At close to 300 pounds, Dale Benzine was experiencing many side effects that often come with obesity. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, gout, and the dreaded sleep apnea. His doctor told him he needs to “lose weight or die”.

With his insurance company on his side, Benzine made the bold decision to undergo weight loss surgery. Because he didn’t want the option to have the procedure reversed, he opted for gastric bypass surgery. Unlike gastric banding which can easily be removed and reversed, the gastric bypass procedure is permanent and can not be undone.

Before undergoing the surgery, Benzine got approval from his primary care physician, a nutritionist, a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, a gastroenterologist and a psychiatrist. This is all routine protocol to ensure that the patient is really READY and COMMITTED to undergoing the procedure.

Once the procedure was done, Benizne found that it was difficult to eat the foods that he once loved. Because of the drastic changes to the stomach, only small amounts of food can be tolerated after weight loss surgery and Benzine, like all other bariatric patients, had to learn how to eat all over again.

He started off with a liquid diet and slowly progressed into introducing solids back into his meals. When he was hungry, he would have small portions rather than large meals. After much willpower, dedication to his diet, and a list of commandments he created, he was able to lose more than 125 pounds in the six months following his procedure.

It takes patience and hard work even AFTER surgery to see results. You have to remember that your diet won’t be the same, and your body will be intolerable of many foods. It’s important to LISTEN to what your body is telling you and slowly introduce foods back into your diet to ensure a healthy recovery.

To read more about Benzine’s story and see his 10 commandments of bariatric surgery, click here.

On track to running in the next presidential election, Christie couldn’t bear the weight any longer and secretly opted for gastric banding surgery in February to lose weight. His motivation behind his decision? His Family.

Losing weight was not only important to help Christie stay in the election race, but it was even more important for his long term health. Being overweight comes with many health risks including diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. Weight loss surgery was his only option for losing such a significant amount of weight and changing his life for the better; thanks to the surgery, Christie is now living a healthy lifestyle and can be more certain that he will be here for his family for a long time to come.

A little about the Procedure

Gastric banding is a surgical procedure that reduces the capacity of the stomach in order to limit the amount of food that a patient can consume. The gastric banding procedure utilizes two separate medical apparatuses to be implanted in the patient: a silicone band and an injection port. The silicone band is surgically implanted and placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating two connected chambers in the stomach. The injection port is then fastened to the abdominal wall beneath the skin. A soft, thin tube is then used to connect the port to the band.

Our REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution makes you feel full sooner which results in less food consumed at one time and makes it easier for you to participate in healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

The adjustable REALIZE Band divides the stomach into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The upper pouch can only hold about 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of food. For this reason, you will feel full sooner and longer than usual.

Anyone undergoing gastric banding can look forward to significant weight loss and health benefits almost immediately after the procedure. It is typical for patients who undergo the gastric band procedure to lose 47% of their excess weight.

Bariatric surgery patients who experienced significant weight loss can expect improvements in their quality of life, physical functioning, appearance, and even social and economic opportunities according to analyses.

If you struggle with your weight, you could be a potential candidate for weight loss surgery. Call us today to discuss your options or visit us for a free one on one consultation with our Board certified Bariatric Surgeon.

It’s time for a new you. (888) 98-NEW-YOU

To read more about the Governor and his weight loss journey, click here.

Botox injections in Los Angeles consist of a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In its cosmetic use it prevents wrinkles through paralysis of facial muscles, with each injection typically lasting between three to six months. During the process of aging the production of collagen and elastin is reduced resulting in areas of over-use becoming damaged and presenting wrinkles. Botox reduces the movement of muscles in the area it is applied to, which ceases the skin from being creased and allowing the skin to recover. This process results in the lines on the face softening or even fading away.

While many celebrities swear by Botox, so do every day working men and women. Often people turn to Botox because it is a relatively inexpensive procedure when compared to other types of cosmetic surgeries, and it does not involve being put under general anesthesia and is performed in an outpatient procedure, which typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Many younger adults in their 20′s are even turning to it for preventative measures.

While Botox is best known for it’s cosmetic uses, it also serves to assist people with many other disorders and conditions including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), cervical dystonia, painful bladder syndrome, incontinence, and even to heal wounds in certain cases. In some cases, Botox has even been linked to an improvement in both mood and relationships.

