Summer Solstice

This past weekend, we had the joy of celebrating the summer solstice, a significant event where the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, giving us the longest day of the year. These extended daylight hours are something we cherish, knowing that from now until the end of December, the days will progressively get shorter.

The summer solstice is celebrated in many Northern European countries, and in Latvia, it is a national holiday known as “Līgo.” This past weekend, Dr. Deborah Ekstrom and I, in my role as the Latvian Consul, had the pleasure of inviting the Southern California Latvian Society to our home for a Līgo celebration, embracing the rich traditions of this festival.

One of the most visually striking traditions is the wearing of wreaths made from flowers and oak leaves. These wreaths symbolize nature’s bounty and the fertility of the earth, and many adorned themselves with these beautiful creations, adding a festive and authentic touch to our gathering.

Singing is a vital part of the Līgo festivities. Traditional Latvian songs, known as “Līgo dziesmas,” filled the air, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage. These songs often celebrate nature, love, and the joy of life, perfectly capturing the spirit of the solstice.

No Līgo celebration would be complete without traditional foods, especially Jāņi cheese, a special type of cheese made with caraway seeds. This cheese, along with an assortment of other Latvian delicacies and refreshing beer, provided a delightful feast for all attendees.

Another central element of the celebration is the bonfire, but here in Southern California, bonfires are definitely out. In Latvia, as the sun sets, people gather around a fire, which symbolizes light, warmth, and the sun’s power. The bonfire serves as a focal point for singing, dancing, and storytelling, creating a magical atmosphere that brings everyone together.

The Līgo festival is more than just a celebration of the solstice; it is a time to connect with nature, honor ancient traditions, and strengthen community bonds. As we move forward, the spirit of Līgo reminds us to cherish the light and warmth in our lives, even as the days grow shorter. This weekend’s celebration was a beautiful testament to the enduring power of these traditions and the joy they bring to our hearts.

My daughter, Jessica, with traditional flower wreath, worn at Līgo celebrations

Drs. E & B at Līgo celebration

We are currently facing an obesity pandemic that affects millions of people worldwide. This crisis stems from a variety of factors, including sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie diets, and genetic predispositions. The modern lifestyle often promotes convenience over health, with processed foods and sugary beverages readily available and consumed in excess. Coupled with a decrease in physical activity due to work and leisure habits, it is no wonder that obesity rates have skyrocketed. This epidemic is more than just a matter of appearance; obesity significantly impacts overall health and well-being.

Being overweight or obese comes with a host of serious health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. These conditions can severely affect quality of life and reduce life expectancy. For those struggling with severe obesity, bariatric surgery has emerged as a highly effective option. Procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding can lead to substantial weight loss and improve or even resolve obesity-related health conditions. The benefits of bariatric surgery or weight loss by diet and exercise programs or induced by medications extend beyond weight loss; patients will experience dramatic improvements in their overall health, energy levels, and quality of life.

Now, let us talk about something that is been making quite a splash in the world of weight management: Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications. These innovative treatments are helping many people achieve significant weight loss by curbing appetite, delaying gastric emptying and making you feel fuller longer. The results can be truly life changing, with patients not only shedding pounds but also seeing improvements in conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. It is exciting to see these triumphs, but it is important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique.

While the success stories are inspiring, it is essential to be aware of the challenges that can come with these medications. Some people experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Less commonly, these medicines may increase the risk of thyroid cancer or cause pancreatitis. In addition, of course, not everyone responds to these treatments in the same way. That is why it is so important to have a personalized plan and work closely with your healthcare provider to find out if these medications are the right fit for you.

Now, let us discuss something that often comes up after significant weight loss: excess skin. After losing a lot of weight, many people find themselves with loose, sagging skin that just will not bounce back. This is where body-contouring surgery can make a huge difference. Procedures like breast lists, tummy tucks, body lifts, arm lifts, and thigh lifts can remove that extra skin and help you achieve a smoother and more toned appearance. These surgeries are not just about aesthetics; they can also improve comfort and make everyday activities easier.

Body contouring procedures are tailored to fit your specific needs. For example, a tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles for a flatter belly. A body lift also removed the excess skin over the backside of the trunk. An arm lift can get rid of that “bat wing” appearance, giving you more defined arms. Thigh lifts target the inner or outer thighs to create a firmer look. A breast lift can help reshape and lift the breasts for a more youthful profile. Whether you choose one or a combination of these procedures, the goal is to help you look and feel your best after your weight loss journey.

At Salisbury Plastic Surgery and Orange County Plastic Surgery, we understand the unique challenges faced by patients who have undergone significant weight loss. These are some of the more common procedure I do – our dedicated team offer a range of body contouring procedures designed to address excess skin and help you achieve the body shape you desire. Our personalized approach ensures that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan to meet their specific needs. With state-of-the-art techniques and a compassionate, patient-centered focus, we are committed to helping you complete your transformation and enjoy the full benefits of your weight loss journey. If you have any questions or are considering body-contouring surgery, please do not hesitate to reach out. Here is to your health and happiness!

This female in her early 50’s lost about 150 pounds after gastric sleeve surgery. She had a mastopexy abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, monsplasty, thighplasty, flank reduction, and liposuction (of super public mound, pubic mound, abdomen, and lateral thighs) by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom.

For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
Or for MA location, call 508-755-4825 or visit www.salisburyps.com