If you are scheduled for a surgery, take note of the following food groups. They support quicker wound healing and increase your chances of having a speedy and complication-free recovery!

Fiber
Constipation is a common complication of surgery. It can intensify your pain and increase your chance of returning to the hospital during your recovery. You can prevent this from happening by including fiber-rich food in your diet. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and cereals are some of the best sources of fiber.

Protein
The amino acids in protein help in wound healing and tissue regeneration. This is why it’s often included in dietary plans following surgery. Focus on getting lean protein after your procedure. These include meat and meat products from turkey, chicken, pork, and seafood.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Essential fatty acids are healthy fats that play a role in the transport of vitamins and minerals into the cells. Some of the best sources of EFAs are olive oil, nuts, seeds, and salmon.

Vitamin C and Zinc
When it comes to healing, vitamin C and zinc are the superstars. Vitamin C plays a role in the production of the protein collagen, which is needed in healing ligaments, tendons, and surgical wounds. Supplement it with zinc and you’re off to a speedy recovery. Some of the best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, baked potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers. Zinc, on the other hand, is usually found in animal products like fish, meat, poultry, and dairy products.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known for promoting muscle and tissue strength and regeneration. Adding vitamin D-rich food in your diet following surgery can help in your recovery as it increases the performance of body tissues. Cheese, eggs, and mushrooms are some of the best sources of vitamin D.

If you are preparing to undergo surgery, your surgeon may recommend that you make a few lifestyle changes to increase your chance for a quick and successful recovery.

Have a question? Our Premier Surgical staff is always happy to help. Send a question via our secure Patient Portal or call your Premier Surgical location to speak with someone today.

The post Diet After Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

There are a lot of benefits from establishing healthy habits. One of these benefits is having fewer complications both during and after surgery. If you’re scheduled to undergo surgery in the upcoming months, you can lower your risk of problems by establishing these healthy habits now:

• Eat healthy
  A healthy diet before surgery is important. Surgery puts stress on the body, triggering inflammation and depleting nutrients. When this happens, the immune system may be impaired and this can increase the risk of post-operative complications. Eating the right types of healthy foods keeps your body well-nourished, which means that your body is better equipped to handle surgery. A healthy diet can also help to promote a faster healing and recovery period.
• Exercise
  Obesity is a risk factor for surgery-related complications. It can prolong operation time, leads to more intraoperative blood loss, and increases the risk of post-operative infections.
  Coupled with the right diet, regular physical activity prior to surgery can help in getting rid of excess weight and consequently, reduce the risks of post-operative complications. 
• Quit smoking
  Smoking increases your risk of complications during and after surgery. Research has shown that quitting smoking 4-6 weeks before your surgery and staying smoke-free 4 weeks after it can reduce your risk of wound complications significantly.
• Cut back on alcohol intake
  Some studies have shown that excessive drinking can have an impact on the surgery outcome. It can interfere with the functioning of the immune system, increasing your risk of suffering from surgery-related complications. It can also put the endocrine system’s stress response into overdrive, which only exacerbates any existing health problems. Plus, if you already have problems with blood clotting, excessive alcohol intake can make it worse. It can increase your risk of bleeding and slow down your wound healing.

Establishing these habits before your surgery generally can help to decrease your chance of having post-operative complications, and increases the chance of a successful surgery and timely healing.

At Premier Surgical in Knoxville, we make sure that our patients have a greater chance of success after their procedure. Our experienced, board-certified surgeons carefully assess patients and brief them on what to do in preparation of and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

The post Healthy Habits Before Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Peninsula VP Liz Clary is glad to be back on the farm after successful cancer surgery with Dr. Will Gibson at Parkwest.

Liz Clary can’t help smiling when she talks about the seven alpacas on her farm, or the chickens and sheep she’s raised.“I just love all of my animals, and I love the farm,” Clary says. “It helps you stay grounded, and keeps things in perspective.”

Farming is one of many things that make life worth living for Clary, and one of many things cancer wanted to take away from her. But cancer lost its battle with Clary, and each new day is a chance to celebrate the victory. Clary, who is vice president of Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center has a unique perspective on what it means to be a cancer patient. As a senior leader at Covenant Health, she has spent a lot of time discussing patient care in corporate settings, and now she can say she has personally experienced it, too.

“I got what I expected, but I got double that,” Clary says. “The whole experience made me very proud of Covenant Health.”

