Michael A. Russo, MD, Fountain Valley, CA Videos

The food pyramid we were taught in the 90s was a diet based on carbs! 😭 No wonder we didn’t know how to be healthy! I tell my bariatric patients to mainly base their diet on healthy, lean proteins, followed by lots of fresh veggies and then a small portion of fiber-rich, low-glycemic carbs! 🍗🥦🥗 #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #smartdimensions #foodpyramid #LowGlycemic #highfiber #highprotein #bariatriccommunity #bariatricsleeve

Anyone who has had weight loss surgery knows that body dysmorphia is very real and the mental challenges that come with getting used to your new body and appearance. This takes time because it’s a huge adjustment, and you’re not alone. Your support system is everything — at home, your online community and your doctor, who can provide resources to help. What are some ways that have helped you cope? Share them below! ⤵️ #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #weightlossoc #smartdimensions #bodydysmorphia #extremeweightloss #bodydysmorphiarecovery #BodyDysmorphiaAwareness

There are differing opinions on this, but while a pre-op liquid diet can marginally shrink the liver leading up to surgery, it’s largely unnecessary. I just tell my patients to replace one meal a day with a high-quality protein shake two weeks prior to their #bariatricsurgery rather than a strict liquid only diet! Was this what you did pre-op, too?🥤 #smartdimensions #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #preop #liquiddiet #liquidphase #bariatricsurgerysupport #liquiddiets

If you’re wondering if you’re a candidate for GLP-1 medications after weight loss surgery, they’ve helped many of my patients combat regain or have helped those who have been stalled for a while get back on track! 💪 If you’re interested, DM me to set up a free consultation and let’s go over the options! #smartdimensions #drrusso #weightlossoc #drmichaelrusso #glp1weightloss #glp1 #glp1forweightloss

In order to prevent muscle loss, maintain a low carb/high protein diet and get exercise while taking GLP-1s—they aren’t a magic fix-all and still require hard work and dedication on your part for optimal results. 💪 If you’re interested in starting your medication journey, DM me! #smartdimensions #drrusso #weightlossoc #drmichaelrusso #glp1weightloss #glp1 #glp1forweightloss #weightlosscommunity #wlsjourney #wls #breakingastall

Janet’s incredible 150 lb. weight loss and cosmetic surgery journey has been one of my favorites to be a part of! 🙌 This is what it’s all about! 🔥 After bariatric surgery, we removed her loose abdominal skin, contoured with lipo and did muscle repair. The end result is a whole new body and she’s loving her new life! ➡️ If you’re ready to take that leap and get surgery, message me to set up your free consultation and let’s get started! #transformationtueaday #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #tummytuck #tummytuckplus #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeryoc #cosmeticsurgeryoc

Of your theme park food options, a turkey leg is actually a great choice for some protein while you’re at the park! Happy Sunday, everyone! #drmichaelrusso #smartdimensions #drrusso #turkeylegs #turkeyleg #postop #disneyland

A lot of patients are surprised to find out that you can have worsening or even develop #lactoseintolerance after bariatric surgery. If this is the case, seek non-whey-based protein shakes and even alternatives like pea protein which will be easier to tolerate. 🥛 ➡️ Did this happen to you after surgery?! 👀 #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #smartdimensions #lactoseintolerant #lactosefree #postoprecovery

Here’s an important tip during the summer to reduce scarring from your incisions post-op! ☀️ Avoid sun exposure on your incisions when you can and, if going in the sun, wear a strong sun blocker for protection from UV rays. #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #incisions #bariatricsurgery #reducescarring #postop #postopcare #postoprecovery

Since sleep apnea is often associated with obesity, losing weight can drastically improve or even resolve it entirely! Bariatric surgery can be an effective treatment for sleep apnea, which is when one’s breathing repeatedly stops while asleep. If you suffer from this and want to look into weight loss surgery as an option, message me to get started with a free consultation. #weightlossoc #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #sleepapnea #sleepapneatreatment #wlscommunity #obstructivesleepapnea #ObesityTreatment

