For the protection of our patients, the staff will wear mask in the office.
For Telehealth follow-up and new consultations please contact us Here
1-818-812-7222 Office Hours: Monday and Wednesay 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
10 Congress St., Suite #405
Pasadena, CA 91105

Category: laboratory studies

Fluids and Electrolytes After Weight Loss Surgery

January 29, 2016 7:06 am

Fluids and Electrolytes after weight loss surgery are an important part of recovery and lifestyle after undergoing a weight loss surgical procedure. Potassium is an important electrolyte found in higher concentrations within the fluid of the cells. It is important in muscle contraction, heart rhythm, nerve function and co-enzyme function.

Fluids and Electrolytes

The following webinar (link) discusses the balance of fluids and electrolytes with particular attention to post weight loss surgery concerns. Deficiencies can cause heart arrhythmias, muscle weakness and cramping, intestinal paralysis, and neurological deficits.

Screen-Shot-2016-01-28-at-12.31

The Daily Recommended Amount for Potassium is  4,700mg

Here is a list of Lower-carb potassium sources: This is not meant to be in inclusive list.  There are many higher carb sources of potassium also.

  • Beet Greens- 1/2C 655 mg
  • Trout 3oz – 375 mg
  • Salmon  719 mg per average filet
  • Halibut or Yellowfin Tuna 3oz – 500mg
  • Clams 3oz- 534 mg
  • Avocados 1 whole- 974 mg
  • Squash 1C- 325mg
  • Broccoli 1 cup 475m
  • Watermelon Radish 3 oz – 233mg
  • Sweet Potatoes- one potato 694mg
  • Yogurt 1C – 579mg
  • Tomato paste 1/4C – 342 mg
  • Whole milk 1C – 366 mg
  • Chicken breast meat 1 cup chopped – 358 mg
  • Cauliflower 1 cup raw– 303 mg
  • Peanut butter 2 T – 208 mg
  • Asparagus spears 6 – 194 m
  • Daikon Radish – 3″ – 280 mg
  • Nuts  100-300 mg per 30g / 1 oz serving, depending on the type
  • Dark leafy greens  160 mg per cup of raw, 840 mg per cooked
  • Kohlrabi 3oz- 98mg
  • Mushrooms 1 C- 273 mg
  • Spinach – 1 cup 167 mg Potassium
  • Walnuts 2 oz-250 mg

Laboratory Blood Specimen Collection Change

October 30, 2014 5:20 pm

Older and Newer Blood Specimen Tubes

No one likes surprises at the lab when you are about to get your blood drawn. The picture above is of the older vacutainers blood specimen tubes and a new type of tube that is being introduced. There is currently a change over of blood specimen tubes in laboratories across the country.  Locally we are seeing the use of SARSTEDT tubes/syringes.  This change over is for several reasons. First and foremost is to reduce blood bourne pathogen exposure due to needle sticks and tube breakage. However, these blood specimen tubes offer some additional benefits, especially to people who frequently have lab draws. One of which is the ability to use aspiration of the specimen to decrease the incidence of hemolysis.  Hemolysis skews laboratory studies and damages the red blood cells in the collected specimen causing the need for repeated testing.  Aspiration is also easier on fragile veins due to the decrease pressure versus vacuum. The SARSTEDT tubes are versatile in that they can also be used as a vacuum tube if needed.

Hope this knowledge will alleviate at least some anxiety on your next trip to the lab for your blood draws.  Remember that follow up laboratory studies after weight loss surgery is a lifetime commitment that ensures your health and adjustment of vitamins and supplements.