Do your resolutions lead you to surgery?––Heritage Park Surgical Hospital

Do your resolutions lead you to surgery?

By Kendra Sikes, Heritage Park Surgical Hospital, Texoma LIVING WELL Magazine 

Let’s face it––no one really wants to have surgery. The word “surgery” makes some think of getting your wisdom teeth out or having part of you cut open on a sterile, cold table. No one chooses this just for fun. However, do you realize there are surgery options that are out there to help you finally achieve those resolutions that have been persistent on your list year after year?

I am in no way a doctor, and even if I was, each person is so different that only your doctor––armed with your specific information––can give you the most appropriate advice for or against any surgery. That said, there are a number of surgeries that are non-emergency or elective that can actually help you finally reach your goals and overcome the hurdle that’s holding you back.

Seeing is one of the most valued of the senses, if not the most valued. Going year after year with poor eyesight can be not only annoying, but hindering at times. If your eyes are your ailment, chances are, there is a surgery that can alleviate some or all of the problems. Cataracts and glaucoma are just two of the problems that have the potential to be fixed with surgery. Another common eye surgery is Lasik, which has the possibility to lessen your need for glasses. The ophthalmologists at Heritage Park Surgical Hospital are the most respected in the community.  Any of them would be happy to help you reach your resolution this year to see clearer!

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight. I think everybody at least once in their lifetime will utter those words, “I need to lose weight.” Many, who struggle with weight, seeing it stay on their list each year, might consider weight loss surgery as an option.  The technology of today gives you options that you can have done right here in Texoma.  Whether you opt for a gastric sleeve or adjustable lap band, being able to have the surgery in your hometown helps you be more successful.

If this peaks your curiosity, Heritage Park Surgical Hospital holds a Weight Loss Surgery Options Seminar free of charge each month. The seminar is the last Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s conference room. You can call 903-870-0996 to RSVP or get more details.

Being able to move––to sit, to stand, to walk through the grocery store––is something many of us take for granted. If you have trouble moving and want to finally do something toward resolving the pain you have felt for many months or many years, you might consider visiting with a pain management specialist or an orthopedic surgeon (depending on your circumstances). These two groups of doctors are there for those who’ve had chronic pain in joints or other areas in their body. Pain management specialists treat excessive chronic pain (most commonly) through the use of steroid injections. Many people rely on these injections to be able to function on a daily basis. If your pain is more joint-based, seeing an orthopedic specialist might be another option for you. Orthopedic surgeons can do a number of things to get your joint mobile again, from using minimally invasive cartilage restoration techniques to full blown joint replacements. Make it a goal to move this year! Ask your primary care doctor about any pain you’ve been experiencing to know a good course of action for you.

The most common elective surgery falls in the realm of plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is not only for appearance sake. Plastic surgery can pull your eyelids up, giving you a larger field of vision, while, yes, making you look years younger! Rhinoplasty is another surgery that has a dual purpose; it not only can make your nose more refined but––in such cases as a deviated septum–– can help someone breathe better. Plastic surgeries are performed at Heritage Park Surgical Hospital on a routine basis, but many are even performed in the surgeon’s office!

When considering any surgery, it is very important to talk to your primary care physician.  He/she has been overseeing your care overall and can talk through surgery options with you.  Surgery isn’t something that should be taken lightly, but given the right set of circumstances, can help you mark off that resolution that has been plaguing your list for years!

Kendra Sikes is the manager of physician services at Heritage Park Surgical Hospital in Sherman, TX. To learn about their services visit HeritageParkSurgicalHospital.com.