Blog Archive

If you're overweight, you’re not alone: About one in three adults in the United States are overweight, and more than two in five have obesity. While you may feel comfortable in your skin and with your weight, there are health risks associated with carrying extra pounds.  Additionally, maintaining a healthy...

Most people experience acid reflux from time to time, but if you experience it two times a week or more, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic disorder that affects about one in five (20%) adults in the United States.  While GERD won’t go away on its own,...

Being obese can increase your risk of developing serious chronic illnesses, including diabetes, metabolic disease, and heart disease. If you’ve tried to lose weight with no success, you may be a good candidate for sleeve gastrectomy surgery.  Also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, this bariatric surgery procedure removes up...

Every year in the United States, about five million people develop a hernia. While people with small hernias and minor symptoms may not need hernia repair surgery, most eventually will.  Why? A hernia does not resolve on its own, and untreated hernias tend to get bigger over time. They can...

Most people have experienced acid reflux, a burning and uncomfortable feeling in their chest, at some point in life following a big meal. But acid reflux is a chronic condition for about 20% of adults in the United States. And, to make matters worse, this common condition seems to intensify...

Inguinal hernia may be a difficult condition to pronounce, but it’s a common condition to have — especially among men. About 27% of men and 3% of women experience an inguinal hernia at some point in their life. While it can occur at any age, most inguinal hernias appear in...

This November, in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, we’d like to explore the close connection between obesity and diabetes — and why it’s so important to treat both.  Rates of obesity and diabetes are going up at alarming rates, and the fact that both are on the rise at the...

More than two-thirds of people in the United States are either overweight or obese. Carrying excess weight increases your risk for many health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.  Knowing your body mass index (BMI), which is calculated based on your height and weight, can help you understand...

Hernias and constipation are both common health concerns, and neither are serious in their early stages. However, both conditions can progress — and both can lead to pain, discomfort, and complications as they advance. A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot or tear...

Everyone feels uncomfortable after a big or rich meal every once in a while. However, when you frequently feel heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms, you may have chronic acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Chronic acid reflux is common, affecting 20% of people in the United States. This digestive disease can lead...

Have you tried to lose weight on your own with no long-term success? Are the extra pounds endangering your health? If so, it might be time to consider bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery alters your digestive system, limiting how much food you can eat. But bariatric surgery is just one part...

It’s mid-afternoon and you feel that familiar burning sensation in your chest. You thought the 2pm coffee pick-me-up wouldn’t bother you, but it’s hurting you now. After you eat, if you have frequent heartburn with chest pain, the feeling of something in your throat, or if your food sometimes comes...

The decision to have weight loss surgery requires thoughtful consideration and approval from your care team. Being a good candidate, however, is only part of the preparation you need for a successful outcome. Experienced bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Sutker, at our offices in Dallas and McKinney, Texas, offers minimally invasive bariatric surgeries, such...

Hernias occur when an organ pushes through your muscle or tissue — muscle weakness is the typical cause. You risk a hernia when you repeatedly strain weak abdominal muscles from lifting heavy objects or even harsh chronic coughing. There are different types of hernias. Umbilical hernias occur when the organ pushes through...

Thanks to advances in medical understanding, technology, and technique, surgical weight loss has evolved into an increasingly popular, minimally invasive procedure available to millions of Americans.  However, it is a life-altering procedure, and success requires a significant personal commitment. Weight-related health conditions also play an essential role in determining your...

As a leading health problem in the United States and across the globe, worldwide obesity rates have tripled since 1975. In recent years, nearly two billion adults and 39 million children have become overweight or obese, and either of these conditions opens the door for a range of potential health complications with...

People with a BMI (body mass index) of over 35 often have a difficult time losing weight through diet and exercise alone. One effective method that helps people in this category lose weight is bariatric surgery. There are several types of bariatric surgery, but the basic idea is to reduce the capacity of...

Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are bariatric surgeries that can aid weight loss. They’re optimal for people living with obesity who have had little luck with other weight loss methods, such as dieting and exercising. Although both procedures seem similar, they’re vastly different, with unique risks and benefits.  Michael Sutker,...

