Right at HOME Feb. 2017

HOME RIGHT AT

FEBRUARY 2017

LOSE WEIGHT …NOT HOPE

Texas Bariatric Specialists a Beacon of Hope for the Overweight Page 4

Nilesh A. Patel, MD, FACS Owner of Texas Bariatric Specialists

Photo by: Greg Harrison

2/23

Jurassic Park In Concert With The S.A. Symphony – Friday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m. The S.A. Symphony will perform the musical score on stage while the movie plays on a giant screen above. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com.

2/24

Street2Feet: 5K Run/Walk and Kidz K Fun Run – Saturday, Feb. 18, 8 a.m. Street2Feet is a 5K training program designed to promote strength and success among individuals experiencing homelessness through the discipline and joy of exercise. Training ends at a farmer’s market. First Presbyterian Church, 404 N. Alamo St. 78205; www.street2feet.org.

Billy Crystal – Friday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m. A stand-up comic turned television star, Billy Crystal found fame as a movie funnyman. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com.

3/3

George Winston - Tobin Studio Sessions – Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. The artist will perform songs from his seasonal favorites AUTUMN, DECEMBER, WINTER INTO SPRING, and SUMMER, as well as Peanuts pieces. One of the most recognized solo pianists in the world, Winston has released 13 solo piano albums since 1972. Proceeds from CD and merchandise sales will benefit the local food bank.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir. 78205; georgewinston.com.

ARTS San Antonio presents The Five Irish Tenors – Thursday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. The Five Irish Tenors, direct from Dublin, bring a concert experience featuring beloved Irish songs and opera arias.

Experience Irish wit and boisterous charm with lyricism, dramatic flair and operatic style. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com.

Rent – Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m. Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com.

3/4

West Side Story , presented by the Ronald Reagan High School Theatre – Wednesday, Feb. 15, through Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. West Side Story is a modern day version of Romeo and Juliet. On the harsh streets of New York City’s Upper West Side, two gangs battle for territory. The situation becomes complicated when a gang member falls in love with a rival’s sister. Reagan Auditorium, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive 78258; www.reaganstage.org.

2/9-12

2/12

Chase My Shadow 5K/10K trail run – Sunday, Feb. 12, 8:30 a.m. The second in the three-part Eisenhower Trail Series sponsored by Athlete Guild. An introductory trail race, the 5K is enough to satisfy the curious, while the 10K will challenge those up to the task.

Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Highway 78257; 877-806-3987.

2/11

2/9-26

2017 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo - Feb. 9-26. Also known as San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.) has grown to one of the largest, most prestigious single events in the city of San Antonio, with over two million visitors entering the grounds each year. AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway 78219; sarodeo.com.

2/18

WED’s

Java with Joe – Wednesdays, 9:10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Visit with City Councilman Joe Krier about District 9 issues. District 9 Office, Frost Bank Building, 16500 San Pedro, Suite 290 78232; 207-0954.

San Antonio Boat & Travel Trailer Show – Thursday, Feb. 9, 4 – 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, noon – 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dealers showcase boats and travel trailers, boating accessories, services, marinas and campgrounds. Children’s activities feature kid-fishing, slides and inflatables. Alamodome, 100 Montana St. 78203; SanAntonioBoatShow.com.

2/17-19

sat/sun

Legacy Farmers’ Market - Saturdays/Sundays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Local market features produce and handcrafted wares from area farmers, artisans and cottage industries. Legacy Shopping Center, 18402 U.S. Highway 281 North 78259; legacyfarmersmarket.com.

2/15-19

Upcoming Events

Run for the Heights – Saturday, March 4, 8 a.m. Fun run, health screenings, massages, and kids activities, including a new color run. Tuscany Heights Elementary School, 25001 Wilderness Oaks 78260; runfortheheights.tuscanyheightspta.org.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

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Lose Weight…Not Hope Texas Bariatric Specialists a Beacon of Hope for the Overweight

By Amy Morgan

C

oncern and compassion, combined with excellent patient care, are the hallmarks of Texas Bariatric Specialists, founded by Nilesh Patel, M.D., F.A.C.S. A nationally recognized and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon, Dr. Patel started the practice in 2005 to deliver longterm weight-loss solutions to his patients. He specializes in surgical weight-loss procedures including Lap Band, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Band, and the revision of failed weight-loss surgery. His more than 4,000 surgeries exceed the national average of successful weight-loss management.

Dr. Patel also streamlines patient treatment by including behavioral modification counseling, medications, exercise programs, support groups, lab testing and several lines of nutritional products, such as Bariatric Advantage, Fusion, and Unjury under one roof.

Bariatric Advantage is a complete line of dietary supplements specially formulated to support the nutritional needs of the pre- and post-operative bariatric surgical patients, who may need to replace or boost certain vitamins. Also, for those desiring weight-loss support without surgery, protein products in a variety of flavors and formulas are available.

The products are made of high quality, bioavailable nutrient forms, according to the website, and are designed to be hypoallergenic, great tasting and easy to digest and absorb.

