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.

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.

Mental Health Awareness Month-10 Common Signs of Mental Health Issues

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a month observed to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.

The signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances, and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect a person’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior.

10 common signs of mental health issues include:

Feeling very sad, withdrawn, or unmotivated for more than two weeks
Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors
Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain
Making plans or trying to harm or kill oneself
Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Excess use of drugs or alcohol
Drastic changes in behavior, personality, or sleeping habits
Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still

Founded by Mental Health America in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of mental wellbeing, educating the public, reducing the stigma, and promoting support for those affected by mental health conditions.

You can help do your part by helping raise awareness and advocating for better mental health care and resources.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. It is a month that raises awareness of viral hepatitis in the United States.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that damages it, affecting how well it functions.

Viral hepatitis is a major public health threat, and unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States don’t know they are infected.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are vaccine-preventable, and hepatitis C can be cured.

A hepatitis A infection usually causes a mild, short-term illness. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection.

Many people with the hepatitis B virus won’t experience symptoms, and similarly, many people with hepatitis C don’t look or feel sick. Left untreated, both infections can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.

Although there is no cure for hepatitis B, treatments are available that can delay or reduce the risk of developing liver cancer. There currently isn’t a vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, but curative treatments are available. Most people who are infected with hepatitis C can be cured with just eight to 12 weeks of well-tolerated oral-only treatment. Testing is the first step.

Getting tested is the only way to know you have either virus. May 19th is observed as Hepatitis Testing Day, so it is imperative to get tested to know whether or not you are infected.

Hepatitis Awareness Month educates healthcare practitioners and the public about the importance of vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, as well as the importance of testing and treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Outdoor Exercise Tips

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The weather is warming up, and we can spend more time outdoors at the park or dining at a restaurant.

Many people exercise outdoors rather than at the gym or in their homes. Outdoor exercise is a great way to work out. It offers many benefits to our physical and mental health, such as:

Reducing stress and anxiety
Improving sleep
Boosting vitamin D levels
Boosting self-esteem
Improving memory
Lowering chronic disease risk

Here are tips that can keep you safe when exercising outdoors:

Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Wear clothes that let the air circulate and moisture evaporate
Stay sun safe by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Know the signs of heat-related illnesses
Wear proper footwear for the activity you are engaging in

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Kava Robinson

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Kava Robinson, the newest member of the rheumatology team.

Dr. Kava Robinson has a special interest in musculoskeletal ultrasound in clinical Rheumatology. Dr. Robinson attended medical school at St. George’s University. After medical school, she completed her Internal Medicine residency at Broward Health Medical Center. After residency, she completed a hospice and palliative fellowship at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and then a fellowship in Rheumatology at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center. Dr. Robinson is committed to serving our community and being a health advocate for her patients. She provides compassionate, collaborative care and is driven by the bond with patients.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Robinson to our team and look forward to the work he and the rest of the Rheumatology Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

April 26^th, 2025, is observed as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is a day that encourages the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

Starting in the fall of 2010, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day promotes the safe and anonymous disposal of unnecessary, expired, and unused prescription medications at over 4,100 collection sites across the United States. Since its inception, the day has brought in 19.2 million pounds (9,600 tons) of medication.

On this National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, make a difference by tracking your medicine, rethinking where and how you keep your medications in your home, and safely disposing of any unused medications.

To learn more, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday to find a prescription drug collection site near you.

Shin Splints

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Shin splints are a common overuse injury that occurs when the muscles and bones in your lower leg become strained and irritated. Athletes (especially runners), dancers, members of the military, and individuals with osteoporosis, flat feet, and high or very rigid arches are at a higher risk of developing shin splints.

If you have shin splints, you may notice tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. Initially, the pain may subside when you stop exercising. However, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture, so it is best to take it easy while they heal.

Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissue that attaches the muscles to the bone.

Healthcare providers diagnose shin splints based on your medical history and by performing a physical exam. They will observe how you walk and examine your lower leg, ankle, and foot.

