Marguerite Dunham
PennsylvaniaAbout
Marguerite Dunham is a top nurse in Warminster, Pennsylvania.
With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Marguerite Dunham is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for
the better.
As a leader and expert in their field, Marguerite Dunham is passionate about enhancing patient
quality of life and embodies the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with
patients. In Warminster, Pennsylvania, Marguerite Dunham is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Education and Training
Hahnemann College of Nursing MCP 2000
Thomas Jefferson University DNP 2022
Provider Details
Marguerite Dunham's Expert Contributions
-
How long is recovery after gastric sleeve surgery?
The recovery time after a laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery is relatively short. Most patients can get back to work within a few weeks. It is important to follow your surgical team's recommendations on fluid and protein intake which will improve your healing and energy to get back to your presurgical routine.
-
Is ultrasound or CT better for gallbladder?
Either test can find gallstones but since the gallbladder is a hollow organ, Ultrasound is usually the best test. That is not to say they cannot be seen on a CT Scan, but between the two, Ultrasound would be better.
-
What medications help with acid reflux?
There are over-the-counter medications for reflux - liquids such as Maalox or chewable tablets like TUMS. There are non-prescription strength antacids also over the counter such as Prilosec OTC. If they are not effective or you need to take them frequently, you should reach out to your provider to discuss a more consistent treatment.
-
What are the treatment options for acid reflux?
Weight loss is a standard treatment to help improve the symptoms of reflux. In addition, dietary changes can also improve the symptoms. Decreasing fried and spicey foods, limiting caffeine, limiting citrus / acidic foods, and not eating late at night prior to going to bed can all improve the symptoms of reflux. Decreasing or eliminating alcohol and smoking have been shown to also improve reflux symptoms. Raising the head of your bed is another strategy for decreasing reflux symptoms. If all of those changes do not improve reflux, there are medications available such as proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc) that decrease the production of acid. Another class of medications, H2Blockers, such as famotidine can also help by neutralizing the acid that has been produced in your stomach during the day. This type of medication can be very helpful in the evening before you go to bed to limit the nighttime reflux symptoms. If the symptoms are persistent, despite lifestyle changes, you should work with your provider to find the combination of therapies that would work for you as there can be physical harm to the stomach as a result of untreated reflux.
-
What are the lifestyle changes that can help gastritis?
Gastritis, irritation to the lining of the stomach, can be improved with lifestyle changes such as weight loss and decreasing triggers. Some triggers include caffeine, the use of NSAIDs, smoking, a fatty diet, overeating, eating to close to going to bed, and repeated intake of spicy or acidic foods. If you are able to find and work on eliminating your triggers, you should be able to improve your gastritis symptoms.
-
How to stop obesity?
The disease of obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that can affect all body systems. I think it is great that you are exploring ways to control your obesity and improve overall health. There are several options for the disease, lifestyle changes are usually the first treatment with changing diet and increasing exercise. If that is not enough, there are surgical and medical options to add to the treatment plan. I would reach out to your provider to have a good discussion about the treatment of obesity that would be possible for you.
-
Can medications fix obesity?
This is a great question. Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that requires treatment. Treatment begins with lifestyle changes - dietary changes and exercise. For some individuals, this is enough to control the weight associated with obesity. A weight loss of 5-10% is often enough to improve a person's health. If lifestyle changes alone are not enough though, which can be the case, there are surgical options and medication options. The decision to use either treatment should be made with a reputable provider who can review your daughter's health history and see what options would be appropriate for her. I always remind my patients that since obesity is a chronic disease, we need to treat it forever. If a patient gets to a good healthy weight with lifestyle, surgery, and/or medications, it doesn't mean that they can stop the lifestyle changes as the weight can return (often with additional weight) over time.
-
What foods to avoid after gastric sleeve?
The typical post gastric sleeve diet includes a high protein, low fat, low carb lifestyle. Avoiding high-calorie, high-fat snacks is usually recommended. There is no food that I say never to, that is not realistic, but it is all about making the best choices of the available options. Remember that the sleeve is a restrictive procedure, it only controls the amount of food you eat at one time, unlike restrictive/malabsorptive surgeries such as the gastric bypass, you will absorb all the calories of the foods you eat. You will certainly be eating less but it is still equally important to pay attention to the quality of the foods that you eat.
Professional Society Membership
- PNPA (local bariatric chapter)
- ASMBS
Work Description / Areas of Expertise / Job Duties
- obesity and comprehensive weight management - Bariatric Surgery / Endoscopic Gastric Bypass Revision / Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty / Gastric Bypass Surgery / Intragastric Balloon / Laparoscopic Gastrectomy / Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
What do you attribute your success to?
- wanted to be a nurse since 2nd grade, always wanted to help people
