Blog Archive
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
When it comes to weight loss, there’s no shortage of strategies, diets, and procedures to help you reach your goals. Yet one of the most important criteria when choosing any weight loss solution is whether it’s safe. Gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team here at Atlantic Medical Group understand...
When it comes to weight loss procedures, there’s no shortage of options. Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team of experts here at Atlantic Medical Group focus on both nonsurgical and minimally invasive weight loss solutions to help you reach your weight loss goals without surgery. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is one of the...
Half of all Americans attempt to shed excess weight each year, and many of those people find that reaching their weight loss goals isn’t easy, even with diet and exercise. But holding on to that excess weight isn’t good. Carrying excess body weight isn’t just a cosmetic concern: It can...
Weight loss surgery is a tool we use to help you achieve permanent and long-lasting weight loss, but about half of people who undergo weight loss surgery gain back about 5% of what they lost. Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team of experts here at Atlantic Medical Group want you to know that...
Gastric balloons 一 often referred to as intragastric balloons 一 are FDA-approved, nonsurgical weight loss treatments. Gastric balloons don’t require any surgery, incisions, or removal of any part of your stomach, and that’s part of the allure of gastric balloons. Unfortunately, as gastric balloons grow in popularity, so do the myths....
Gastric bypass is intended to produce permanent and lifelong weight loss results, but gaining weight after gastric bypass isn’t that uncommon. One long-term study revealed that while 93% of patients maintain a 10% weight loss for 12 years, only 40% of patients were able to maintain a 30% weight loss in that...
Many weight loss journeys may be inspired by aesthetic goals, but the reality is that losing weight can improve your health, boost your energy, and help you reduce your risk of obesity-related complications. Losing 5-10% of your total bodyweight can have a profound and positive impact on your overall physical and mental...
Gastric balloons — a nonsurgical weight loss solution — are gaining popularity over a more invasive gastric bypass surgery, but how does a balloon compare to a surgical procedure when it comes to weight loss? Below, Eric Ibegbu, MD, answers a common question: How do gastric balloons work? A gastric balloon helps change...
If you’ve undergone bariatric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery and later gained weight, it can be nothing short of devastating, and unfortunately, about half of the people who undergo gastric bypass regain weight within 24 months. At Atlantic Medical Group, gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, wants you to know that if you’re struggling with...
Losing weight can boost your self-esteem and help you feel confident, but most importantly, losing weight can support your overall wellness and reduce your risk of certain diseases. If you’re trying to lose weight in a safe, controlled way, know that there are many different types of non-surgical weight loss procedures. While...
Are you considering weight loss surgery? Although bariatric surgery is designed to help you lose weight, it’s not a quick fix. It requires dedication and commitment to certain lifestyle adjustments. For instance, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) recommends that you take vitamins and mineral supplements daily after you have...
Nonsurgical weight loss refers to many different procedures designed to help you lose weight without surgery. Nonsurgical weight loss procedures are suitable if you don't qualify for weight loss surgery or you don’t want surgery. In this blog, Eric Ibegbu, MD, highlights the various nonsurgical weight loss options available at...
Although you may struggle to talk about constipation, the reality is that this condition is common, affecting up to 33% of adults over the age of 60. Although older adults are more at risk for developing constipation, it can affect anyone regardless of age. Sometimes constipation remedies itself with a...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder that affects up to 21% of people. IBS causes a variety of symptoms 一 diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and cramping ー but regardless of which symptoms you exhibit, it’s no secret that untreated IBS can take a toll on your quality...
Have you made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight? If so, you’re not alone. About 49.1% of American adults try to lose weight each year, primarily through diet and exercise, but sometimes these methods fail to deliver the results you need. Gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team at...
Acid reflux 一 a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 一 affects up to 30% of people. For some, acid reflux is an occasional issue that resolves on its own. Expectant mothers, for instance, may experience acid reflux only while they’re pregnant. For others, though, acid reflux can be...
An estimated 104,270 American adults will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. Screenings such as colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy enable gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team at Atlantic Medical Group to spot polyps and tumors in your colon. If Dr. Ibegbu detects polyps or tumors, he can remove...
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes stomach pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, unintentional weight loss, cramping, and fatigue. Because living with these symptoms can be stressful and even overwhelming at times, it’s important to know that you’re not stuck trying to manage these symptoms on your own. Eric...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 1 in 20 Americans and causes abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. If you are one of the 5% of individuals who have IBS, you may find that lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, stress management, proper hydration, and a well-balanced diet can help you...
About 228,000 people underwent bariatric surgeries in 2017, which is roughly 1% of those who were eligible for bariatric surgery. Surgery can provide long-lasting and significant weight loss, but it isn’t your only option. Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team at Atlantic Medical Group provide nonsurgical weight loss options, including...
Acid reflux disease can sometimes be a short-lived issue, especially for pregnant women. But for some people, acid reflux is a chronic condition that causes daily discomfort. Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team at Atlantic Medical Group excel at diagnosing and treating acid reflux. If you’re uncomfortable, we encourage you...
