April 24th, 2012
We are continuing to progress on our 223 Belgrade, North Mankato location! Construction is well over half done. Paint is on the walls & equipment is being ordered. It’s an exciting time at Southern Minnesota Surgical!
Our tentative opening date is scheduled for Monday, June 4. Much to do between now & then! If you’re interested in scheduling at that office, initially our plans will be to be in clinic in North Mankato on Thursday-Monday. Blue Earth office we will be in clinic on Tuesday & Wednesday.
We couldn’t do this without our business partners. The City of North Mankato, Wells Federal Bank, ALM Builders, Brunton Architects, Bevcomm, and all of the sub-contractors! What a great team…many thanks to all helping us make this a reality!
The walls coming up
Partners
Lobby
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March 22nd, 2012
Skin lesions are defined as areas of the skin tissue which become damaged and result in an obvious physical change. The causes of lesions can be as benign as a small cut or as life-threatening as cancer. Most skin lesions are not harmful in the long term and can be removed either through medications or simple surgery, though it is important to know which ones can be potentially dangerous.
Types of Suspicious Skin Lesions
When one finds a lesion on their skin, it is important to be able to indentify what kind of lesion it is so as to determine the likelihood of it being malignant. Skin lesions are classified according to the way they appear:
• Cyst – Elevated sac filled with fluid. Can be a sign of serious skin problems or other health conditions.
• Macule – A small, flat, circle of flesh. Usually red, brown or white. Usually benign, though can be a sign of measles.
• Nodule – Raised and very solid. Often the same color as surrounding skin. Can be symptomatic of a tumor or other serious issues.
• Papule – Solid, rough and raised. Range from pink to brown in color. Can be an indicator of skin cancer, psoriasis or other problems which require medical care.
• Plaque – Clusters of papules, rough in texture. From pink to brown in color. Usually a sign of a moderate to serious skin condition.
• Pustule – Raised skin filled with pus. Usually due to an infection, such as an acne breakout.
• Telanglectasia – Dilated blood vessels which appear on the surface of the skin. Generally a sign of disease.
• Vesicle – Round or oval in shape and filled with blood or fluid. Can be a sign of herpes, chicken pox or other diseases.
Checking the Skin for Lesions
The best way to check one’s self for skin problems is to be completely thorough. One should get a full-length mirror, remove all clothing and go over each and every part of the body. Even areas where one might not think lesions to be, such as under the fingernails, should be examined. Any places where it is hard to see the skin can be checked by touch to see if there is any abnormal texture. General good practice involves starting at the fingertips and working towards the toes.
Dealing with Skin Lesions
There are many options for the removal of skin lesions, such as laser or traditional surgery. Benign skin lesions can be removed for purely aesthetic reasons, though if a lesion is an indicator of a serious disease, simply removing it will not help clear up the problem. If one has a lesion that looks suspicious, it is best to check with a doctor. They will be able to tell if the lesion is as sign of something serious and recommend a course of action to deal with it.
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February 29th, 2012
We loved this article by Jill Temkin, reprinted from the 2012 Winter Edition of Obesity Help Magazine
Check to check it out click: here
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February 23rd, 2012
What is the BMI? Why is it Important?
BMI stands for Body mass Index. It is a tool that is used to estimate a person’s
body fat percentage based on his height and weight. The BMI was first invented in
19th century by the Aldophe Quetelet. Studies have shown that people who have a
BMI that is too high are at an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer and
stroke. A low BMI may indicate malnutrition.
What is a normal BMI?
BMI is measured in kg/m^2. A normal BMI is between 18.5-24.9 Kg/m^2. People
who have a BMI that is under 18.5 kg/m^2 are considered underweight. Those who
have a BMI that is between 25-30 kg/m^2 are considered overweight. People who
have a BMI that is above 30 are considered obese.
How is the BMI calculated?
One of the simplest ways that BMI can be calculated is by taking the person’s weight
in pounds, multiplying it by 703 and dividing it by his height in inches squared. For
example, a person is 5’6 and weighs 140 pounds. One would multiply 140 pounds
by 703 and divide the result by 66 inches squared. This person would have a BMI of
22.5, which is in the normal range.
What are some of the shortcomings of the BMI?
The BMI gives medical professionals a good estimation of a person’s body fat , but
it does have limitations. The BMI cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. This
means that a muscular person can have a high BMI, even though he has a low body
fat percentage. There are also many people who have normal BMIs, but still have
a high body fat percentage. That is why the BMI is highly criticized by some fitness
professionals.
Is there a simpler way that I can calculate my BMI?
People who want a simpler way to calculate their BMI should visit the following link
do is put in his height and weight and his BMI will be calculated automatically. The
BMI calculator will also tell a person if he is underweight, normal weight, overweight
or obese.
BMI Calculator, Why is it Used, Why is it Important?What is the BMI? Why is it Important?
