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Medical Weight Loss Patient Stories

70 Pounds Down With Cherokee Women’s Medical Weight Loss Program

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Losing weight had been a lifelong battle for Trena, and a battle that she could never win. In 2012, she had reached her breaking point and made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery. Nothing else had worked long-term and she felt this may be the permanent fix. It wasn’t. Though Trena did lose 100 pounds during the first year after surgery, over the next seven years she had gained over 60 pounds back. The main culprit, according to Trena, was that she never really learned what to eat, or how much to eat, to maintain her weight loss. Beating Old Habits The other issue was sugar! Trena admits to being addicted to it. She couldn’t control herself. One bite of something would turn into a few and then eventually into the whole thing. This would lead to her feeling guilty, and depressed. It was a vicious cycle. “I had gotten to the point where I just didn’t care anymore, and just gave up,” Trena said. After all, not even the surgery gave her the ultimate result she was looking for. Plus, now she was older and dealing with hormonal changes which often makes it even more difficult for women to lose weight and keep it off. In the meantime, Trena’s gynecologist of 40 years had retired and she needed to find a new doctor. She did some research online and started asking for recommendations from people she knew. Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists was highly recommended. Finding Hope Trena made an appointment with Cherokee Women’s Health. While in the waiting room, Trena saw information about their Medical Weight Loss Program. She was intrigued. Once in the exam room she discussed her long-endured weight loss issues with the OB/GYN, and how the Program could help her. Trena made an appointment for a free consultation before she left. And then within a few days, cancelled it. She convinced herself she was just too busy to start something new. Shortly thereafter, Trena received an e-mail from Cherokee Women’s Health reminding her about the Program. She knew it was time and rescheduled her free consultation. This time, she kept the appointment.  Starting the Medical Weight Loss Program Trena met with the nutritionist, had her medical history and vitals taken, and they discussed her goals and expectations. Trena’s goal was to lose the 60ish pounds she had regained since her surgery. She committed to a 4-month plan which included weekly visits, B12 shots, natural vitamins, and calorie counting. When she got home, Trena went to Cherokee Women’s website and read all the information on the program, as well as the testimonials and videos from previous patients. Trena then downloaded the My Fitness Pal app that the nutritionist had recommended so that she could log everything she ate to make sure she stayed within her calorie allowance. The next thing Trena did was give up sugar. This wasn’t a requirement of the Program but it was something Trena knew she needed to do for herself. That meant all sugar! She committed that the only sugar she would have would be that found in fruit. Trena shares, “The first few weeks were really hard! But it was the support and accountability of the weekly visits that helped me get through that time.” The results also kept her motivated. Trena had lost over 30 pounds in the first few months! Adding Exercise Trena then added walking to her program. She started gradually and then worked up to one hour a day. She would make sure to arrive at work early and walk 3 miles before starting her day. She also had a great area to walk at home and would sometimes get up and walk at 5:30 a.m. and walk by flashlight. She was committed, and it paid off. Hitting Goal Trena achieved her 60-pound goal at around 7 months of being on the program. She was feeling so great that she kept going with the program and the visits, changing them to every 2 weeks and then eventually monthly. Trena tracks her steps and aims for at least 10,000 steps a day, though on many days she hits 15 to 20,000 steps. She also went outside of her comfort zone and added a yoga class one to two times per week. 70.5 Pounds Down At her recent one year check up with Cherokee Women’s, Trena was down 70.5 pounds! She says she is smaller now than after her gastric bypass surgery and the smallest she has been in 35 years. Trena also says, “I feel so much better, physically and mentally. And because I’ve also changed the way I cook and what foods I bring into the house, my husband has lost fifty pounds. I have nothing but praise for the Medical Weight Loss Program. This program has given me my life back!” You Can Do It Too Trena wanted to share her story to encourage other women. If she can do it, she knows they can too. It doesn’t matter your age, or your past unsuccessful attempts, it is possible. If you can relate to Trena’s story and are ready for help, contact us for your own free Medical Weight Loss consultation. We would love to help you on your journey to a healthier, happier you. Call us 770.720.7733 or click here to schedule an appointment.