Early detection of colon cancer can mean earlier and potentially life-saving treatment. The key to early detection is to receive colon cancer screenings when recommended. The American Cancer Society recommends routine colon cancer screenings starting at age 45 for low-risk individuals, although your screening schedule may vary based on your...
Even if you’ve been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you don’t have to suffer with the discomfort of acid reflux. Gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, is on a mission to help you enjoy your life to the fullest by providing relief from acid reflux. Here at Atlantic Medical Group, we...
Hemorrhoids are simply swollen blood vessels that develop on the inside or outside of your body. Because they develop in your anus or on the lower part of your rectum, you might feel tempted to suffer alone instead of seeking treatment. Hemorrhoids aren’t always easy to discuss — in a...
If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 49.1% of Americans try to lose weight each year. From feeling good about the way you look and feel in your clothes to improving your overall health, there are many reasons...
Whether you’re dealing with dietary triggers of acid reflux or want to review your lab work, you might wonder if a virtual appointment is possible. Gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our experienced team at Atlantic Medical Group are happy to see patients in our Kinston and Jacksonville, North Carolina, offices...
Are you frustrated with weight gain after undergoing gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery? If you’ve gained weight after weight loss surgery, it can be frustrating, but you’re not alone. A study showed 50% of patients who had a gastric bypass experienced weight gain about two years after the procedure....
Even though it’s not easy to talk about constipation, it’s a very common problem. If you’re one of the 2.5 million people who deal with constipation, you might wonder when it’s time to pause the at-home treatments and see a doctor. Here at Atlantic Medical Group, gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD,...
Have you ever wondered why your stomach might feel queasy if you’re nervous? Or why you lose your appetite if you’re worried? Your stomach and your mental state share a connection. Unfortunately, for those with Crohn’s disease and colitis, a stressed and overloaded mental state can cause a lot more...
While hemorrhoids aren’t a favorite topic of conversation, the reality is that many people experience the signs of hemorrhoids at some point. As many as 50% of people aged 50-plus have hemorrhoids. Gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our compassionate team at Atlantic Medical Group can diagnose and treat pesky hemorrhoids...
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects your large intestine. More than 750,000 people in North America alone live with this condition. If you’re one of them, you know that ulcerative colitis is marked by inflammation and painful ulcers. Gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team at Atlantic...
Bariatric surgery is intended to help you achieve your weight loss goals permanently. But studies show that some people regain weight, typically about 2-10 years after the original surgery. An estimated 50% of those who undergo surgery gain just about 5% of the lost weight. But what happens if you...
Constipation isn’t the easiest topic of conversation, but it’s a very common condition. According to the National Institute of Health, about 16 of every 100 adult Americans struggle with constipation at some point. For adults ages 60 and up, that number jumps to 33 of every 100. Sometimes constipation is...
An occasional upset stomach is normal, but if you’re always struggling with unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms, you might be dealing with more than just a stomach ache. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS can affect the quality of your life,...
Heartburn and acid reflux disease are often used interchangeably, but these two terms refer to different things. Acid reflux disease goes by another name: gastroesophageal reflux disease. And heartburn — that feeling of burning discomfort in your chest — is a symptom of acid reflux disease. Heartburn can develop when...
Occasional stomach aches or indigestion are not uncommon. In fact, about 25% of Americans experience occasional indigestion each year. Eating too fast, eating a rich or greasy meal, or eating and then quickly exercising can cause unpleasant symptoms. But if gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms occur more regularly, they can start to...
Hemorrhoids may not be the most discussed health topic, but about 75% of adults experience them at some point. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels near your rectum or anus, and those swollen blood vessels cause pain and discomfort. You can treat mild hemorrhoids at home with a medicated cream or...
When you’re dedicated to losing weight, you quickly find that you have many options to help you achieve your goals, yet it’s hard to determine what method is safe and what’s not. There are various weight loss supplements, but many herbal supplements aren’t even regulated. Prescription weight loss medications, exercise...
For many people, dieting is a way to slim down and maintain a healthier body. However, certain diets exist to supplement your body and help with problems like type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and epilepsy. The keto diet is recommended for those who wish to lose weight, stay thin,...
Being overweight can put a toll on your body. You know that, but you might not realize how much your weight can negatively impact your health. The risks of being obese, or overweight, are high and can lead to these serious conditions: High blood pressure High cholesterol Stroke Heart disease...
Bariatric surgery promises major results for people who need to lose a lot of weight. This procedure is usually performed only on the severely obese, restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold and limiting the amount of nutrient absorption. It can produce dramatic amounts of weight loss that...
WHICH GASTRIC BALLOON IS BEST FOR YOU?Expanding the global AMG BRAND,Experience from Paris France July 2018 As Orbera was approved in Europe several years prior to FDA approval in the United States, doctors like Dr Costil have had more years of experience with balloons than any physician in the US.Hence my...
Are you 50 or older? Have a family history of colon cancer?? African-American 45 and older? If yes to any of these questions, have you had a routine colonoscopy?? Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. A routine colon cancer screening means finding any...