Dr. Starpoli's Blog

Gastric Balloon placement is a non-surgical, completely reversible procedure that is proven to be extremely effective as a treatment for obesity. The procedure offers numerous advantages over traditional diets, weight loss programs, and invasive surgical procedures. It can be an excellent option for individuals who have been unsuccessful at their weight loss attempts, do not qualify for other forms of bariatric surgery, or are interested in alternative solutions to meet their weight loss goals. 

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common weight loss procedures performed today. With almost half of Americans being labeled as obese, or morbidly obese, many are exploring their weight loss options. Gastric bypass is among the most popular options available.

Gastrointestinal issues, such as heartburn and acid reflux are no picnic. You feel a burning in your chest, the uncomfortable sting of stomach acids in your esophagus, your chest hurts, and you may find it difficult to swallow. If you're like a lot of people, you've probably picked up a few rolls of antacids, or headed to the drugstore or even your doctor in order to get some sort of medication that will make the feeling stop for as long as possible. But the real answer to long term relief isn't on the shelf at all. It starts with you, and some basic lifestyle changes that will help you lose weight and significantly reduce these issues for a more comfortable life.

"Fermentable Oligo-saccharides Di-Saccharides, Mono-saccharides Polyols, or FODMAP, is a low FODMAP diet created by Susan Shepherd and Peter Gibson. FODMAP are carbohydrates that are unable to be absorbed by the small intestine.

Sometimes, it can seem as if food companies can't wait to shout from the rooftops every time they put out a product that is gluten free. For some people, this is very important information, especially those who have been diagnosed with either Celiac Disease or some other wheat allergy. It's helpful and convenient to know where to find gluten free breads, pasta, or even brownie mix. Everything seems to be labeled these days, including eggs or f raw nuts -- foods that never included gluten in the first place. With as many as 30% attempting a gluten free lifestyle, it is a popular choice, but it doesn't mean it's right.

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is a miracle in the eyes of many people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux) also known as GERD. By blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach lining that produces acid, the fluid in the stomach contains less acid. This can help ease the symptoms of GERD and even allow the esophagus to heal, since even if the stomach juices back up into the esophagus, it's less irritating./gerd-causes-and-treatment-ezine-articles

Chest pain is never something to treat lightly and should always be checked out by a doctor. But what happens when your heart is in perfect working condition...yet you still feel that familiar pain and tightness? It could be that you're suffering symptoms of acid reflux.

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a back flow of acidic content that enters the esophagus from the stomach. When the esophagal sphincter becomes relaxed, content from the stomach could become backed up in to the esophagus and produce a burning feeling. This sensation is called heartburn. 

Acid reflux is something everyone deals with at one time or another, it seems. Spicy food, rich food or just eating too much food at once can cause that familiar feeling of burning and discomfort in your chest.