Any type of surgery comes with some type of risk. But with advances in surgical tools and techniques, surgery is becoming less risky.  Our bariatric and general surgery specialist, Dr. Michael Sutker, is constantly advancing his skills so he can provide our patients with the highest level of care. He uses robotic...

Both surgical procedures and recoveries for hernia can seem daunting, so it’s important to know what to expect before and after surgery. It’s noteworthy to remember that recovery varies from person to person. Recovery times can also depend on what type of surgical procedure you have, whether it’s open surgery or a...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects 15-30% of the population. If you have it, you’re certainly not alone. While everyone has heartburn from time to time, you may have a more serious problem if you experience it a couple of times a week. It can be highly uncomfortable if you...

Nearly 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and the majority have type 2 diabetes. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t make enough insulin to meet the demands of your cells. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells use glucose, or blood sugar, as fuel. When your cells can’t...

You’ve had GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) for a while, and it’s not getting any better. You’ve tried medication, and it just doesn’t work for you. Besides, you know all medication has side effects, and you’d rather not take another pill for the rest of your life. Board-certified bariatric and general...

Getting bariatric surgery to lose weight and protect your health is a big decision. These weight loss procedures are extremely effective, but they also come with lasting side effects. For all intents and purposes, a bariatric surgery is not "reversible." It’s a good idea to explore all aspects of your procedure — including whether...

Robotic surgery is increasingly popular for many general surgical procedures, including colectomy, hernia repair, and even certain types of bariatric surgery. Using the precise, fine movements of robotic arms, your specially trained surgeon can repair damaged tissue or remove unhealthy organs.  While the surgery you need is necessary for your health in some way,...

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue that lines your esophagus — the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach — resembles intestinal cells instead of normal esophageal cells.  These tissue changes are often linked to disorders such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease...

Obesity is a serious health risk that’s associated with all of the leading causes of death in the United States, including heart attack, stroke, and some cancers. Obesity is also associated with poor mental health and reductions in wellbeing. Unfortunately, losing large amounts of weight on your own is doomed...

Whether you have a persistent cough resulting from a medical condition — such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — because you’re a smoker, or for other reasons, coughing too much or too strongly can cause a hernia. A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ or other type...

If you’ve ever had a pilonidal cyst, you’d stop at nothing to keep them from happening again. A pilonidal cyst is a round, air- or fluid-filled sac found at the top of the crease of your buttocks (gluteal cleft) that contains hair and other debris. Often, this skin condition is...

Holidays feasts contain all kinds of foods that could trigger a bout of acid reflux. But if you plan ahead of time, you can enjoy meals and celebrations with friends and family this holiday season without dealing with the pain of acid reflux. Expert bariatric surgeon Michael Sutker, MD, diagnoses...

Chronic wounds affect millions of Americans, and they’re a problem that’s only getting worse, according to a National Institutes of Health report. Wounds that are slow to heal or not healing at all can have severe complications. In Dallas and McKinney, Texas, Dr. Michael Sutker and our compassionate staff help...

Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that interferes with your breathing patterns during sleep. Sleep apnea sufferers may stop breathing hundreds of times per night.  When you have obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in your throat relax a bit too much during sleep, narrowing your airways and making it...

Most everyone knows the dangers of being obese: Extra pounds dramatically increase your risks of heat disease, heart attack, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. But beyond what the scale says, there’s another number you need to know: your BMI or body mass index. Body mass index is calculated...

Every year in the United States, surgeons repair more than a million hernias, making it one of the most common surgical procedures in the country. In fact, about 10% of Americans will have a hernia at some point in their lives — and nearly everyone will need to have surgery...

Losing excess weight is difficult for many people for a range of reasons. And when you’re especially overweight, weight loss is often more important from a health standpoint and significantly more challenging.  If you’ve tried your best to reach a healthy weight range without success or have high obesity-related health...

