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How big is your "New Stomach?"
Find out what the capacity of your new pouch with this simple test.
Click below:

Cottage Cheese Test


Calcium absorption

Calcium is ingested from food and drink of an ordinary diet. Calcium also enters the gut as calcium secreted by intestinal cells (the smooth muscles of the small intestine release calcium during the cycle of excitation and relaxation), as calcium contained in digestive secretions and as calcium contained in desquamated cells. Aside from dietary intake these other sources of calcium equal about 600mg daily.

Now if you were to ingest 1000mg of calcium in a day, the total calcium available for absorption equals 1600mg. Of which, only 700mg would be absorbed and 900mg would be excreted in the stool. In this example there is only a 100mg net gain. This shows how easy it is to begin loosing calcium from the body by not taking in sufficient amounts of calcium though diet.

Calcium is taken back into the body system by both diffusion and active transport. If the concentration of calcium in the gut is not high enough to be absorbed by diffusion active transport of calcium from contents of the gut into the body system will occur. This is a two step mechanism which requires phosphate. Calcium is first bound to a specific calcium-binding protein which takes the calcium into the cells. This calcium-binding protein is controlled by Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3). The rate of absorption is regulated in part by plasma calcium concentration. Parathyroid hormone secretion may also be one of the factors in calcium absorption. It has been noted in many case studies that malabsorption occurs in hypoparathyroidism. Age and reproductive status also affect calcium absorption. Young persons absorb calcium more rapidly than do persons over 60 years of age.

Bile acids enhance calcium absorption in addition to their effect on the absorption of Vitamin D. In bile acid deficiency there is a negative calcium balance and osteomalacia occurs.

As for the actual site of calcium absorption, studies show that calcium is absorbed through the whole of the small intestine.


After death, intestinal smooth-muscle cells greatly elongate, the length of the dead intestine is far greater than that of the living one.
A normal intestine absorbs all fat from the the foods we eat; the fat that is always present in the feces is not unabsorbed residue but it is derived from intestinal and colonic mucosa or is synthesized by bacteria.

 Diabetes Care
Do you know your ABCs?
 
Reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke by learning your ABCs.

"A" is for "A1C Test." Previously known as HbA1c, this longer term test measures your average blood glucose over the last three months. The recommended A1C target level is under "7." An A1C of "7" equals an average blood glucose of 150.

"B" is for "blood pressure." The suggested target level is to keep blood pressure below 130/80. If your blood pressure is kept in the target range, your heart doesnt work as hard.

"C" is for "cholesterol." Its easier on your heart if your arteries arent clogged with bad cholesterol, or LDL. The suggested LDL target level is below 100.

Tips to help lower your ABCs:

Get physical activity every day.

Eat less fat and salt.

Eat more fiber like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.

Stay at a healthy weight.

Stop smoking.

Take medicines as prescribed.


Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD)

Click on the link above for a description.


The Mayo Clinic Says; "Weight-loss programs: Look for these six criteria"

Strangely enough these guidelines coincide with the foundations of a successful weight loss by surgical intervention. Notice the similarities for yourself...

Almost 8 million Americans enroll in some kind of structured weight-loss program each year. Unfortunately, most people fail to lose weight permanently. Before you join a commercial program, be sure it meets these criteria:
(Before choosing a doctor for weight loss surgery, be sure he/she meets these criteria)

· Proof that it works - Most programs have data on quick weight loss, but ask for long-term results of clients who have been in the program.
(Proof that it works - Most doctors have touts of patients who had quick weight loss after surgery, but ask for long-term results of post-op patients over a longer period of time.)

· Qualified staff- A registered dietitian and specialists in behavior modification and exercise should design and supervise the program.

· Nutritionally balanced diet- You should be allowed reasonable portions from all the basic food groups and flexibility based on needs and preferences. You should not be required to buy special products.

· Exercise- At a minimum, you should receive instructions for starting a safe, moderate exercise program. Trained staff should be available to tailor the program and answer questions.

· Lifestyle change - Ask to see materials used to help you identify and change behaviors. Find out how they reward and monitor your progress.

· Follow-up and support- After you complete the formal part of the program, be sure you can obtain ongoing support easily and inexpensively.


Leaving the Hospital: Notes

Know what to expect, know what to do. Click on the Link above.
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Weight Loss Surgery Information
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Daryl Davidson * P.O.Box 354 * Millington * TN * 38083