BMI stands for Body mass Index. It is a tool that is used to estimate a person’sbody fat percentage based on his height and weight. The BMI was first invented in19th century by the Aldophe Quetelet. Studies have shown that people who have aBMI that is too high are at an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer andstroke. A low BMI may indicate malnutrition.
What is a normal BMI?
BMI is measured in kg/m^2. A normal BMI is between 18.5-24.9 Kg/m^2. Peoplewho have a BMI that is under 18.5 kg/m^2 are considered underweight. Those whohave a BMI that is between 25-30 kg/m^2 are considered overweight. People whohave a BMI that is above 30 are considered obese.
How is the BMI calculated?
One of the simplest ways that BMI can be calculated is by taking the person’s weightin pounds, multiplying it by 703 and dividing it by his height in inches squared. Forexample, a person is 5’6 and weighs 140 pounds. One would multiply 140 poundsby 703 and divide the result by 66 inches squared. This person would have a BMI of22.5, which is in the normal range.
What are some of the shortcomings of the BMI?
The BMI gives medical professionals a good estimation of a person’s body fat , butit does have limitations. The BMI cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. Thismeans that a muscular person can have a high BMI, even though he has a low bodyfat percentage. There are also many people who have normal BMIs, but still havea high body fat percentage. That is why the BMI is highly criticized by some fitnessprofessionals.
Is there a simpler way that I can calculate my BMI?
People who want a simpler way to calculate their BMI should visit the following link http://www.southernminnesotasurgical.com/weight-loss-surgery/bmi/. All one has todo is put in his height and weight and his BMI will be calculated automatically. TheBMI calculator will also tell a person if he is underweight, normal weight, overweightor obese.
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February 20th, 2012
SWAPKINS
March 3, 2012
10:30a – 2:30p.
Mary, Mother of the Church
Room: The Mary Center (on the lower level)
3333 Cliff Road
Burnsville, MN
Do you have clothes that haunt your closet – the clothes that don’t fit quite right? Or maybe they do fit, but you don’t feel great when you wear them because they aren’t your style, or you just don’t need them? Would you really like something new to wear? Maybe you’ve changed jobs or gained/lost some weight and you need some clothes, but you don’t want to spend a lot to get something new?
COME TO SWAPKINS! We will have tables and clothes racks loaded with clean clothes in good condition. Clean out your closets and bring clothes to share. Check out what we’ve got and take home what you like. NO MONEY IS EXCHANGED. We will have men’s, women’s and children’s clothes – everything from casual clothes to dressy. Also outerwear and accessories. The mix is different everytime, but it’s always good stuff!
It’s hard to explain how much fun it can be to bag up and get rid of clothes. No garage sale tagging! No bargaining with a consignment shop. Just bring them and *poof* they’re gone and you KNOW they’ve gone to a good place.
It’s hard to explain how much fun it is to walk into a great big room full of clothes and pick up anything you like and take it home, AND IT’S FREE.
We need bringers (who will bring things to share) and takers (to shop the shared stuff). You can be one, the other, or both! It is not required that you bring anything to the event to take anything away. Everything at the event is free.
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February 2nd, 2012
KEYC Television (North Mankato) ran a brief news story regarding our North Mankato Clinic. See story at this link. Our location is displayed in the clip, which is the gateway into North Mankato, 223 Belgrade Avenue, as you exit off of Highway 169.
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February 2nd, 2012
Press Release
February 1, 2012
For Immediate Release
Southern Minnesota Surgical Inc. to open North Mankato location
Blue Earth, Minn.—Southern Minnesota Surgical Inc., a clinic specializing in general and bariatric surgery and headquartered in Blue Earth, Minn., will open a new location at 223 Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato, Minn., in late spring, 2012.
“This is an amazing growth opportunity for us,” said Dr. William Lee, owner and board certified surgeon, SMS, “The North Mankato location will allow us to provide even more convenient care to our current and potential patients in the Greater Mankato area.”
Services offered at this location will include general surgery, LAP BAND® surgery, nutrition therapy, SMARTLIPO TRIPLEX® and cellulite treatments.
SMS will continue to operate the primary Blue Earth location as well as the satellite clinic at River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic, St. Peter, Minn. Patients can schedule appointments at any location online at www.southernminnesotasurgical.com or by calling 507.526.3460 or 888.925.3460.
About Southern Minnesota Surgical Inc.
Southern Minnesota Surgical opened in 2010 under the direction of Dr. William Lee. A board certified general surgeon, Dr. Lee specializes in the LAP BAND® surgery. With locations in Blue Earth, Minn., St. Peter, Minn., and North Mankato, Minn., the SMS team also offers a registered and licensed clinical dietitian, general surgical services, plastic surgery, SMARTLIPO TRIPLEX® and cellulite treatments. For more information, visit www.southernminnestasurgical.com.