When Botox treatments are applied by a trained professional the side effects are very minimal; in some cases patients may experience an inappropriate facial or uneven smile, but even when these side effects occur they will wear off within a few weeks.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Botox treatments is the application of injections by those that are not trained professionals. Unlicensed individuals may receive bad batches of Botox that may be diluted with a normal saline solution, which may result in quite a good deal of pain during the application and after and may also result in a stiff, unattractive appearance. Receiving Botox treatments at a “Botox Party” can aslo be extremely dangerous; the individual may have no knowledge of how to apply the treatment, the injection could lead to serious complications such as pain, bruising, and muscle weakness, and should anything more serious occur there is no medical professional on hand to assist or treat.

When you are looking to receive Botox in Los Angeles, make sure that you choose a certified professional to help you look your best without complications.

Just call 888-986-3996 to schedule your free Botox consultation in Los Angeles with Beverly Oaks Surgery

Magic Formula for Weight Loss

The single “magic formula” to weight loss is this; you have to burn more calories than you take in. Seems simple, but it’s easier said than done. Everyone burns a wide range of calories throughout their day and there is no way to directly pinpoint just how many calories you burn on average daily, but the MyFitnessPal application is a good way to build a fitness plan of how many calories you should consume each day and what fitness goals you should incorporate. MyFitnessPal will also help  you keep tack of your caloric intake each day.

Helpful Tips to Lose Weight in Los Angeles

There are so many resources that provide weight loss tips on the Internet that it can be difficult to determine which ones are valid and to be trusted. It is also important to know that new scientific studies are being performed each day that provide new findings on the best way to lose weight, so even when you get information from a valid source it could be subject to revision. Having said that, however, these tips (provided by USA Today on February 5, 2013) seem to be the most up-to-date and come from a variety of nutrition experts and dieticians. [1]

• Setting Goals – Recent studies have shown that setting goals are paramount to achieving weight loss. A realistic goal to set is somewhere between one-half to two pounds a week and can be achieved by keeping track of what you consume has been linked to losing twice as much weight as those who do not keep track.
• Motivation – Perhaps there is a pair of jeans that you would love to fit into or pictures of you at your desired weight that you would like to achieve. Place these items in a place that you will see them to help get you motivated on your weight loss journey.
• Cutting Calories – Cutting calories from your diet in some easy ways will help you achieve your weight loss goals. Getting rid of soda and other sugary drinks as well as alcoholic beverages, iced tea, sports drinks, and energy drinks will help you cut more calories. You can also consider stocking up on impulse fruits, fruits that can be eaten when you are feeling impulsive instead of cookies or candy bars. Some impulse fruit items include small apples or bananas, clementines, and grapes.
• Weight-Loss Diets – U.S. News and World Report have provided their list of the top weight-loss diets [2] that result in the greatest amount and quickest methods to lose weight. These diets include Weight Watchers, the Biggest Loser diet, and Jenny Craig among others. Try these diets and see which ones work best for you.

Try your hardest to lose weight in Los Angeles, but know that scientists have found that weight is in part genetic. Studies have found that those with two copies of a particular gene were 60% more likely to be obese than those without. If you have tried these methods you may want to consider weight loss surgery in Los Angeles from Beverly Oaks Surgery. Even if your weight is genetic, that doesn’t mean that it has to be your fate. Call 888-98-NEW-YOU for a free weight loss consultation.

[1] http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/28/best-weight-loss-tips/1779993/

[2] http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-weight-loss-diets

Some of the content here will aid you in seeking out reliable plastic surgeons in Los Angeles and hopefully addressing some of these myths will set your mind at ease about receiving a surgical cosmetic procedure. Let’s get started, shall we?

• Just because a surgeon states that they are board-certified does not mean that they are a true plastic surgeon. Choosing a physician who has been properly trained and certified in plastic surgery can save you from having a bad experience. When you are seeking a physician for your plastic surgery needs make sure that they are qualified, specifically that they are certified from an institution such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which requires years of training and a rigorous exam to be certified. The plastic surgeons at Beverly Oaks Surgery have certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• While plastic surgery is a serious procedure, when performed properly by skilled experts it is perfectly safe. According to a recent study conducted by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, over 15 million cosmetic procedures were performed worldwide in 2011, with the majority performed in the United States. Finding a plastic surgeon in Los Angeles that have received excellent feedback from patients is an important part of your research. Our plastic surgeons have excellent patient reviews from sits such as HealthGrades, Vitals, and RateMDs.
• Plastic surgery isn’t just for women. In fact, there were 800,000 cosmetic procedures performed on men in 2011, and the majority of those procedures were liposuction, rhinoplasty, breast reduction, and facelift surgeries.