Prompt care

During Clary’s annual mammogram at Parkwest Comprehensive Breast Center in October 2016, an abnormality was detected, and the radiologist recommended an ultrasound followed by a biopsy. “I didn’t think anything of it,” Clary says. “I really went into the biopsy thinking it was just routine.”

The biopsy happened on a Thursday, and one week later she received a call that there were cancerous cells in her breast. While it’s never good news, Clary was grateful that the staff at Parkwest Breast Center had moved so quickly. There was little time to agonize over the unknown.

“That was the amazing thing to me about this whole experience,” Clary says. “I went from having a mammogram to knowing I had cancer within a week. They don’t fool around with it.”

Radiologist Amanda Squires, MD, says prompt diagnosis and quick response are intentional. “Our most important job as radiologists in this field is trying to catch as much disease as possible as early as possible, and the most rewarding part of our job is to walk patients through this process as quickly and calmly as possible,” Squires says.A radiologist can often detect disease five to 10 years or more before it would have declared itself clinically. And “turning the clock back” means changing the implications of breast cancer in a big way.

“Finding an abnormality on a screening mammogram feels like bad news, like something went wrong,” Squires says. “The reality is that you could not ask for a greater gift, because finding the disease early takes away a huge amount of breast cancer’s power.”

Meeting of the Minds

Surgeon William Gibson, MD, FACS ws a key member of Liz Clary’s breast cancer multidisciplinary treatment team at Parkwest.

Premier Surgical General Surgeon William C. Gibson, MD, explained to Clary that many disciplines are involved in the treatment of cancer, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. He also explained the concept of the tumor board conference, where the various healthcare professionals who would be working on her case could come together as a group and develop her personal battle plan.

“The surgeon is kind of the quarterback at the initial phases of treatment, but then each case is discussed at a multidisciplinary breast tumor conference where we have all the doctors at Parkwest who take care of breast cancer patients sitting at the table,” Dr. Gibson says. “Every patient who comes into the Parkwest system who is diagnosed with breast cancer benefits from having that team approach to tailor treatment specifically for the patient.”

From care and compassion the day of her diagnosis through the personalized plan developed by the tumor board conference. Clary felt very well cared for.”I was impressed by how well all the doctors worked together,” she says. “You feel like they’re putting their arms around you and taking care of you. I never felt like I was lot, not one time.”

Clary’s cancer surgery and reconstruction were performed in December 2016. She left surgery cancer free, and with no need for radiation or chemotherapy. She realizes many cancer patients aren’t so lucky, but she also realizes that early detection and prompt treatment greatly increased her odds of winning against cancer.She wants every busy woman to make time for screening mammograms, so more women diagnosed with breast cancer can have a chance at joining her in the winner’s circle.

“I’m feeling fantastic,” Clary says. “I feel good, and I’m finished with the whole process.”

Parkwest Comprehensive Breast Center is conveniently located at 9349 Park West Boulevard in Suite 205 of the West Side Medical Arts Building. To schedule a mammogram or for more information, call (865) 373-7010.

The post Breast cancer survivor grateful for prompt and professional care first appeared on Premier Surgical.

A balanced diet is not only important for everyday living, but it is vital when preparing to undergo surgery. Ensuring that you get the right type and amount of food before your procedure can make a difference when it comes to avoiding complications and having a speedy recovery.

Impact of Proper Nutrition Post-Surgery

Malnutrition has shown to affect the outcome of surgery. Those who are malnourished are at a higher risk of postoperative complications and it is a common reason of re-admission among post-surgical patients. While malnutrition  can affect people of all ages, elderly patients are considered to be the most vulnerable.

Surgery is like a sport and we are the athletes; if we don’t prepare for it, we won’t do well. A balanced diet is part of that preparation. It is very important to eat nutritious food before and after the surgery. Below is a list of some food groups to include in your diet for the best recovery after surgery:

• Antioxidants
  Free radicals are often released during a surgery. Antioxidants can help rid the body of free radicals. They come from vitamins and minerals in the food that you eat. It is smart to increase your intake of foods rich in antioxidants weeks before your surgery. Tomatoes, carrots, berries, apples, peanuts, and broccoli are examples of foods to add to your diet that are rich in antioxidants.
• Probiotics
  The antibiotics administered before, during, or after surgery do not just kill pathogenic bacteria but also that are beneficial in the gut. Foods rich in probiotics can help preserve the gut’s integrity and prevent “leaky gut.” Some examples of foods rich in probiotics include yogurt, naturally fermented beverages, vegetables, and apple cider vinegar.
• Protein
  Protein plays a fundamental role in wound-healing. Getting a sufficient amount of protein can help speed up your recovery. Cheese, almond, soy milk, chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs are a few good sources of protein to include in your daily meals.
• Hydration
  Ensuring good hydration is also important – especially if you’re scheduled for surgery. Researchers have found that when patients are well-hydrated, they report less pain, complications and nausea after surgery. Drinking water is especially wonderful because it is caffeine and calorie free!

