Sandra Rodriguez, MD, ABOM

Sandra Rodriguez, MD, ABOM Dr. Sandra Rodríguez, MD, ABOM
Board certified
✨ Gastro doctor
✨ expert on digestive & liver health
✨ Obesity Medicine
📍 Miami & Homestead
📲 786-500-4644

04/23/2026

🧠 NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac are common and effective for pain. But they can irritate the stomach lining and, in some cases, lead to ulcers or even bleeding.

⚠️ These medications reduce inflammation, but they also block the stomach’s natural protective mechanisms. Over time, or sometimes even with short use, this can result in stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or worsening reflux.

📊 The risk is higher if you’re older, use them frequently, drink alcohol, smoke, or take steroids or blood thinners. But complications can still happen even without these factors.

🌿 Knowing how and when to use these medications safely can make a big difference in protecting your digestive health.

04/21/2026

🧠 If you’re having frequent GERD symptoms, can you still start a GLP-1? In many cases, yes. But it should be done with guidance, especially if reflux is already present.

🔥 GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying. This helps with fullness and weight loss, but can also worsen acid reflux symptoms in some people.

⚠️ If your reflux is mild, you may be able to start slowly. If symptoms are frequent, it’s better to get them under control first. Warning signs like trouble swallowing, food getting stuck, or unexplained weight loss should always be evaluated.

🌿 This is not about avoiding treatment. It’s about using GLP-1 the right way so your body can tolerate it, especially at higher doses where results are more significant.

04/16/2026

💙 April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. Symptoms like persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss deserve attention.

🧠 Esophageal cancer can be silent in its early stages, but early detection can truly save lives. Identifying symptoms early improves treatment outcomes.

⚠️ Risk factors include chronic acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and obesity. Ongoing symptoms should never be ignored.

🌿 If you or someone you love has these signs, getting evaluated can make a life-changing difference.

04/14/2026

🚨 A foreign object in the re**um can move upward and not come back out due to the anatomy and function of the intestines, which are designed to hold things inside. If you lose control of the object, it may get stuck and not pass naturally.

⚠️ Waiting does not solve the problem and can make it much worse. Delays increase the risk of serious complications and may require surgery, including removal of part of the intestine. Seeking medical care early makes a huge difference.

🏥 If this happens, the most important step is to get medical help as soon as possible. The right information can prevent serious health consequences.

04/07/2026

💊 Do GLP-1 weight loss injections cause hair loss? Not directly. What actually triggers hair shedding is rapid weight loss, which acts as a major stressor on the body.

⚠️ When your body is under stress and in a calorie deficit, it shifts energy toward essential functions. Hair growth becomes a low priority, pushing strands into the shedding phase and slowing new growth.

🥩 Hair is made of protein. If your protein intake is low while using GLP-1 or following any restrictive diet, the risk of hair loss increases even more. Nutrition plays a key role here.

🔄 The good news is that this type of hair loss is usually temporary. Supporting your body with enough protein and avoiding rapid weight loss can help reverse the process and protect your hair.

04/02/2026

☀️ Looking for natural ways to support your mood and mental health? Your daily habits might be more powerful than you think. Sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boosts serotonin levels, directly impacting how you feel throughout the day.

🐶 Spending time with animals, laughing, and allowing yourself to play can reduce stress hormones and increase feelings of connection and well-being. These simple moments are not small, they are biologically powerful.

🏃‍♀️ Regular physical activity is one of the most effective natural antidepressants. It improves brain chemistry, reduces anxiety, and builds emotional resilience over time. Small, consistent actions can create real change in how your mind and body feel.

03/26/2026

🌿 Not all colonoscopy preps are the same, and this matters more than you think.

💊 Many patients ask: “What’s the best bowel prep?” The truth is, there isn’t just one right answer.

⚖️ Different options exist, and most of them work equally well. The best choice depends on your medical history and what your body tolerates better.

🩺 That’s why it’s so important to follow your doctor’s recommendation instead of copying someone else’s prep.

📌 Save this so you’re prepared before your next colonoscopy!

03/24/2026

💉 During a colonoscopy, you are not intubated and there is no machine breathing for you. Instead, a medication called propofol is given through an IV. It is a short acting anesthetic that works quickly and leaves your body fast, allowing a smooth and controlled sedation.

🧠 This type of sedation is called deep sedation. It has amnesic effects, meaning even if there is brief awareness during the procedure, there is no pain and no memory of it. Throughout the entire exam, trained professionals monitor your vital signs to ensure safety.

✨ Understanding how colonoscopy sedation actually works can reduce fear and make it easier to choose a screening that can truly prevent colon cancer.

03/19/2026

😰 Are you afraid of getting a colonoscopy because you think it will hurt? The reality is very different from what most people imagine. Most patients wake up surprised, feeling nothing and even saying it was the best sleep of their lives.

😴 The sedation used makes you simply “fall asleep” during the procedure. There is no pain, no discomfort, and no memory of it. That’s why so many people wake up asking if it’s already over.

💛 Avoiding a colonoscopy because of fear can delay important diagnoses. Getting screened at the right time can save your life. The right information reduces fear and helps you take better care of your health.

03/17/2026

🩺 Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it allows doctors to examine the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure. For adults at average risk, screening usually starts at age 45 and is repeated every 10 years. Detecting and removing polyps early can significantly reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and lower mortality rates.

🧪 Stool based tests like FIT or stool DNA tests such as Cologuard are non invasive and can be done at home. These tests detect hidden blood or abnormal DNA that may indicate cancer. However, they must be repeated every 1 to 3 years and if the result is positive, a colonoscopy is still required for confirmation and treatment.

💙 Stool tests are useful for people who decline colonoscopy, but they are detection tools rather than prevention tools. Colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive screening method because it can both detect cancer early and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.

03/12/2026

🔬 Many people are curious about what a colonoscopy room looks like and what equipment is used during the procedure. In this video, I show the endoscopy room where colonoscopies are performed and explain the main tools we use to examine the colon.

🩺 The most important instrument is the colonoscope, a long and flexible tube that allows doctors to see the inside of the colon. Even though it may look large at first, it’s actually quite thin.

🔧 If a polyp is found growing on the wall of the colon, it can often be removed during the procedure using special tools such as biopsy forceps or a snare.

03/10/2026

⭐ A successful colonoscopy starts with proper bowel prep. If the colon is not completely clean, small polyps can be missed and the procedure may even need to be repeated. Following the preparation instructions carefully is essential for an accurate exam and better detection of abnormalities.

✍️ The most effective method is a split dose bowel prep. Take half of the preparation the evening before the procedure and the second half about 4 to 6 hours before the exam. Staying well hydrated with clear liquids such as water, clear broth, electrolyte drinks, tea without milk, or apple juice helps improve the quality of the preparation.

🌐 By the end of the bowel prep your stool should be clear or pale yellow liquid, similar to urine in color. This indicates that the colon is properly cleaned and ready for the procedure, allowing better visualization and a safer, more effective colonoscopy.

Address

925 N. E. 30th Terrace Suite 204
Homestead, FL
33033

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17865004644

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Sandra Rodriguez, MD, ABOM posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Sandra Rodriguez, MD, ABOM:

Shortcuts

Share

Category