At Beverly Oaks Surgery we pride ourselves on providing state-of-the-art facilities with the best, most qualified surgeons on staff to perform your plastic surgery. If you are interested in Los Angeles plastic surgery, call Beverly Oaks Surgery for a free consultation today at 888-986-3996.

Diet

Our bodies are built to protect our vital organs by wrapping them in cholesterol, water, and fat and this typically occurs in the hips and lower abdomen. Consuming a diet that is high in toxins such as caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and nicotine, foods high in acidity, and processed foods can result in the dreaded “muffin top.” Here are some tips that you can follow to get rid of your muffin top through dieting[1]:

• Flush Out Toxins – Not only should you reduce the number of toxins that you take in, you should also flush out as many toxins as possible. This can be achieved by eating a diet that is rich in foods such as vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Making sure that you are staying hydrated and drinking enough water is also key to flushing out toxins; while there is no overarching, definitive suggestion for water intake it is typically advised that men take in about 100 ounces of total beverages a day and women about 75 ounces of beverages per day. While this suggestion states “beverages,” consuming sugary drinks is strongly advised against if you are attempting to lose weight and get rid of that muffin top and consuming only water is strongly suggested for this purpose.
• Include More “Good Fats” and Less “Bad Fats” – Not all fats are bad for you, in fact our bodies need fat not only for energy but also to absorb vitamins and to transport nutrients. A diet that includes monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats (also known as the “good fats”) is good for health. Avocados, nuts, fatty fish, tofu, peanut butter, soymilk all include monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats and are good for your heart and cholesterol levels. “Bad fats” – the ones associated with weight gain, heart disease, and elevated cholesterol levels – are the saturated fats (found in butter, cheese, high-fat cuts of meat, and whole-fat dairy milk or cream) and trans fats (found in packaged snack foods, commercially baked items such as cookies, cakes, and pizza dough, and fried foods). Eliminating trans fats from your diet and limiting saturated fats will help you stay healthy.
• Decrease Added Sugar Intake – Like fat our bodies need sugar as it is the fuel that our bodies prefer. Sugar that is naturally occurring is healthy and can be found in fruit, some vegetables like sweet potatoes, and even milk. Added sugar includes sweeteners that are added during the preparation of processed foods and include high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, and maltose among others. The American Heart Association suggests that added sugar intake be roughly 6 teaspoons per day for women, however on average US women consume about 18 teaspoons a day.

Exercise

Exercise is imperative to weight loss as it helps you to not only work off the calories that you have consumed, but also to tone the area in question. Here are some great exercises that you can perform to help you lose your muffin top[2].

• Cardiovascular Exercise – Cardiovascular exercise helps you lose weight by helping you to burn calories and is a must if you are attempting weight loss. You will not only burn more calories at a single time but it also adds to the overall calorie deficit necessary to weight loss.  Walking, running, swimming, and step aerobics are all great methods for cardiovascular exercise. If you are just starting to get back into exercising start with a level you can handle and attempt to do about 3 to 4 days a week.
• Jacknives – Jacknives will help you to focus attention on your core and abdominals. Lay on the floor with your arms stretched over your head and your legs flat on the floor. Raise your arms and legs to a 90-degree angle and touch and then return to a resting position. Do about forty reps of jacknives to help burn fat in your belly.
• Side Bends – Side bends are low-impact and easy to do. Stand with your feet equal to hip distance and lower your arm to touch your toes while moving your other hand to your hip (bending to the side of course). Alternate sides and do about 100 reps.

Weight Loss Surgery

If you have been through the ringer with diets and exercise time and time again and still can’t manage to lose any of that weight it may be time to consider weight loss surgery. At Beverly Oaks Surgery our medical professionals are some of the finest in their field and provide both gastric banding and gastric sleeve for weight loss. Both the gastric band and gastric sleeve can give you a leg up on your weight loss journey and help not only achieve, but also maintain the healthy weight you have been striving for.

To learn more about the weight loss surgical procedures provided by Beverly Oaks Surgery contact us for a free consultation at (888) 986-3996.

[1] Holliday, Janey. “How To… Lose Your Muffin Top.” Mail Online. Associated Newspapers Ltd, 09 Apr. 2009. Web.

[2] Meltzer-Zepeda, Dana. “3 Moves to Melt Away Your Muffin Top: Flash: Self.com.” Self Content. Conde Nast, 28 Mar. 2012. Web.

What Is Tubal Ligation?

Often you will hear this procedure referred to as “having your tubes tied” as this type of surgery involves either cutting, blocking, or tying the fallopian tubes of the female patient, which prevents eggs from being fertilized by sperm by keeping the eggs from traveling from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes. About 700,000 women within the US undergo this procedure each year, with about 50% having it done after the birth of a child.

