ErikLoughMD

Board-Certified: American Board of Surgery
Fellowship: Advanced Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgery
Residency: General Surgery

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Many patients spend decades relying on acid blockers without addressing the root cause. Relying on PPIs for years—or even decades—is common, but is it the right long-term solution? Have you ever questioned your long-term medication use? #HealthTips #AcidReflux

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Visualizing a hiatal hernia: the stomach's upper part moves through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. About a quarter to a third of the stomach can reside above the diaphragm. #MedicalFacts #HumanAnatomy

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Hiatal hernia occurs when your stomach pushes through your diaphragm, worsening reflux & chest pressure, sometimes feeling like heart pain. Many find relief by sleeping propped up, but surgery to correct the hernia can allow them to lie flat again. #Health #MedicalFacts

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

A hiatal hernia happens when the top of your stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into your chest. This can cause serious swallowing issues and problems with stomach contents going backwards. #MedicalFacts #HealthAwareness

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

The esophagus should pass through the diaphragm via the hiatus. When everything is in place, the lower esophageal sphincter remains below the diaphragm, in a positive pressure environment. #Anatomy #Health

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Reflux isn't always about too much acid. Often, it's a mechanical issue. If the top of your stomach slides up through the diaphragm, it enters a negative pressure zone, pulling acid upward. This can cause symptoms medications alone can't fix. #HealthFacts #Reflux

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Feeling food back up after a big meal? Eating too late, especially dinner, can lead to uncomfortable feelings at night or even waking up choking. Reflux might be the hidden cause. #HealthTips #DigestiveHealth

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Reflux isn't just heartburn. It can affect your throat, lungs, even tooth enamel! Some experience chronic coughs or a constant urge to clear their throat, often misdiagnosed. Don't ignore persistent symptoms. #RefluxAwareness #HealthTips

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Heartburn is more than just a burning sensation. For those experiencing reflux, it can be uncomfortable and lead to seeking relief. Reflux is often misunderstood as solely causing heartburn. #HealthTips #DigestiveHealth

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Patients often spend years seeking answers for their health issues. Understanding conditions like reflux and hiatal hernias is crucial for effective treatment and finally getting the help they need. #Health #Medical

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Reflux isn't just heartburn. Many patients experience chronic cough, regurgitation, throat clearing, or chest pressure without any burning sensation. Some even wake up choking. #Reflux #HealthFacts

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Reflux isn't just heartburn. Many suffer chronic cough, regurgitation, or chest pressure, often undiagnosed for years. The cause might be a hiatal hernia, not just stomach acid. #GERD #HealthTips

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Thinking about bariatric revision surgery? Many patients have had gastric bands removed and converted to other procedures like sleeve or bypass. Revision is a common path. #BariatricSurgery #WeightLoss

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Think weight loss surgery isn't covered? Think again! Most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery, though criteria vary. Our staff help verify benefits. If insurance won't cover, we offer self-pay options. #BariatricSurgery #InsuranceCoverage #Health

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Considering weight loss surgery? You're not alone. The US faces a major obesity epidemic, affecting over a third of adults and 1 in 6 children. This crisis costs billions annually, a stark contrast to the 10-15% obesity rates in the 80s. #ObesityEpidemic #HealthFacts

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Many struggle to maintain weight loss from diet/exercise long-term. Studies show gastric bypass is far more successful, with 80% keeping weight off at 5 years. Obesity is complex, involving genetics, metabolism, and hormones, not just overeating. #WeightLoss #Health

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Recovering from robotic laparoscopic surgery? You can often work from your computer within days! The main restrictions are heavy lifting and physically demanding jobs. Prioritize rest, but don't rush back if your job requires more. #surgery #recovery #workfromhome

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Obesity significantly impacts healthcare costs, adding 42% more per patient and contributing to billions in annual spending on preventable chronic diseases. It also accounts for approximately 400,000 deaths annually in the US. #ObesityFacts #HealthCosts #PublicHealth

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Gastric bypass has a malabsorptive component, meaning not all calories & nutrients are absorbed. Reduced absorption drives weight loss. Studies show that even 7 years later, >60% of patients achieve diabetes remission. #GastricBypass #DiabetesRemission #WeightLoss

[ErikLoughMD @lough_md]

Choosing the right weight loss surgery depends on your BMI. Below 45, a sleeve is often enough. Over 45, a bypass offers better results. For BMIs over 50, the duodenal switch might be most appropriate. Discuss options with your surgeon. #WeightLossSurgery #Bariatrics