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“We provide a comprehensive weight-loss program with the best medically-related advice,” he said. “The procedure is half the battle. Weight loss is a life-long permanent commitment to behavioral change. I know what I can fix with the surgery, but what are the things that will drive a patient to stick with the program afterward?”

The procedure is half the battle. Weight loss is a life-long permanent commitment to behavioral change.

Bariatric Advantage is a complete line of dietary supplements formulated to support the nutritional needs of bariatric surgical patients.

Dr. Patel’s practice has grown to include two additional highly trained bariatric surgeons, Leah A. Dill, D.O., and Subhash Reddy, M.D. Dr. Dill, now in her third year with the practice, is only the second female bariatric surgeon in South Texas, significant since eighty percent of patients they operate on are women, said Dr. Patel. Dr. Reddy is one of only three surgeons with a fellowship dedicated to bariatric surgery in San Antonio and is equally passionate about providing the highest quality, holistic care to patients.

“You could wake up the next morning and not be a diabetic anymore,” Dr. Patel said, noting that the gastric sleeve procedure has become the most popular weight-loss surgery in the past few years.

“Anyone can go to a three-week course and learn how to do a surgery,” said Dr. Patel. “But these are not operations that can survive without the patient-surgeon relationship. We have a world class, state-of–the-art program in San Antonio, with nine offices across South Texas, so our patients can follow up with support on a weekly basis.

“This is a compassionate group of surgeons who have committed our entire practice to this endeavor.”

Dr. Patel says his best moments are helping patients achieve their dreams – whether losing weight to dance at a daughter or son’s wedding, or simple things like being able to ride a roller coaster, fly in an airplane or even cross their legs. His favorite stories, he said, are from mothers who bring in their babies – women no longer infertile due to their weight-loss results.

He hopes the medical community and insurance companies will embrace weight loss as a medical issue. Very few people become morbidly obese by just not exercising and eating right, he said. The morbidly obese have a metabolic disorder – and numbers and rate of obesity continue get worse every year, he added.

Dr. Patel shares a patient success story with one of his medical assistants, Ashley Solis.

Unlike many others, Texas Bariatric Specialists welcome those whose previous surgeries need a revision or whose weight has plateaued prematurely.

“We approach re-do surgery with a significant level of empathy,” Dr. Patel said. “Many won’t even accept a patient from someone else. We are different - we are a beacon of hope.

We are here to listen and make it happen.

“Patients who are coming to get revised are often shy, embarrassed and intimidated,” he said. “They feel like bigger failures in losing weight given that their first procedure didn’t work.”

He stressed his practice provides support and a through evaluation not only into what went wrong, but how to remedy the situation.

There isn’t an overnight fix – patients are running from the ghosts that led to the problem over the course of several years,” Dr. Patel added. He likened the relationship between the patient, the physician and the procedure as a triangle. When each part works in harmony, results are achieved and dreams come true.

The Gastric Sleeve or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, shown above, is a relatively new procedure offering patients less dramatic restriction than the Lap Band or Gastric Bypass.

His office also connects each patient with a patient advocate to help navigate insurance barriers.

“Morbid obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the country - number one or two - with a similar mortality rate as early stage breast or colon cancer,” Dr. Patel said. “Why would treatment be excluded for so many preventable deaths?”

The metabolic component causing obesity makes many of the surgeries effective treatments for diabetes. In particular, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures cause chemical changes in hormones that offer substantial improvements in diabetes.

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RED DRESS 5K FUN RUN & WALK ENTRY FEE

At Methodist Stone Oak Hospital

(all proceeds go to the American Heart Association): $20 now through Feb. 3 $30 Feb. 4-9 $40 on-site registration

1139 E. Sonterra Blvd.

San Antonio, Texas 78258

Saturday, February 11 7 a.m. Festivities and On-site Registration 8 a.m. Red Dress 5K Fun Run & Walk

Join us in honoring those affected by heart disease. Wear red or your favorite red dress and join us for the Red Dress 5K Fun Run & Walk at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital.

Along with Methodist Healthcare and the American Heart Association, your support will help the community lead healthier lives.

• Enjoy refreshments and various educational booths • Pets on leashes welcome • This will be a timed race to better recognize the success of participants • Medals will be awarded to all participants

For more information on heart month events and for heart healthy tips:

Register today at: SAHealth.com/HeartandSoul

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SENIOR MOMENT

Presidential Pilot

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Flew Helicopters in Vietnam and Washington D.C.

By Amy Morgan

ittle did Hardy Gates, Captain, U.S.M.C. –Retired, imagine when he enlisted in 1947 that his adventures would include piloting President Richard Nixon on Marine One or performing a L zero-visibility helicopter landing for President Lyndon Johnson onto an aircraft carrier.

Gates was accepted for U.S. Navy flight training in 1949, despite his 6’6” height. He recounts an experience reminiscent of the movie Pearl Harbor, in which he convinced the flight surgeon to approve him.

Prior to the Korean conflict, pilot slots were rare, so when the war broke out he was called to flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida. After finishing pre-flight/primary and basic training he reported to NAAT Cabinass Field in Corpus Christi for advanced training.