1 Year Weight Loss Journey
Thank you to my wonderful patient Marmar for sharing your incredible weight loss journey! 🙏 She’s now about a year post-op, is down 86 lbs with the help of the gastric sleeve and has a brand new lease on life! DM me, I’d love to share your amazing story too. Or, if you’re looking to start your weight loss journey, send me a message to see how I can help! #smartdimensions #weightlossoc #drrusso #drmichaelrusso

Bariatric Surgery Challenges
Even though most of patients only regret not getting weight loss surgery sooner, I do like to lay out some realistic expectations about the difficulties most patients experience post-op—and what you can do about it! Trust me though, it will all still be worth it and things like hair loss and the liquid diet are only temporary. #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #smartdimensions #vsg #vsgcommunity #bariatricsurgery #bariatrics

Have you felt uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramping after taking in something high in sugar, carbs and/or fat? 😣 Dumping syndrome, or rapid gastric emptying, occurs when food moves too quickly from your stomach to your duodenum. While uncomfortable, it should pass in about 30 mins! #drrusso #smartdimensions #weightlossoc #drmichaelrusso #sugardumping #dumpingsyndrome #gastricemptying

@missladiemia’s total body transformation is nothing short of inspiring! She had VSG in 2014, a revision in 2022 and then a tummy tuck with me almost 3 months ago! 🔥 Take a look at what we did to give her a more contoured result and a lot of excess skin was removed due to all her incredible work losing almost 150 lbs and maintaining her weight. Send me a message if you’re ready to start your cosmetic or bariatric surgery journey! #weightlossoc #tummytuck #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #tummytuckplus #tummytucksurgery #tummytuckrecovery #tummytuckoc

For those nervous about starting their journey with #semaglutide, I’m here to help! This drug is safe, well tolerated and I’m here to monitor your progress along the way to safely increase dosage as needed and eventually wean you off once optimal weight loss has been achieved.DM me to get started today! #weightlossoc #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #ozempic #semaglutide #ozempicweightloss

Hypoglycemia After Gastric Bypass
Although hypoglycemia after #gastricbypass in non-diabetics is rare, it could happen; however it’s not much cause for concern because it is typically dietary related—so just remember to eat enough and to not have too many carbs so your blood sugar doesn’t drop too low! #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #smartdimensions hypoglycemic #hypoglycemicawareness #lowbloodsugar

So proud of @bariatric_bro and all his hard work leading up to his #tummytuck 🙌 As a cosmetic surgeon you have to be prepared for anything, and we had to switch up our game plan since Chris lost an incredible 30 lbs right before his surgery. Most patients maintain their weight prior and don’t have much to lose, which we can liposuction; in his case, I was able to do some additional contouring and his results speak for themselves! 🔥 #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #smartdimensions #tummytuck #abdominoplasty #tummytuckplus

I cannot stress the skin tightening and smoothing benefits of #Morpheus8 enough! 🔥🙌 This treatment combines radio-frequency remodeling and microneedling to give you smoother, more youthful-looking, tightening results. Under the chin, it even provides fat-burning benefits and can reduce the appearance of scars stretch marks on the face and body. Follow along as @jaxvicious came in for her second treatment. #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #smartdimensions #morpheus8treatment #morpheus8inmode

Breaking a Weight Loss Stall
Has your weight loss plateaued? Save this post with my tips to get you out of a stall! 💪 It depends where you’re at in your journey! ✅ DM me to schedule a free consultation if a revision or weight loss medication could be for you! #drrusso #drmichaelrusso #weightlossoc #smartdimensions

I can’t wait for you to experience incredible results with #Morpheus8 at Smart Dimensions! This revolutionary skin remodeling microneedling treatment uses radio-frequency for tightened, toned, smoother and more youthful-looking skin!✅ Smooths crepey, sagging skin (great for my weight loss patients who have lost volume in their face!)✅ Improves skin texture and firms ✅ Can burn excess fat on areas like the neck✅ Reduces the appearance of fine lines, creases, enlarged pores, stretch marks and sun-damaged skin Follow along here with @jaxvicious’s appointment and DM me to schedule your free consultation today! #weightlossoc #drrusso #morpheus8inmode #morpheus8body #morpheus8treatment #morpheus8beforeandafter #Morpheus8Transformation