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OB

OB Ultrasounds

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Ultrasonographer Rachel shares what you can expect at an OB ultrasound appointment. Watch More OB Videos Below

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GYN Problems

What You Need to Know About Bacterial Vaginosis

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common bacterial infection in the vagina when different kinds of healthy bacteria get out of balance and grow too much. Bacterial vaginosis is often caused by Gardnerella vaginalis, the most common type of bacteria in the vagina. As a result of the overgrowth of certain bacteria, vaginal discharge is common. Having multiple sex partners, vaginal douching, and being pregnant increases the chance of developing BV. While BV increases the risk of developing a sexually transmitted disease (STI), the infection itself is not considered an STI. BV is most common in women between the ages of 15 to 44 years and is rare for women to develop if she has never been sexually active. Symptoms  Most women experience hardly any to no symptoms at all. The most common symptom of BV is vaginal discharge and odor. The discharge may be gray in color, watery and thin, and has been described as smelling fishy. Less commonly, women may have a burning sensation during urination or itching around the vagina. The infection shows no symptoms at all for 50 to 75 percent of women, but BV can cause serious complications to arise if left untreated. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms make an appointment with your doctor. Complications of BV Having intercourse with someone who has BV, as well as having multiple sex partners or a new one, can put you at risk for the infection. Untreated vaginosis can lead to: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 million pregnant women are diagnosed with BV each year. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of BV because of hormone changes that happen during pregnancy. If you have BV while pregnant, you are at an increased risk of: Causes Many bacteria reside in the vagina. BV is caused by an imbalance of the naturally occurring “good” bacteria (lactobacilli) and “bad” bacteria (anaerobes). Usually, lactobacilli bacteria outnumber anaerobes bacteria but if there are too many anaerobic bacteria, they upset the natural balance in your vagina and cause bacterial vaginosis. Risk Factors  Any woman is a risk for BV, even if they have never had sex. You may be more at risk for BV if you: BV cannot be caught from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or by touching objects. Diagnosing BV The diagnosis of BV requires a vaginal exam by a doctor or from a description of the symptoms. An examination to diagnose BV is like a regular gynecological checkup, examining the vagina for signs of BV which include vaginal discharge that has a white or gray color. The doctor may order some diagnostic tests if the patient is sexually active, due to the chance an STI (sexually transmitted infection) is present. The pH balance of the vagina may also be measured to assess acidity levels. Prevention Tips While there is no certain way to prevent BV, some tips can help. These include: Recurring Symptoms It is common for BV symptoms to come back within 3 to 12 months of treatment. Around 30 percent of women will have a recurrence within 3 months, and 50 percent will have a recurrence within 6 months. If the original treatment was oral medication, vaginal treatment might work better the second time. On the other hand, if the first treatment was vaginal, the follow-up treatment should be by mouth. The doctor may prescribe a vaginal metronidazole gel to use twice a week for three to six months if more than three episodes occur within 12 months. Treatment BV can often clear up without treatment, but women experiencing symptoms should seek treatment to avoid future complications. It is important to see your doctor if there is an abnormal vaginal discharge because a doctor can rule out other infections, such as gonorrhea or trichomoniasis (or “trich”). Untreated BV can also lead to complications, especially during pregnancy. Male partners usually do not require treatment, but they can spread BV between female sex partners. Antibiotic Medication  If BV does not clear up on its own, antibiotics are effective in up to 90 percent of cases. Metronidazole and Tinidazole are two commonly prescribed oral medications prescribed to treat BV. Even though symptoms should clear up within two or three days, it is important to finish out the full five or seven days course of antibiotics. Your doctor might also prescribe Clindamycin, a suppository cream. While taking antibiotics, avoid having vaginal intercourse or inserting anything into the vagina that could introduce bacteria, including: Make an Appointment If you have any concerns, please call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment at either our Woodstock or Canton location.

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Menopause and Hormone Therapy, Sexual Health

Great Sex After Menopause?