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December 27th, 2011
What You Need:
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(Below information generally found on the Insurance Card)
Insurance provider’s name and phone/fax number
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Policy number or employer’s plan number
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Insurance company patient representative and/or contact person
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Insurance company e-mail address
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Insurance company Web site address (Many insurance providers maintain Web sites that include member information, such as coverage of medical procedures. Sometimes providers may require you sign up to view certain areas of the Web site. This process may be confusing. If so, call your provider and ask to be walked-through the sign-up process.)
Helpful Tips When Speaking with Your Insurance Representative
Do’s
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Speak slowly and clearly.
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Ask for their name and write it down when they answer the call (request they spell it for you if you are not sure).
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Ask for a specific phone number and/or e-mail address from the representative and write it down.
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Ask for a hardcopy of your policy or employer’s SPD to be mailed to you with the areas regarding obesity and morbid obesity highlighted.
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Make sure you receive anything you are promised or guaranteed with your policy in writing.
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Keep a detailed record of all your documents.
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Be persistent.
Don’ts
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Refrain from rudeness.
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Do not demand anything.
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Do not threaten anyone.
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Do not get frustrated. If you experience an unpleasant representative, simply thank them for their time, hang up, and call back.
Reading Your Insurance Contract or Employer’s Summary Plan Description
Okay, you are halfway there now! It is important to know the details of your insurance policy. Once you have determined the type of plan you have and whether or not you have an inclusion/exclusion, you should also familiarize yourself with your plan documents. This will help you when trying to work with your insurance provider contact. As always, remember to get everything in writing when speaking with them.
Here are questions that you should be able to answer when determining coverage and the type of coverage that you have:
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What are your health insurance benefits?
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What is the definition of morbid obesity according to your plan?
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If any, what coverage of morbid obesity is listed?
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What limits and/or requirements are stated in order to receive treatment? For example:
– Is there a certain amount of required time you must document attempted weight-loss?
– Does the documented time have to be consecutive?
– Is your physician required to document your weight-loss attempts?
– Do you need to weigh a certain amount before treatment is performed and/or initiated?
– Is there an age requirement to receive care?
– Must you use a specific Center of Excellence or medical provider to receive coverage?
– Are there weight limitations preventing coverage?
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Is there a maximum dollar limit on your benefits?
What treatment options are excluded or specifically included?
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What is the co-payment for medical services?
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What testing is covered, such as nutritionist, psychologist, labs, sleep apnea study, ultrasounds, etc.?
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Does your insurer require weight-loss prior to surgery? If so, what percentage or number of pounds is required?
Knowing the answers to these questions can help before you make your weight loss surgery determination. Our professional staff at Southern Minnesota Surgical is available to assist in helping you to make this journey. Feel free to contact our office for further assistance at 507.526.3460 or 888.925.3460
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November 24th, 2011
There are numerous benefits to getting a colonoscopy screening. Although a diagnosis of colorectal cancer may be scary, it has actually been known to be curable in more than half of the patients diagnosed with it when detected early. A colonoscopy allows for early detection of cancer, disease, and polyps. Early detection is critical in that it gives patients options for their treatment as well as improved treatment results.
A colonoscopy screening is necessary because it allows a doctor to take an up close look at the inside of your colon. Using a colonoscope, which is a thin and flexible tube with a tiny video camera attached to the end of it, the doctor can locate any polyps or signs of cancer. Polyp removal prevents colorectal cancer from even having a chance to develop.
The entire process is quick, usually lasting about 30 minutes. Patients are also not even aware of what is happening during the colonoscopy screening as they are given medication to help them relax and sleep during the procedure. Colonoscopy screenings are performed with your privacy in mind; most of the time they are done in private rooms in the outpatient department of the hospital, a clinic, an ambulatory surgery center, or possibly in your doctor’s office. The good news is once you get a colonoscopy, chances are you won’t have to have another one for another five to ten years.
Prevention is of the utmost importance when it comes to colorectal cancer detection and diagnosis. A colonoscopy screening is the most powerful tool we have to prevent this disease, and the chances of surviving and living a normal life are so high if the cancer is detected early. You will probably not be able to determine for yourself if you have the signs of colorectal cancer, as it generally doesn’t begin to show symptoms until it has advanced. A colonoscopy screening can keep you healthy and save your life. If you are over the age of 50, or have a family history please call your doctor today and make an appointment for a fast and painless procedure that could save your life.
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November 16th, 2011
This link is to the Fall, 2011 Your Weight Matters (online) Magazine link. This is a publication of the Obesity Action Coalition.
http://www.obesityaction.org/magazine/ywm25/YWM_fall2011FINAL.pdf
We would love to draw your attention to a couple of articles within this edition:
Page 8: Protein Supplements & Weight Loss Surgery
Page 30: Artificially Sweetened Beverages–Friend or Foe? You be the judge…..
Page 34: What to do When You’re Denied (Bariatric) Weight Loss Surgery
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