Total Wellness and Bariatrics

02/23/2026

02/19/2026

Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) — also called One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB):

1. What It Is
• A bariatric (weight-loss) surgery that combines restriction (smaller stomach) and malabsorption (bypassing part of the small intestine).
• It involves creating a long narrow stomach pouch and connecting it to a loop of the small intestine.
• Unlike the traditional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, it uses one surgical connection (anastomosis) instead of two.

2. How It Works
It promotes weight loss through:

1. Restriction – Smaller stomach limits food intake.
2. Malabsorption – Food bypasses part of the small intestine, reducing calorie absorption.
3. Hormonal changes – Alters gut hormones that regulate hunger, insulin, and metabolism.

3. Average Weight Loss

• Patients typically lose 60–80% of excess body weight within 1–2 years.
• Weight loss often starts rapidly in the first 6 months.

4. Improvement in Medical Conditions
MGB is associated with improvement or remission of:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Fatty liver disease
• GERD

Type 2 diabetes remission rates are often high, sometimes within weeks due to hormonal effects.

02/16/2026

02/11/2026

Obesity Awareness: Understanding Long-term Treatment Options 💙

Obesity is a chronic, complex disease — not a personal failure. It’s influenced by genetics, hormones, environment, mental health, and access to care.

For some people, diet and exercise alone are not enough to achieve long-term weight loss or improve obesity-related conditions.

🩺 That’s where bariatric surgery comes in.

Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery is a medically proven treatment that:

• Helps regulate hormones that affect hunger and fullness
• Leads to sustained weight loss for many patients
• Can improve or even resolve conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain
• Improves quality of life and long-term health outcomes

🤝 Bariatric surgery is not the easy way out — it’s a tool. It requires lifelong commitment, medical follow-up, nutrition changes, and support.

💬 Obesity awareness means recognizing that there is no single solution — and that everyone deserves access to safe, effective, and compassionate care.

Let’s replace stigma with science and support people in choosing the treatment that’s right for them.

02/05/2026

Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Connection?
Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.

When excess body fat—especially around the abdomen—is present, it can cause insulin resistance, meaning the body doesn’t use insulin effectively. Over time, this leads to high blood sugar levels and can result in type 2 diabetes.

Why this matters:
Having both obesity and type 2 diabetes increases the risk of:
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Nerve damage
• Vision problems

The good news:
Even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Regular movement, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and medical support when needed can improve blood sugar control and overall health.

Obesity and diabetes are complex conditions influenced by genetics, environment, and access to care—not just willpower. Awareness and support matter.

💙 Prevention starts with understanding.

02/02/2026

We are proud to announce our February POTM, Tamara Caprielian. "I have always struggled with my weight. At my heaviest I was close to 260 pounds. Having the surgery gave me my life back gave my kids their mom. Its amazing what changes once you shed 120 pounds in a year! Thanks Total Wellness for giving me back a life that I can finally enjoy!"

01/29/2026

Weight Loss Surgery vs. GLP-1 Medications: Why Surgery Has a Stronger Impact on Blood Pressure
Both bariatric (weight loss) surgery and GLP-1 medications are effective treatments for obesity and its complications. However, when it comes to hypertension (high blood pressure), decades of evidence show that weight loss surgery consistently produces greater, more durable improvements compared to medication alone.
The Relationship Between Obesity and High Blood Pressure
Obesity contributes to hypertension through multiple mechanisms:

• Increased insulin resistance
• Chronic inflammation
• Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
• Increased sympathetic nervous system activity
• Structural changes in the kidneys and blood vessels

To significantly reverse high blood pressure, treatment must address more than appetite alone.

How Bariatric Surgery Improves Blood Pressure
Weight loss surgery works through both weight-dependent and weight-independent mechanisms.
Key effects include:

• Large and sustained total body weight loss (often 25–35% or more)
• Immediate hormonal changes affecting sodium balance and vascular tone
• Improved insulin sensitivity within days to weeks—often before major weight loss
• Reduced pressure on kidneys and improved renal function
• Long-term reduction in systemic inflammation

📉 Result:
Many patients experience reduction or complete discontinuation of blood pressure medications, often within the first year after surgery.

Why GLP-1 Medications Have a More Modest Effect
GLP-1 receptor agonists (and GLP-1/GIP dual agonists) primarily work by:

• Reducing appetite
• Slowing gastric emptying
• Promoting moderate weight loss with continued use

While they do lower blood pressure, the effect is typically:

• Smaller in magnitude
• Dependent on ongoing medication use
• Less likely to result in full hypertension remission

📌 Blood pressure improvements with GLP-1s often reverse if the medication is stopped.

01/23/2026

🐟 Food Fact Friday: Why Fish Deserves a Spot on Your Plate! 🐟

Fish isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with powerful health benefits that make it a smart choice for meals any day of the week.

✨ Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna are high in omega-3s, which support heart health, reduce inflammation, and help improve brain function.

🧠 Boosts Brain & Eye Health
Omega-3s (especially DHA) are essential for brain development and may help with memory and focus. They also support healthy vision.

❤️ Supports Heart Health
Regular fish consumption has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced triglycerides, and a lower risk of heart disease.

💪 High-Quality Protein
Fish provides lean, high-quality protein that helps build muscle, repair tissues, and keep you feeling full—without excess saturated fat.

🦴 Loaded with Essential Nutrients
Many fish are excellent sources of vitamin D, B vitamins, iodine, selenium, and zinc—nutrients that support immunity, metabolism, and bone health.

🌍 A Lighter, Sustainable Option
Many fish cook quickly, are easy to digest, and can be part of a balanced, environmentally conscious diet when sustainably sourced.

📌 Tip: Aim to eat fish at least 2 times per week and mix it up—fatty fish for omega-3s and lean fish for variety.