What Methods are Used for Tubal Ligation?

There are multiple methods that are used for tubal ligation including:

• Laparoscopy – Laparoscopy involves making very small incisions in the abdomen. Bipolar coagulation is the most popular type of laparoscopic method and uses electrical currents to cauterize sections of the fallopian tubes.
• Essure Method – This method involves the insertion of two metal coils into the fallopian tubes in order for scar tissue to form around the coils and block the tubes.
• Pomeroy Method – This involves suturing a loop of the fallopian tube, removing it, and then cauterizing the ends. This method is easier to reverse than other methods.

How Effective is Tubal Ligation?

Within the first year approximately 0.5% of women become pregnant after tubal ligation. Over the course of five years the total of number of women that become pregnant rises to about 13 in 1,000 women. Compared to tubal implants (which are a newer method of birth control) the risk of pregnancy is significantly lower for tubal ligation, with the number of women becoming pregnant two years after implants at roughly 1%. In a very small number of women the fallopian tubes may grow back together to form a new passage, referred to as recanalization.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects?

While tubal ligation is referred to as major surgery due to the fact that it involves the patient undergoing general anesthesia, major complications are typically rare and uncommon. Some minor complications that can occur include wound separation, infection, severe PMS symptoms, and irregular periods. More serious symptoms that can occur include painful ovulation, mental confusion and memory lapses, and depression or anxiety.

Before making a decision regarding tubal ligation in Los Angeles, consult with the gynecologists at Beverly Oaks Surgery. Just call us for a consultation today at 888-986-3996.

APPETIZERS

Avocado Dip

Avocados have been linked to health benefits such as protection against breast and oral cancer and healthy vision. Here is a simple dip that you can make to provide yourself with a nice appetizer:

In a small bowl combine:

1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
2 teaspoons chopped onion
1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and mashed

Mix the ingredients evenly and serve with tortilla chips for a tasty, 65-calorie, low-fat appetizer.

 

Cheesy Zucchini Bites

Zucchini acts as a low-energy food, which helps you to control your appetite. It also provides you with vitamins A and C as well as potassium. If you are not a fan of zucchini on its own you can spice it up with this recipe that offers a delicious snack that is only 19 calories per serving and still low in fat and cholesterol.

For this recipe you will need:

• 5 medium zucchini (about 6 inches long)
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced

Cut the zucchini into pieces about three-quarters of an inch in size and scoop out the insides – while leaving the bottom intact – with a spoon. Scoop in one-half of a teaspoon of the crumbled blue cheese into the center. Combine the cheese, basil, and pepper and sprinkle on top of the cheese, then top it off with a thinly-sliced piece of tomato. Place on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

 

ENTREES

Over at Glamour.com, columnist Meredith Turtis has been providing some great healthy meals that are under 500 calories throughout the month of January. Included is one of these recipes one for meat-eaters and another for EatingWell for vegetarians.

Balsamic Grilled Skirt Steak

For this recipe you will need:

1 pound grass fed skirt steak, trimmed and cut into 4 pieces
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. dark brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
cooking spray
½ tsp. sea salt salt, divided
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Combine balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dark brown sugar, and minced garlic in a large plastic bag. Marinade the steak in the plastic bag for about 30 minutes.  After removing the steak from the bag, season it with one-quarter teaspoon of sea salt. Over medium-high heat, heat a large grill-pan and coat the pan lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle the steak with one-quarter teaspoon of salt and one-quarter teaspoon of pepper evenly on both sides. Add the steak to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium rare. Cover the steak loosely with foil and let rest 5 minutes after removing it from the pan. Slice steak diagonally across the grain into thin slices.

 

Black Bean and Corn Pizza

This recipe is only 316 calories per serving and only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You can expect to get about 3 servings from this vegetarian recipe.

• 1 plum tomato, diced
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels, (about 2 ears)
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 1 pound prepared whole-wheat pizza dough
• 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, preferably smoked mozzarella

You will need to use a grill for this recipe so preheat it to medium while you combine the tomato, beans, and corn in a medium bowl. On  a large baking sheet sprinkle the two tablespoons of cornmeal before stretching the dough into a twelve-inch circle on it.  Put the crust bare on the grill without the baking sheet. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, with the lid of the grill closed, so that the crust is lightly browned and puffed. Flip the crust using a spatula and spread the barbecue sauce, followed by the tomato mixture and cheese. Grill for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bottom of the crust is browned.

