Will the doctor I saw in the office be the one performing the surgery?
Yes, Dr Ahmad will perform your surgery. Occasionally, resident physicians or professional surgical assistants may assist the surgeon who will be present for the entire procedure.
Why can’t I eat or drink before the surgery?
You should not eat or drink anything before your surgery. Your anesthesiologist will give you instructions for about how long you need to fast. Anesthesia is a risk when it is given with a full stomach as well and can result in what is known as aspiration. Basically, aspiration occurs when stomach contents end up in the lungs – this can lead to a serious pneumonia and a life threatening situation. Some types of surgery require you to be fasting in order to aid in the actual surgery (stomach surgery for example) or to reduce the chances of infection.
What time do I need to arrive?
You will be asked to arrive two hours before your scheduled surgery in most cases. Unless you are specifically told otherwise in your pre-operative consultation, please plan accordingly.
Can I take my medicines before surgery?
Prior to surgery you will be contacted by a nurse or representative of the surgical facility to review your medications and inform you of which ones are safe to take prior to your procedure.
How long will the procedure last?
The length of surgical procedures is variable based upon the type or surgery being performed. Understand that the actual surgical time will be far less than the time spent at the facility/hospital which will include pre-operative assessment, anesthesia administration and recovery.
Will I be able to drive home?
If you have received general anesthesia or sedation you will not be allowed to leave on your own. You must have someone available to drive you home. Your plan for discharge will be reviewed by the staff upon your arrival and if there is not an adult person able to accompany you after discharge, your surgery may be cancelled and rescheduled.
Will I need pain medicine after the procedure?
Dr. Ahmad will provide prescriptions for you for pain medication to be taken at home. The medication and quantity is based upon Dr. Ahmad’s preference based on the degree of discomfort typically associated with the procedure. Inquiries regarding refills should be directed to Dr. Ahmad’s office during normal business hours. Refills and replacements of medication will NOT be authorized by an on call physician after hours and weekends.
What if I need to reschedule?
Please notify our office immediately should you need to reschedule your surgery. Dr. Ahmad has set aside dedicated time in his schedule for your surgery, and should you need to reschedule, please allow him to possibly serve another patient who is in need of his surgical expertise. Should you have experienced any change in your health status since your last visit, please contact us as soon as possible. Surgery may need to be rescheduled in the event of illness. Please understand that we will make an effort to accommodate your requested time to reschedule, provided that Dr. Ahmad’s schedule allows.
What causes breast cancer?
The case of breast cancer is still unknown. There are certain risk factors that increase a person’s chance of developing breast cancer.
What factors increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer?
The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman’s risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older.
Research has shown that women with the following risk factors have an increased chance of developing breast cancer: Genetic alterations (changes); inherited changes; mammographic breast density; family history; personal history of breast cancer; certain breast changes found on biopsy.
Changes that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer include: atypical hyperplasia (a noncancerous condition in which cells have abnormal features and are increased in number); lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) (abnormal cells are found in the lobules of the breast); and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; abnormal cells are found in the lining of breast ducts). Because some cases of DCIS will eventually become cancer, this type of breast change is actively treated.
Radiation therapy, alcohol consumption, reproductive and menstrual history; and women who had their first menstrual period before age 12 or who went through menopause after age 55 have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women who had their first full-term pregnancy after age 30 or who have never had a full-term pregnancy are also at increased risk of breast cancer. Long-term use of menopausal hormone therapy, decreased physical activity level, and race (in the United States, breast cancer is diagnosed more often in White women than in African American, Hispanic/Latina, Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaska Native women).
What is inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)?
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and very aggressive disease in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. This type of breast cancer is called “inflammatory” because the breast often looks swollen and red, or “inflamed.” Inflammatory breast cancer accounts for 1 to 5 percent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States. Most inflammatory breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas, which means they developed from cells that line the milk ducts of the breast and then spread beyond the ducts.
Inflammatory breast cancer progresses rapidly, often in a matter of weeks or months. Inflammatory breast cancer is either stage III or IV at diagnosis, depending on whether cancer cells have spread only to nearby lymph nodes or to other tissues as well.
How is inflammatory breast cancer diagnosed?
Inflammatory breast cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Often, there is NO lump that can be felt during a physical exam or NOT seen in a screening mammogram. In addition, most women diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer have non-fatty (dense) breast tissue, which makes cancer detection in a screening mammogram more difficult. Also, because inflammatory breast cancer is so aggressive, it can arise between scheduled screening mammograms and progress quickly. The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer may be mistaken for those of mastitis, which is an infection of the breast, or another form of locally advanced breast cancer.
What are common symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer?
A rapid onset of erythema (redness), edema (swelling), and a peau d’orange (skin appearance looks like orange peel texture), appearance and/or abnormal breast warmth, with or without a lump that can be felt. The above-mentioned symptoms have been present for less than 6 months. The erythema covers at least a third of the breast.
What diagnostic imaging and staging tests are performed for IBC?
A diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound of the breast and regional (nearby) lymph nodes. A PET scan or a CT scan and a bone scan to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Proper diagnosis and staging of cancer helps doctors develop the best treatment plan and estimate the likely outcome of the disease, including the chances for recurrence and survival.
How important is early detection of breast cancer?
Early detection is crucial in diagnosing and treatment. It all begins with monthly self breast exams at home. All women should become familiar with their breasts so that any new symptom, lump, or changes can be reported to their doctor quickly for evaluation.
When should I get a mammogram?
A yearly mammogram and clinical breast exams are recommended to begin at age 40 and older. A baseline mammogram is sometimes performed between the age of 35-40. If there is a lump/mass felt during a self breast exam prior to age 35, ultrasound testing is recommended instead of mammogram due to the density of breast tissue at this age. Mammograms should continue annually as long as a woman is in good health.
How do I know if i am eligible for weight loss surgery?
- Rather than using weight, we use body mass index (BMI) as a criteria base for surgery – excess fat in relation to height.
- After failed attempts at medically supervised weight loss program.
- BMI greater than 40, or a BMI of 30 to 39 with obesity-related medical conditions.
To determine true eligibility, a consultation with Dr. Ahmad is necessary for full evaluation.
Is weight loss surgery right for everyone?
No, surgery is not for everyone. Dr. Ahmad determines whether a patient is right for surgery after a complete evaluation and discussion with the patient. Because weight loss surgery is ‘life-altering’, we want to make sure our patients are committed to making the necessary lifestyle changes for a successful procedure.
What are the risks of weight loss surgery?
All major surgery comes with risks and the risks are different for each patient. During your first appointment, your surgeon will explain your individual risk.
Can I become pregnant after weight loss surgery?
Women should avoid pregnancy for at least 18 months after surgery. Please discuss any pregnancy plans with your surgeon.
Will my insurance cover the procedure?
Insurance coverage depends your group plan. There is always criteria the insurance company wants compliance with before approving to cover the surgical cost. We verify coverage and work with the insurance companies to get your surgery authorized.
If I am interested in weight loss surgery, what is my first step?
Call to set up your consultation at 281-970-8484.
Should I exercise after weight loss surgery?
Regular exercise is extremely important for maintaining your weight loss.
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