In some cases, they may also perform an X-ray or other imaging tests that can help identify other possible causes for your pain, such as a stress fracture.

Shin splints can be treated with simple self-care steps that include:

Rest
Ice
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
Supplements
Shin splint stretches
Slow increases in activity levels
Wearing supportive shoes and shoe inserts
Resting in between activities to allow your bones and muscles time to heal
Physical therapy

There are several ways to help avoid shin splints, including:

Analyzing your movement
Avoiding overdoing high-impact activities
Choosing the right shoes
Considering arch support
Considering shock-absorbing insoles
Lessening the impact on your shins
Adding strength training to your workout

If you experience shin splints often, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Is Narcissism a Sign of a Mental Health Disorder?

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by excessive admiration, fascination, or interest in oneself.

A person often described as a narcissist or having narcissistic tendencies may display the following personality traits:

Arrogance
A strong desire to be the center of attention
Selfishness
Being self-absorbed
Being vain
Being insensitive

Narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, where they can be mild and situational or pathological and severe, interfering with daily life.

Pathological or problematic narcissism can indicate a mental health disorder called narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). It is estimated that 1% to 2% of the U.S. population has NPD. Individuals with this disorder often display a consistent pattern of certain behaviors, including:

A pervasive sense of superiority
A sense of entitlement
A grandiose sense of self-importance
A lack of empathy
Manipulating or exploiting others
Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them
Fantasizing about power and unrealistic success
A constant need for praise or admiration
Difficulty accepting criticism

Unlike individuals with narcissistic tendencies, those with NPD often lack accountability and may avoid taking responsibility for their behaviors.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s life. It can lead to difficulties in their relationships, careers, and education. NPD may result in complications such as:

Depression and anxiety
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Drug or alcohol misuse
Other personality disorders

The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown; however, it is believed to be linked to genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. An NPD diagnosis is based on:

Guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
A Psychological Examination
A physical examination

Treatment for NPD typically involves talk therapy; medications may also be prescribed if needed.

If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, please encourage them to seek the assistance of a mental health professional. To schedule an appointment with a Mental Health Professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5562.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough digestive enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that cause chemical reactions in the body. Digestive enzymes break down food, allowing the body to get nutrients.

When you have EPI, food passes through the intestines in an undigested state, resulting in the body not receiving the needed nutrients. There are different types of pancreatic enzymes, including:

Amylase
Lipase
Protease and elastase

The main cause of EPI in adults is chronic pancreatitis. As many as 8 in 10 adults with this disorder develop EPI. Pancreatitis causes inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. Over time, chronic inflammation can damage the digestive enzyme-making pancreatic cells. Other causes of EPI in adults include:

Celiac disease
Diabetes
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Pancreatic cancer
Surgery on the digestive tract, including weight loss surgery

Cystic fibrosis is the top cause of EPI in infants and children. Children inherit cystic fibrosis from a parent. Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, making breathing hard. Mucus can also collect in the pancreas, keeping digestive enzymes from reaching the small intestines.

Nearly 9 in 10 infants with cystic fibrosis develop EPI within the first year. The rest are at risk of developing EPI during childhood or adulthood.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is another inherited condition that causes EPI in children. SDS causes the part of the pancreas that makes enzymes not to work properly.

People with EPI have a particularly difficult time absorbing fats from foods, which leads to uncomfortable digestive problems, such as:

Abdominal pain, gas, and bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fatty stools
Unexplained weight loss or failure to thrive in infants and children

Many digestive problems can cause symptoms similar to EPI. A healthcare provider may suspect EPI if you have a condition that affects your pancreas.

You may get one or more pancreas function tests that include:

Fecal elastase test (FE-1)
Fecal fat test
Secretin pancreatic function test

You may also get a CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, or other imaging tests that can spot problems with the pancreas that lead to EPI.