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Yes, it’s possible to have great sex after menopause! One of the most common complaints among menopausal women is a low sex drive, so if this is you, you are not alone. These changes are normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. There are a lot of reasons for a reduced sex drive so it’s important to be open and honest with your doctor about how you’re feeling. Based on your symptoms, your doctor can help determine what’s causing these changes. And the good news is that there are a variety of treatment options available to help increase your libido. Common Reasons for Low Sex Drive Age – Women are 2-3 times more likely as men to experience reduced desire as they age. Hormone Changes – Changing hormones can wreak havoc on a woman. Around the time of menopause, estrogen levels begin to drop, which can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, lethargy, vaginal dryness, and more. And of course, a dip in desire. After all, if you are dealing with all those other issues, romance may not be high on your list of priorities. Other Health Problems – Issues like depression, anxiety, bladder control problems, chronic illness, and medications may also cause lack of desire. Relationship Troubles – Sometimes your lack of desire may not just be physical. If you are having relationship problems, it can certainly stall your sex drive. Stress – The daily grind of work, kids, family, friends, chores – and, and, and – can be enough to make anyone’s libido dip. Women are busy juggling a million things a day so it’s not surprising that sexy time often takes a back seat. So, now that we know some of the causes, let’s look at some of the things that can be done to increase your libido. Treatment Options Hormones– Your doctor may recommend using an oral or topical estrogen which can greatly help with symptoms discussed earlier, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Estrogen also thickens the vaginal tissue which can help make sex feel better. Again, as all women are different, discussing these options with your doctor is the best thing to do.  Consider Changing Medicines – While some medicines can help with one issue, they can cause another.  An example is how medicines for blood pressure and depression have been known to affect your sex drive. Talk to your doctor about other options. Lubrication – With vaginal tissue thinning during menopause, sex can be more painful, and that can certainly make you want to avoid sex. Lubrications can help. Products like KY jelly help add moisture and make sex more pleasurable. Retrain Your Brain Sometimes it’s not a pill or a cream or a lotion that’s needed to kick start a waning libido. Oftentimes, it can be as simple as making small changes at home – and rethinking how you think about intimacy. So, changing your approach to how you view sex and intimacy with your partner can make a big difference. Here are some things to try: Make Time For Each Other – In the midst of our busy lives, sex can end up on the back burner. If you and your partner are intentional about spending time together, (without the kids), you can begin to reconnect, which can help you in the bedroom. Get a sitter, have date nights, enjoy each other’s company. Focus on Your #1 Sex Organ: Your Brain – The brain is the first thing to get turned on, and new things help with that. Try changing where you have sex, the positions, the roles, etc. Believe it or not, the more you have sex, the more you’ll want to have. It’s Okay to Put Yourself First – Focus on yourself during sex. What feels good to you? What pace do you like? Putting your pleasure first is not only okay, it may help you relax and enjoy the moment more. And that will probably make it more enjoyable for your partner as well. Remember Foreplay –- Foreplay is even more important with age since you may take longer to respond. Make sure you give yourself enough time to cuddle and kiss like you used to. By not making climaxing the goal, you might be surprised that it happens anyway. Look Beyond Your Bed Things that happen out of your bed can affect what goes on in it. Try these tips: Talk to Your Partner – If your lack of desire really has nothing to do with how you feel about your partner, tell him. He may think it’s about him and feel rejected. Talking about what you’re going through and your likes and dislikes, will bring you closer and help to improve your sexual experience. Take a Look in the Mirror – Are you feeling good about yourself? Many women feel their sexiest when they feel good about their bodies. If this is you, think about what will make you feel better. Whether it’s buying a new outfit, getting your hair done or hitting the gym, sometimes these small changes can make all the difference. Just remember, this is for you – not him – because when you feel better about yourself first, you’ll feel better about everything. Reach Out – Sometimes your feelings may run much deeper so you may need to turn to a counselor for help. Either go by yourself or as a couple. Either way this may be the extra support you need. We Can Help As we have seen, there are many causes for lack of sexual desire once menopause approaches, but there are a lot of things you can do to get past this phase and start enjoying sex again. Call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an Appointment today to discuss with your doctor. Menopause and HRT Articles

