News

Welcome to the blog of bariatric surgeon James Parrish, MD. On this page, you will find a wealth of information for bariatric surgery patients – past, current, and prospective. We encourage you to read through the posts below to gain more information about gastric bypass, LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding, and other types of weight loss surgery. The news and announcements below can help you to become more knowledgeable about Dr. Parrish and his practice, as well as health, nutrition, and bariatric surgery in general. For more information, please feel free to contact us today. Our friendly and helpful staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have, and can help you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parrish.

Alexandria Weight Loss Physician Explains How to Choose the Best Bariatric Surgeon

Bariatric surgeon James Parrish, MD shares key credentials and qualities to look for in a weight loss surgeon. Alexandria, LA – Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option for individuals trying to overcome struggles with obesity and obesity-related health conditions. While weight loss procedures such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric banding, and others are available to help forge new habits for a healthier lifestyle, the results can only be worthwhile when ...

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Hiatal Hernia Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), also known as acid reflux, is an extremely common condition affecting at least 20 percent of people in the United States.* However, not so common is the ability to pinpoint an individual’s cause for acid reflux. At Alexandria Bariatric Surgery, our board-certified surgeon, Dr. James Parrish, is highly experienced in diagnosing patients with GERD—including those with a hiatal hernia, which is a common cause of the condition. Read ...

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What Is Acid Reflux and How Do You Treat It?

Feelings of discomfort right after eating or at night can be a sign that your body’s gastric (stomach) acid is moving upward from the stomach - where it is meant to stay to break down food for easier digestion - and making its way to your throat. When this occurs, it is often referred to as acid reflux and can affect individuals in various ways with mild to severe symptoms. Below, our ...

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How Can Weight Loss Surgery Be Minimally Invasive?

With approximately 40 percent of adults in America living with obesity or severe obesity*, the need for safe and effective weight loss options to reduce overall health risks is greater than ever. However, not all candidates for bariatric surgery are able to undergo open surgery, and some are simply not comfortable with the prospect of having such invasive procedures. Whether the reasons are due to not being able to take time off ...

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New BMI (Body Mass Index) Indications Can Make More Individuals Eligible for Bariatric Surgery

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) have announced new guidelines that make it possible for more individuals to qualify as candidates for bariatric surgery. The previous guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 recommended metabolic and bariatric surgery for patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or greater if they had ...

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Will I Have to Go On a Diet Before Weight Loss Surgery?

After making the decision to undergo weight loss surgery, your first step will be preparing your body for the procedure. Following the recommended pre-operative diet and exercise program can help ensure a safe surgery as well as an understanding of the lifestyle changes needed after surgery in order to be successful with long-term weight loss. A pre-approved diet is typically necessary before weight loss surgery to help patients: Become comfortable with a ...

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How Do I Keep the Weight Off After Weight Loss Surgery?

As we have often said here at our practice, weight loss surgery is just one step on the road to better health. To be sure, the surgical procedure itself is very important, but it mainly serves as a tool in an overall weight loss process that requires a number of lifestyle changes and a certain amount of discipline to reach the best level of success. With this in mind, once patients have ...

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When Can I Get Pregnant After Weight Loss Surgery?

It is definitely possible to get pregnant after weight loss surgery. In fact, many individuals discover that they may be even more fertile after the procedure than they were before they lost significant amounts of weight. One of the many benefits of major weight loss is that it can improve fertility. As the weight comes off, it is often the case that hormones become more stable, and that can enhance the potential ...

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Bariatric Surgery Pros & Cons

Many individuals struggling with severe obesity have found bariatric surgery to be highly effective for losing weight, keeping if off, and reducing obesity-related health issues. Three popular weight loss procedures include: Gastric bypass surgery – A small pouch is created and connected directly to the small intestine, enabling swallowed food to bypass most of the stomach. Gastric sleeve surgery – A large portion of the stomach is removed to restrict calories and ...

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Before and After Weight Loss Surgery: Alexandria Bariatric Surgeon Explains the Importance of Pre- and Post-Surgical Care

Dr. James Parrish, a bariatric surgeon in Alexandria, Louisiana, discusses the importance of the pre- and post-weight loss surgery process and the steps necessary to increase the chances of the safest and most effective experience possible.
Dr. James Parrish discusses what patients can expect before and after weight loss surgery and how the procedure itself is just a tool in a more comprehensive program designed to help individuals lose weight safely and effectively. Alexandria, LA – Bariatric surgery, often simply referred to as “weight loss surgery,” has helped many individuals lose significant amounts of weight and dramatically reduce risks to their general health. The benefits of state-of-the-art bariatric ...

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