People with EPI can’t absorb enough fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from the foods they eat. This problem is called malabsorption. Your body needs these nutrients for energy and to maintain organ function. Malabsorption of nutrients can lead to malnutrition. Signs of malnutrition include:

Dry skin
Depression
Edema
Fatigue or dizziness
Feeling cold all the time
Irritability
Memory and concentration issues
Muscle loss

EPI is a lifelong condition. Treatments for the condition focus on the body receiving the necessary nutrients to maintain good health. Treatments include:

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT)
High-calorie, high-fat diet
Vitamins

To prevent EPI, it is helpful to avoid smoking and alcohol use as they make the pancreas work harder and can contribute to pancreatitis, which leads to EPI.

Unfortunately, cystic fibrosis and SDS are inherited, so they can’t be prevented, and the risk of EPI with these conditions can’t be lowered. Keeping a close eye on symptoms can help identify possible EPI and treat it immediately.

If you are experiencing symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, you can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by ca

Fatty Liver Disease

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Steatotic liver disease (SLD), formerly known as fatty liver disease, describes the buildup of excess fat in the liver. A healthy, high-functioning liver contains a small amount of fat. However, fat buildup can become a problem when it reaches over 5% of your liver’s weight.

Healthcare providers classify SLD based on its causes and the conditions associated with it. The types of steatotic liver disease include:

Alcohol-related liver disease
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Risk factors associated with MASLD include:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Lipid normalities
Metabolically associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
MASLD and increased alcohol intake (MetALD)

In most cases, the fat buildup in the liver doesn’t cause serious problems or prevent it from functioning normally. In some cases, the condition progresses to liver disease. It usually progresses in stages:

Hepatitis– in this first stage, called steatohepatitis, your liver goes from fatty to inflamed, damaging the tissue.

Fibrosis– in this second stage, causes bands of scar tissue to form where the inflammation damages the liver, causing it to stiffen.

Cirrhosis– in this third stage, extensive scar tissue caused by inflammation replaces healthy tissue. This is called cirrhosis of the liver. Without treatment, cirrhosis can lead to potentially fatal conditions like liver failure and liver cancer. About 90% of people who develop hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) have cirrhosis.

Steatotic liver disease doesn’t always cause symptoms. When they are present, symptoms can include:

Abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of your abdomen
Extreme exhaustion or fatigue

People will more commonly notice symptoms once SLD has progressed to cirrhosis of the liver. When cirrhosis develops, you may experience:

Nausea
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Jaundice
Swelling in the abdomen
Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands
Bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or rectum

Steatotic liver disease has multiple causes. You are more likely to develop SLD if you have a cardiometabolic risk factor, if you consume unhealthy amounts of alcohol, or both. You have a greater chance of developing SLD if you have the following:

Alcohol use disorder
Metabolic syndrome
Type 2 diabetes
Are overweight (a BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg/m2)
Obesity (a BMI of 30 kg/m2 and above)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Obstructive sleep apnea
Hypothyroidism
Hypopituitarism
Hypogonadism
Take certain prescription medications

Without treatment, a steatotic liver can progress to cirrhosis of the liver, which can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, and cancers outside the liver. People with MASLD are also at increased risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in people with MASLD.

Because SLD doesn’t usually cause symptoms, a healthcare provider may be the first person to notice an issue. High levels of liver enzymes that turn up on a blood test for other conditions can raise a red flag. Elevated liver enzymes are a sign of liver damage.

To diagnose SLD, a healthcare provider may ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam, imaging tests, and a liver biopsy.

There are no specific treatments or medications for SLD. Instead, healthcare providers focus on helping you manage risk factors that contribute to the condition. This can include making lifestyle changes that can improve your health. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:

Avoid alcohol
Lose weight
Take medications to manage metabolic conditions
Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B

A healthcare provider may change your prescriptions if your medicine is causing fat to accumulate in your liver.

The best way to avoid SLD is to maintain your overall health. You can prevent SLD by:

Exercising regularly
Limiting your alcohol consumption
Maintaining a weight that is healthy for you
Taking medications as prescribed if you have Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Working with a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center can help you determine your biggest risk factors for liver damage, identify medications that may lead to further damage, and find the right treatment for any scarring or disease you are experiencing. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.