Because surgery requires a lot of preparation, it’s important to talk to your physician  about things, such as a proper diet, before you undergo a procedure.

Premier Surgical in Knoxville has a large group of skilled surgeons who can help you in making the necessary preparations for your upcoming surgery.  For more information about specific surgical specialties, visit Premier’s Surgical Specialties webpage.

The post Nutrition and Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

According to General Surgeon Dr. Jessica L. Vinsant, MD, of Premier Surgical Associates, there’s a high occurrence of gallbladder disease in East Tennessee. “I did my residency in General Surgery at Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, and learned while there that there’s a disproportionate amount of gallbladder disease and gallbladder cancers in this area,” Dr. Vinsant explains.

Two risk factors may be to blame—heredity and diet.

People with relatives who’ve had gallbladder disease may be more predisposed to develop it themselves. And our region’s typically high fat diet doesn’t help. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, nearly 30% of the state’s adult population is obese, and childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate. Eating a high fat diet and being obese sharply increases the risk of developing gallbladder disease.

“It’s hard to say if we have more gallbladder disease because of the obesity epidemic or genetics, or both,” Dr. Vinsant says, “but if we polled surgeons from the last couple generations I believe we’d verify that we’re doing a lot more gallbladder surgeries, and we’re doing it on much younger people.”

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under your liver on the upper right side of your abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile, which helps break down fat and aid digestion. If hardened crystals in the bile form they may create gallstones, which can block the ducts that the bile passes through. Gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and gallbladder infection can all cause severe pain, nausea or vomiting, and fever. If the pain is persistent and severe, or if the gallbladder is infected it will need to be surgically removed. Fortunately, the gallbladder is not necessary for survival.

Over 600,000 gallbladders are removed surgically in the United States every year. The surgery to remove the gallbladder is called cholecystectomy. Most gallbladders can be removed during laparoscopic surgery where a surgeon would make a small incision to insert a scope to remove the gallbladder, but if the gallbladder is too infected or scarred open surgery with a larger incision may be necessary.

Premier Surgical Associates is the largest surgical group in the Knoxville region, providing comprehensive surgical care, with referrals from across the entire East Tennessee region. To learn more about our specialties, including gallbladder surgery, visit Premier Surgical Associates online.

The post Why Gallbladder Disease & Surgery Is Prevalent In East TN first appeared on Premier Surgical.

From left to right: Reggie Mosley, Farragut Intermediate principal; Sarah Kerstetter, 3rd grade teacher; Jackie Dutton, PE teacher; Niki Adams, 3rd grade teacher; Donna Payette, Technology teacher; Amy Kroniger, Guidance Counselor & Kevin Burris, Premier Surgical CEO.

Premier Surgical Associates’ CEO Kevin Burris presented Farragut Intermediate School principal Reggie Mosley and five teachers with an award check for $500 Monday.

“Premier Surgical congratulates Farragut Intermediate staff for making strides to improve their lives and health,” said Premier Surgical Associates CEO Kevin Burris.

“The healthy eating habits and exercise goals recommended by the eWellness program can make a big difference in preventing or controlling diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Premier Surgical is proud to partner with Knox County Schools in this effort.”

eWellness is an Internet based 8-week program designed to encourage participants to adopt healthy habits such as consuming more fruits and vegetables, choosing unsweetened beverages, and increasing physical activity. Knox County School staff members earn points and prizes by keeping an online diary of their efforts. At the end of the program, prizes are award for top team, individual and school participation.

“We hope that students will model the healthy choices they see their teachers making,” explained Ramona Dew Knox County Schools Coordinated School Health Specialist.

“If students see the staff and teachers eating more fruits and vegetables, they’ll be more likely to do it too.”

This is the first time Premier Surgical Associates has presented the eWellness School Participation award.