Your abdomen, no matter the shape, should be even and equally flush. Strains and injuries can sometimes result in hernias, causing an area on your mid-section to project outward. When your navel projects, and is accompanied by pain or pressure, you might be experiencing an umbilical hernia. These types of...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the gastric juices that dissolve foods in your stomach climb up your esophagus. Because human stomach acid is very acidic, enough to dissolve metal or bones, GERD can cause you to experience symptoms such as a burning sensation in your chest, a sour taste...

Under normal circumstances, your thyroid functions normally, producing critical hormones that regulate everything from metabolism to body temperature. But when something goes awry with this gland, it can cast a wide net over your health and wellness. Fortunately, there are solutions. Michael Sutker, MD has a keen understanding of thyroid...

Patient: John Age:  54 Height: 5’6” Highest Weight: 334 Current Weight: 260 Goal Weight: 175 Bariatric Surgery: Gastric Bypass Surgery Date:  November 5, 2020 Largest Size: 63” waist 4-5X Current Size: 52” waist, 2-3X Weight related diseases: diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, enlarged spleen, high cholesterol Life Before Surgery John recalls...

If you’re overweight, losing weight can be hard. However, it’s vital for your long-term health, especially if you have Type 2 diabetes. More than 34 million Americans have diabetes. Although anyone can develop blood sugar disorders, approximately 90% of Type 2 diabetes cases are due to excess body fat. Fortunately,...

When your internal organs or fatty tissue poke through a weak spot in your muscle or connective tissue, a hernia forms. Your hernia may create a noticeable lump or bulge or cause symptoms such as swelling or pain.  Hernias don’t get better over time. When your hernia causes symptoms that...

Patient: Stephanie Interview Date: 4/30/20 Age: 50 Height: 5’2” Highest Weight: 230 lbs. BMI: 41 Current Weight: 177 lbs. — 53 pound weight loss BMI: 32.7 Goal Weight: 130 lbs. BMI: 23.7 Bariatric Surgery: Gastric Sleeve Surgery Date: November 2019 Largest Size: 18-20 Current Size: 12 or Medium top Weight...

Patient: Petty Age: 45 Height: 5’4” Surgery type: gastric sleeve Surgery date: October 2018 Highest weight: 275 lbs. Current weight: 182 lbs. Goal weight: 160 lbs. Largest Size: 20 Current Size: 10 Before Surgery It started when Petty was growing up. Her weight always fluctuated due to poor eating habits...

PATIENT VERSION  Title: Weight Loss Leads to Photo Fun for Felicia Patient: Felicia Age: 51 Height: 5’6” Highest Weight: 288 lbs. BMI: 46.4 Current Weight: 177 lbs. BMI: 28.5 Goal Weight: 175 lbs. BMI: 28.2 Bariatric Surgery: Gastric Bypass Surgery Date: October 15, 2019 Largest Size: 22 or 3xL Current...

Patient: Leonda Age: 53 Height: 5’7” Highest Weight: 330 lbs. BMI: 51.6 Current Weight: 226 lbs. BMI: 35.3 Goal Weight: 175 lbs. BMI: 27.4 Bariatric Surgery: gastric sleeve Surgery Date: December 2018 Largest Size: 28-30 Current Size: 16 Weight related diseases: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep...

Title: Ann’s Amazing Journey Patient: Ann Age: 49 Height: 5’5” Highest Weight: 234 lbs. BMI: 38.9 Current Weight: 201 lbs. BMI: 33.4 Goal Weight: 160 lbs. BMI: 26.6 Bariatric Surgery: gastric sleeve Surgery Date: 12/20/19 Largest Size: 18 Current Size: 14-16 Weight Related Conditions Pre-Op: Knee pain which required injections...

Bariatric physicians, or clinicians who provide safe medical weight loss management treatments, recommend bariatric weight loss surgery to certain patients for a variety of reasons, including to lower their risk for serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.  You might have struggled with your weight for many years, despite...

The discomfort of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is impossible to ignore. Chronic heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, and tasting the bitterness of food you’ve already eaten coming back up are enough to cause you to dread eating or drinking anything.  Michael Sutker, MD, PA, with offices in Dallas and...