The Weight Loss Doc

Minimally invasive surgery isn’t “fancy tech for fun” – it’s about how you feel after.

Today’s OR list is all gastric bypass and paraesophageal hernia cases, and we’re doing them robotically with tiny laparoscopic incisions. That means most patients wake up with what look like 4–5 little paper cuts instead of one big incision. Less trauma to the abdominal wall usually means less pain, less need for narcotics, and faster recovery.

Some patients go home the same day, others just stay one night, but almost all of them are up and walking within hours. And yes, the cosmetic result matters too—especially when you’re already working so hard on your health and your body.

If you’ve been told you need surgery, it’s completely fair to ask:
“What approach do you use—open, laparoscopic, or robotic—and how will that affect my recovery?”

Drop your questions about minimally invasive or robotic surgery below 👇

and save this to revisit before your pre‑op visit.

foregutsurgery

Carrying extra weight and dealing with constant heartburn or acid reflux? 🔥

Those two are more connected than most people realize.

Extra belly fat increases pressure on your stomach, which makes it easier for acid to splash up into your esophagus. More pressure inside = more reflux episodes, especially after big meals or when you lie down.

The good news: you don’t have to hit your “goal weight” to start feeling better.

Losing even a small amount of weight can noticeably reduce how often reflux hits—*before* you’re anywhere near your final weight-loss goal. Small, consistent changes like eating slower, shrinking portion sizes, walking after meals, and prioritizing good sleep can all calm things down over time.

If you’ve noticed your reflux got worse as your weight went up (or better as it came down), you’re not imagining it. Your anatomy and your habits are talking to each other.

Drop a “🔥” if you want more science-backed tips on reflux and weight, and tag someone who keeps a bottle of antacids on their nightstand.

That weird bulge in your groin after lifting something heavy? 👀

It might be an inguinal hernia—not “just a pulled muscle.”

An inguinal hernia happens when fat or even a bit of intestine pushes through a weak spot in the groin and creates a bulge. The groin is a natural weak point (especially in men) because of the “old highway” where the testicles descended before birth, so over time it can stretch and give way.

Triggers that crank up pressure in that area include heavy lifting, straining when you p**p, lots of coughing (hey, smokers), and carrying extra weight. Weak spot + pressure = a hernia can pop out.

Not every hernia is painful, but most tend to get bigger with time.

If you notice a new bulge in your groin—especially if it hurts or keeps showing up—don’t ignore it. Get it checked by a doctor so you know what you’re dealing with and what your options are.

Save this for later and share it with someone who keeps “pushing through” groin pain instead of getting seen. 💙

Finding out you have a gastric volvulus or a large paraesophageal hernia can sound terrifying—especially if you haven’t really had symptoms and now you’re being told you might need surgery.

In this video, I walk through how we typically repair these hernias:
- Why most are done minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic)
- What it means to bring the stomach back into the abdomen and close the diaphragmatic defect
- When I add a gastropexy vs a fundoplication (wrapping the top of the stomach around the esophagus)
- Why it’s still surgery under general anesthesia, but usually not a big open incision

If you’re nervous about an upcoming hiatal or paraesophageal hernia surgery, it’s completely normal. The goal of this reel is to help you understand what’s actually happening so you can ask better questions and feel more prepared for your consult.

👉 Save this before your surgeon visit so you remember what to ask.
👉 Share with someone who’s scared about hernia surgery and needs a clearer explanation.

Follow for real-talk on hernias, reflux surgery, bariatrics, and what to expect before and after an operation.