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OB Patient Stories

A Mom’s Journey from Grief to Joy

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“The darkest time of my life was after I lost my baby at 25 weeks. The grief was unbearable. My hopes and dreams of a perfect pregnancy and a healthy baby daughter were shattered,” explains Brielle. Brielle, a patient at Cherokee Women’s Health, lost her first baby when she was 25 weeks pregnant. She eventually went on to give birth to a healthy baby boy but the journey to get there was an emotional one. Here, she shares her journey. Getting Pregnant Within just a few days of missing her period, Brielle took a home pregnancy test, which tested positive. Excited, she quickly followed up with an appointment with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists and her doctor confirmed it — she was pregnant. Brielle was ecstatic as she and her husband Mark had been trying to conceive for five months. She had dreamed of becoming a mother and she shouted the good news from the rooftops. Everything seemed completely normal to her, and her doctor confirmed that the baby seemed to be growing as expected. But throughout the first trimester she experienced extreme nausea, loss of appetite, and even vomited multiple times. Then, as the second trimester started, she felt much better and she began to get her appetite back. At her next routine OB visit, her doctor shared that her baby was growing and looked healthy. The ultrasound revealed that she was carrying a baby girl. Brielle and Mark were beyond excited about their baby daughter and couldn’t wait to tell their extended families. They planned a gender reveal party with their family and friends for the next weekend. Brielle’s mom and sister popped the balloons together as the pink confetti exploded, revealing to everyone that a baby girl was on the way. They began the process of decorating the nursery and preparing for what she thought would be the happiest time of her life. Brielle went shopping with her mom and sisters and bought girly outfits, bows and soft blankets in anticipation of her baby girl’s arrival. She even had the names narrowed down to two top choices — Ella and Miranda. She couldn’t quite decide on which one but she knew she had a few months to decide. She kept tossing the names around in her head attempting to pick the perfect name for her daughter. Something’s Wrong And then it happened. Brielle woke up one morning and instantly felt something was wrong. She had been feeling the baby move for a couple of weeks, but that morning was different. She felt no movement at all. Nothing. Her heart sank and she said she felt a wave of panic. Luckily, Mark was still home so he called her doctor’s office. He was able to immediately get the triage nurse at Cherokee Women’s Health on the phone, who told him to bring his wife to the office for an ultrasound. “Julianna was as kind and compassionate as could be, but I could tell that something was not right by her facial expression,” Brielle recalls. Julianna, the ultrasound technician called in the doctor. Brielle was told the most devastating news imaginable — her baby had suddenly died. The Grieving Process Brielle shared that the following days were a blur and the saddest time of her life. She was put in the hospital, induced labor and had to give birth to a baby that had died. She and Mark’s hearts were broken as they held their baby and mourned the loss together. They named her Ella, which was ultimately what they decided was her name when they saw her for the first and last time. Tests were run, and nothing was ever confirmed about Ella’s cause of death. Brielle was told that it wasn’t her fault, and her doctor seemed to think that it was an extremely rare occurrence and she would be able to try to conceive again soon. For several months following, Brielle went through a deep personal struggle. There were many days where she couldn’t get out of bed. She had to seek counseling, and she credits God, her family and her counselor for pulling her out of a depression. Her faith in God was tested, but ultimately she decided she had to go on and trust that He had a plan for her future. Getting Pregnant Again is Emotional Brielle and Mark finally decided that they were emotionally healthy enough to try to get pregnant again. They knew that they would forever mourn their loss of Ella, but both felt a strong need to move forward. Staying in the depression and sadness was not an option, so trying to conceive again was at least a step in the right direction. After 4 months of trying, Brielle finally had a positive pregnancy test. She was relieved, scared, and was hesitant to share the news this time. After her 12-week visit with her doctor and an ultrasound, she finally told her family that she was pregnant. “During the pregnancy, we were put on a strict schedule of doctor visits, and at 24 weeks, we started going to the doctor every week. I was also given a Doppler so I could hear the baby’s heartbeat at home. I used that thing all day long!” Brielle shared that her entire pregnancy the second time around was stressful. She said she wanted to feel the baby moving all the time, and when she didn’t feel movement, she felt that familiar wave of panic and fear. She was nervous until the day she gave birth. A Healthy Birth and Newborn Son At 39 weeks, her doctor delivered Brielle’s healthy 7 lb. son, Jacob, via scheduled C-section. Brielle and Mark say they are grateful for their son, who is now 6 months old and is healthy and thriving. “My doctor told me I had a ‘Rainbow Baby’, which is a baby after a miscarriage or stillborn birth. I honestly had never heard that term before, but I loved it since it refers to the

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