About Premier Surgical Associates
Premier Surgical Associates is the Knoxville area’s largest vascular surgery practice. Premier’s 26 surgeons perform general, vascular, endovascular, vein, bariatric, breast, laparoscopic and oncologic procedures at six local hospitals. Premier has offices in Knoxville, Dandridge, Lenoir City, and Sevierville. For more information about Premier Surgical Associates, visit www.premiersurgical.comor www.facebook.com/premiersurgical.

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The post Premier Surgical Associates Presents eWellness Prize to Farragut Intermediate first appeared on Premier Surgical.

For generations, the Southerland family have lived and died in the tiny town of Washburn, Tennessee. The rural community, nestled in the Clinch Valley, has barely over 2,500 residents. There’s no police station or even a red light. The closest city, Rutledge, is over Clinch Mountain, some 15 miles away.

“It’s very rural country,” said Karen Cullom. “My mother’s family, the Southerlands, have probably been in Washburn over a hundred years. Going back from my mother, Pauline Southerland, her mother, and mother before them.”

Karen also raised her daughter, Laken Bailey, in Washburn. The Southerland women are close knit and share many family traits and traditions. However, one family tradition the women have fought to break is the cycle of obesity.

Food and family go hand-in-hand, especially in the south. Families share meals and pass along favorite recipes. Unfortunately, they often pass along unhealthy ways of cooking and eating.

“Good country cooking with lots of butter and lard,” explained Karen. “My Granny couldn’t fix green beans without adding a spoonful of lard. That’s what we ate.”

And with a diet that included lots of fat, sugar, and salt, Karen, her mother Pauline, and daughter Laken, packed on the pounds. The turning point came when Karen needed knee surgery at age 39.

“The doctor said to have the knee replacement, I had to lose a lot of weight first,” said Karen. “He recommended bariatric surgery.”

Karen attended one of our Foothills Weight Loss Specialists’ surgical seminars and started the process of becoming a bariatric surgery patient. I performed a gastric bypass on her in February of 2010. In this procedure, the small intestine is rerouted to a smaller stomach pouch, thereby limiting the amount of food a person can eat and reducing calorie absorption.

The surgery was life-changing for Karen. “My quality of life was better. I lost over 100 pounds and could breathe better, and had more endurance,” said Karen. “Just walking across the parking lot or up the stairs, my knees felt better.”

Karen wanted the same success for her mother and daughter. “My Mom was my support person, and I encouraged her to do the surgery. I knew it could also help Laken. She was so young, and I think she was scared to acknowledge she had a weight problem.”

Twenty-year-old Laken was reluctant about the procedure. “I had been overweight my whole life and gained more after I had a baby,” said Laken. “I was scared to do surgery, but I saw how much it helped my Mom.”

Laken and her Grandmother, Pauline, attended a seminar at Foothills Weight Loss Specialists to learn more about bariatric surgery.

“I wanted to get off my cholesterol and blood pressure medicine,” said Pauline. “Laken and I decided to do the surgery process together.”

Grandmother and granddaughter became teammates, with Karen cheering them on. Laken underwent gastric-bypass in December of 2011 and Pauline had the same procedure a month later. Adjusting to the surgery and a new way of eating wasn’t easy.

“I had my surgery right before Christmas, and it was terrible lying there drinking protein shakes, while everyone ate casseroles and cake,” remembered Laken.

But, as the weight came off, Laken, her mother, and grandmother encouraged each other to exercise and to stick to their healthier diets. “We realized we all did best when we fix and eat our food together,” said Laken.

Foothills Weight Loss Specialists’ dietician taught the women new ways to cook.

“We learned how to fix food better,” said Karen. “We get fresh vegetables from our garden. Instead of frying with lots of butter or lard, now things are steamed or baked.”

And, the women eat differently. “I can’t eat ice cream at night anymore,” said Pauline. “I carry little 100 calorie snacks with me and avoid the foods I can’t eat.”

At a follow-up visit at our office in August, Laken had lost 60 pounds and Pauline nearly 50 pounds. Both enjoy being able to move more easily with their new, lighter bodies.

“At Myrtle Beach, I parked and walked six blocks to play putt-putt with my great-grandson,” smiled Pauline.

And Laken is determined that a healthy lifestyle, not obesity, is the family tradition she passes on to her young son.

Jonathan H. Ray, MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a bariatric surgeon for Foothills Weight Loss Specialists, a division of Premier Surgical Associates. Ray is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. For more information, visit www.foothillsweightloss.com.

The post Bariatric Surgery Helps Family Break Tradition of Obesity first appeared on Premier Surgical.