment.

Bariatric Surgery- What is Revision Surgery?

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Bariatric or gastric bypass surgery involves making changes to the digestive system to help lose weight. It is done when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when you are at risk of serious health problems due to your weight.

Bariatric revision surgery is a broad term used to describe follow-up procedures required for all patients who previously had weight-loss surgery. These procedures are intended to make a patient’s initial weight-loss procedure more effective, to minimize unpleasant side effects, or to reverse the original surgery.

A patient may be a candidate for bariatric revision surgery for one or more of the following reasons:

Insufficient weight loss
Complications
Side effects
Weight regain
Malnutrition

Surgeons can revise an initial bariatric surgery in several ways, depending on the problems that stem from the initial surgery. The surgeons then repair, convert, or reverse that procedure.

The bariatric revision surgical procedure options that are used for the three most common types of bariatric surgery include:

Sleeve gastronomy
Gastric bypass surgery
Gastric band surgery

Bariatric revision surgery is performed to improve a patient’s health or quality of life. The procedure may encourage greater weight loss in patients whose previous surgeries didn’t lead to the expected loss of excess body weight. It may also address complications from the prior bariatric procedure, such as an ulcer or stricture, and reduce or eliminate unwanted side effects, such as swallowing difficulties or GERD.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

Robotics: Gastric Bypass

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Gastric bypass or “Roux-en-Y” is a metabolic and weight-loss procedure that works by modifying your digestive system so that you consume and absorb fewer calories. It modifies your stomach and also your small intestines.

Similar to other bariatric surgery operations, gastric bypass is recommended for people who have clinically severe obesity. It has been shown to help relieve a long list of obesity-related health conditions, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Obstructive sleep apnea
GERD (chronic acid reflux)
Heart disease
Hyperglycemia
Fatty liver disease
Hyperlipidemia
Osteoarthrosis

The Roux-en-Y procedure gets its name from how it changes your digestive system. “Roux-en-Y” means “in the shape of a Y”. The procedure divides your stomach and small intestine, connecting each new segment to form a “Y” shape. This procedure reduces the functional part of your stomach to a small pouch, separating it from the rest with surgical staples, and restricting the amount of food your stomach can hold. Then, it connects the new stomach pouch to a lower segment of your small intestine. This means that when food goes through your digestive system, it will now bypass most of your stomach and the first part of your small intestine, causing your digestive system to not absorb all of the nutrients or calories in your food.

Gastric bypass surgery requirements are similar to those of other bariatric procedures. A qualified healthcare provider must recommend you for surgery. You may be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery if you:

Have been diagnosed with class III obesity
Have a BMI of at least 35 with at least one obesity-related condition
Have obesity-related type 2 diabetes

Most Roux-en-Y surgical procedures today are laparoscopic, a minimally invasive surgical technique. However, sometimes they are done with robotic assistance.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate compared to the 2D images used during laparoscopic surgery
Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
You’ll have a few tiny scars rather than one large incision scar (as with open surgery)
You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery
You’re more likely to have a quicker recovery time than with open surgery

To learn more about the robotic surgical procedures at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-5000.

Robotic Gynecological Surgery

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Endometriosis is an often painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis growths may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located.

Endometriosis tissue acts as the lining inside the uterus, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But it grows in places where it doesn’t belong, and it doesn’t leave the body. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated and form scar tissue. Bands of fibrous tissue called adhesions also may form. These can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain can be intense or mild. Symptoms often feel worse just before and during your period due to inflammation brought on by the hormonal changes that occur at the time. Other symptoms of endometriosis include:

Excruciating menstrual cramps
Abdominal pain or back pain during your period or in between periods
Heavy bleeding during periods, or spotting between periods
Pain during sex
Infertility
Pain when pooping or peeing
Stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating

You can have no symptoms of endometriosis. The seriousness of your pain may not be a sign of the number or extent of endometriosis growth in your body. You could have a small amount of tissue with bad pain. Or you could have little to no pain and have lots of endometriosis tissue. Women often find out they have the condition when they can’t get pregnant or after they have an unrelated surgery.

The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t clear. But some possible causes include:

Retrograde menstruation
Transformed peritoneal cells
Embryonic cell changes
Surgical scar complication
Endometrial cell transport
Immune system condition

Factors that raise the risk of endometriosis include:

Never giving birth
Starting your period at an early age
Going through menopause at an older age
Short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
Having higher levels of estrogen in your body or greater lifetime exposure to estrogen your body produces
Low body mass index
One or more relatives with endometriosis, such as a mother, aunt, or sister

Any health condition that prevents blood from flowing out of the body during menstrual periods also can be a risk factor for endometriosis. So can conditions of the reproductive tract.

To diagnose endometriosis, your doctor will likely start by giving you a physical exam. You’ll be asked to describe your symptoms, including where and when you feel pain. Tests to check for clues of endometriosis include:

A pelvic exam
Ultrasound
MRI
Laparoscopy

Treatment for endometriosis often involves medicine or surgery. The approach you and your healthcare team choose will depend on how serious your symptoms are and whether you hope to become pregnant. Medicine is typically recommended first. If it doesn’t help enough, surgery becomes an option. Treatments for endometriosis include:

Pain medicines
Hormone therapy
Fertility treatment
Conservative therapy
Hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries

Surgery options may include robotic surgery. Long recovery times of up to six weeks and large incisions made recovery very difficult, but with advances in gynecologic surgery, especially robotic-assisted surgery, women can expect a much shorter recovery from pelvic surgery.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate.
Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
You’ll have a few tiny scars.
You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery.
A shorter hospital stay.

Experienced surgeons use the da Vinci robot to treat women who suffer from troubling gynecologic conditions like endometriosis.

To learn more about the robotic surgical procedures at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-5000.

Patient Testimonial: Michael Gringas Tells the Flushing Hospital Medical Center Staff, “Of All the Experiences, It Was the Best Experience.”

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

“Of all the experiences, it was the best experience”, is what Michael Gringas said after having a rare surgery performed on him at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in July. Mr. Gringas was exiting the shower in his home when he passed out, hitting his face on the bathroom wall. “I knew I was going to pass out”, he said. This was due to a combination of dehydration, not eating, and Crohn’s disease which he suffers from. Unfortunately for Mr. Gringas, he was home alone at the time. When he eventually came to, he immediately called his sister’s house. Thankfully, his nephew answered and rushed to take him to the emergency room, where he received amazing and attentive care from the staff at the hospital. “I was impressed by the ER response time from start to finish. Very happy. I was treated very well by everyone in the ER”, he said.

This isn’t the first time Mr. Gringas had to be admitted to Flushing Hospital Medical Center due to his Crohn’s disease. He’s previously had surgeries performed to treat complications associated with the illness. This time, the surgery was an open surgery which hasn’t been done in 15-20 years at the hospital because it has since been performed endoscopically. The operation although rare and complex, was successful. “The whole process was beyond great”, said Mr. Gringas.

Additionally, Mr. Gringas has been a patient of Flushing Hospital for 33 years, since he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1991. He is known as a “celebrity patient” at the hospital. Mr. Gringas, a native of Bayside, Queens, says he is a “very fortunate Crohn’s patient”. So he uses his experiences during his 33-year battle with the illness to counsel patients diagnosed with it. He wants to help others navigate their experience with Crohn’s. Reflecting on the last 33 years he says, “It’s been quite a ride over the years.” “There are a lot of great people at Flushing Hospital”, Mr. Gringas said and he would like to thank each doctor, nurse, and hospital staff member whom he has met over the past 33 years.