HEALTHY EATING TIPS

On top of making yourself delicious, low-calorie meals there are a few tips that we can provide you with regarding healthy eating that will help you in your journey to lose weight.

• Plan Your Meals – By planning out your meals ahead of time you will be less likely to indulge in unhealthy food choices. Set scheduled times throughout the day for your meals to build a healthy eating routine.
• Stay Hydrated – Oftentimes the body confuses hunger and thirst. Making sure that you stay hydrated will help you differentiate between the two. Water is the best beverage for you, and you can even flavor the water yourself with your favorite fruit. Soda and sugary drinks are extremely unhealthy on many levels so avoid these at all costs as your beverage choice.
• Eat Light Snacks – Occasional and mild snacking throughout the day will help you regulate your weight. Nuts make for great healthy snacks as do fruits.

If healthy eating and exercise still won’t allow you to lose the weight you desire, consult with one of our weight loss surgeons at Beverly Oaks Surgery to see if the gastric band or gastric sleeve methods for Los Angeles weight loss are right for you. Just call us today at 888-986-3996.

In the last few years some people have chosen to receive cosmetic procedures from “medispas” and other types of discount plastic surgery clinics. These alternatives are often chosen due to the pampering and convenient environment, but have come under fire due to some instances of patient harm and dissatisfaction. While it is not our goal to discredit these methods, it is our goal to provide you with the information you need to make the right decision about your plastic surgery procedures in Los Angeles.

Dr. Michael Yaremchuk, MD, who is the Chief of Craniofacial Surgery at Massachusetts General Hopsital, recently published an article on how to make the safest decisions possible regarding plastic surgery. Here are some of the guidelines that he shared:

• Making sure your physician is board-certified – Making sure that your surgeon is board-certified in their field is especially important to maintaining confidence in your cosmetic surgical procedure. The plastic surgeons at Beverly Oaks Surgery are not only certified in their field but also are some of the most skilled surgeons, receiving high praise from colleagues and patients alike. Learn more about the cosmetic and plastic surgeons at Beverly Oaks Surgery.

• Choosing the right procedure – You may want to choose non-surgical treatments to improve your aesthetics. Should you choose these procedures it is important that the clinic you have apply this treatment do not employ cheap ingredients and choose solutions that abide by industry standards.

For more information on how you can protect yourself and stay well-informed regarding where you have your cosmetic procedures performed follow these Patient Safety Advisory Guidelines on Medi-Spas from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

For a free consultation from Beverly Oaks Surgery just give us a call at 888-98-NEW-YOU (888-986-3996)

Giving birth to a child is a beautiful and it is absolutely wonderful being a mother, but the fact of the matter is that pregnancy and childbirth can leave the mother with significant changes to the body. Many women find that after one child or multiple children they wish to return to how they looked before and Beverly Oaks Surgery can provide those mothers with an option to restore their body to how they looked before pregnancy with a Mommy Makeover.

Unlike other types of cosmetic surgical procedures a Mommy Makeover is not one specific surgery but a general term for different types of postpartum plastic surgery. Here are some of the reasons that mothers undergo a Mommy Makeover and receive postpartum plastic surgery in Los Angeles.

Breast Augmentation/Lift

For many women that choose to breastfeed their child or children the breasts can reduce in size; in fact, it is not uncommon for women who breastfeed multiple children to see a significant reduction in cup size. When women have experienced a reduced size of the breast they may want to consider breast augmentation in Los Angeles, which will increase the fullness and size of the breast through the use of implants. In most cases procedures are compatible with breastfeeding, but consult with your physician at Beverly Oaks Surgery if you intend on having more children and intend on breastfeeding.

For some women their breasts do not see a reduction in size as much as they tend to droop and sag. In order to address the sagging and dropping of the breast you may want to have a breast lift performed to compensate for the change in firmness.

Tummy Tuck

While women can expect it to take weeks for their stomach to return to its pre-pregnancy shape, some women are unable to lose the majority of the weight they have put on or experience sagging of the stomach. Sagging of the stomach is due to the loosening of stomach muscles that cannot be tightened as a result of dieting and exercise, and women can find this very unappealing.

A tummy tuck (known as abdominoplasty) involves removing excess fat and skin, but it is important to note that it will not substitute for an exercise program or healthy weight loss.

There are multiple other surgical procedures that can be performed based on the needs of the patient including butt and thigh lifts and vaginal rejuvenation. Consult with a physician at Beverly Oaks Surgery to learn more about your options for a Mommy Makeover.