While in Corpus Christi, he met his future wife. “There were about 150 people at the dance hall – which was built like a chicken coop – with fold-out windows,” Gates said. “Suddenly, everyone started moving toward one person. I asked who she was and was told, Betty Butterfield.” Betty came over to talk to him, he said, and made such an impression his next tour through Corpus Christi, they were engaged by their fifth date.

They were married 51 years and have four girls: Sheri, Leslie, Cathy and Donna. Since Betty’s death in 2004, the girls look out for their father. Leslie lives in San Antonio and was instrumental in helping her father select Independence Hill Retirement Community for his home. Gates moved to San Antonio from Atlanta when he retired from his second career of 21 years managing technical applications for the laminate company Wilson Art. But before that, Gates had an illustrious and decorated military career, logging more than 8,000 flight hours and earning 26 Air Medals and Unit Citations.

He began flying F4U propeller aircraft in Korea.

“Basically what we did was close-air support for the troops on the ground. If somebody was in trouble – the forward air controller would call the airstrikes – you’d make close-air runs until you ran out of ammunition or gas,” he added.

He left the service briefly to complete his college career, but when the Vietnam War started, he rejoined the Marine Corps as a Warrant Officer and transitioned into helicopters. “They were looking at the Army’s Warrant Officer helicopter program, and as a test program they transitioned 100 pilots from fixed wing to helicopters,” he said. He not only flew more than 4,000 helicopter flight hours for three Vietnam tours during the 1960s, he was a test project pilot for the CH53 heavy lift helicopter.

Gates’ skills proved invaluable when he was chosen to pilot President Johnson to the Aircraft Carrier Saratoga returning from Vietnam. Although the California coast was completely fogged in, he said, the president was not to be deterred. Gates described a landing on the moving carrier, the proficiency of which might have been the precursor to his next assignment – Command Pilot for Marine One and President Nixon at Quantico, Va., from 1969-73. He retired from the Marine Corp after this assignment.

All settled in at Independence Hill, Gates enjoys playing bridge, traveling, reading, and anything technical.

U.S.M.C. Captain, Hardy Gates, flew helicopters for both President Johnson and Nixon.

Hardy Gates recently moved to Independence Hill Retirement Community and poses on the balcony of his new home.

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PET TIPS

Valentine’s Gifts Continue to Give

By Tamara Wetegrove

W

hat’s cuter than a cuddly puppy or fuzzy kitten? Their images highlight many Valentine’s Day cards, and may inspire a gift for a sweetheart. But giving a pet is more than just a clever present. Their presence provides the companionship and love so representative of the holiday - but comes with commensurate responsibility for the lifetime of the animal.

Pets require commitment of time and finances. Like children, they are dependent on their owners for care, food, shelter and guidance. Left to their own devices, they won’t know the social rules of the household that will make them the blessing they were intended to be.

So, before gifting your sweetie with that precious puppy or kitten, think carefully about its home. Does the owner have time to spend with the pet, to train in good manners, to socialize? Can the owner afford the costs of food, vet and grooming it will require? Does their homeowner’s association or landlord allow pets? Are there other animals already in the home that need to be considered? If so, what about living arrangements? Does a yard or fence need to be modified to provide a safe space? Consider size, age and energy level of the animal - is the pet appropriate to the person’s lifestyle or ability?

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A better idea might be to involve your Valentine in the potential pet selection process. Many shelters allow owners to bring their existing pets for a meet and greet. Or rescue organizations often bring pets to farmer’s markets or other neutral areas where future housemates could get to know each other. It is important a new addition be accepted and compatible with the animals already living in the home. Plan for an adjustment period.

And when your pet needs animal companionship or a place to stay during an owner’s work or vacation, book a visit to Camp Bow Wow.

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11

Servant’s Heart

StuCo Service Benefits School, Community and Environment Student Spotlight

By Amy Morgan

I

If the future rests with the next generation, Jack Thomas, Ronald Reagan High School Senior, is ready to accept that responsibility. A member of the National Honor Society, with a 104.5 GPA and top 15 percent rank, Thomas is accepted into the business school at Texas A & M, following his two older sisters. His goal: to run an environmentally conscious business – a desire fostered by his service chairing the Reagan Student Council Energy and Environment Committee.

He enjoys participating on the committee’s “Watts Team,” promoting energy conservation.

Members encourage those leaving after school to turn off water and lights. E & E also sponsors Earth Week, which raises awareness about recycling and environmental responsibility.

“I’m really passionate about the earth,” he said, and that, combined with his desire to give back to Reagan and the community, led him to seek student council office.

Thomas was elected by 31 peers as vice president, with primary responsibility to create and implement service projects – including coordinating Reagan’s Blue Santa donations. The school is one of SAPD’s largest donor sites - this year totaling more than 5,000 toys.

“It is by far my favorite project,” he said. “You see how by all working together, we get to provide for kids. It’s really cool to see all the toys stacked up and realize you are making a difference.”

This year, Reagan partnered with Camelot Elementary School to provide 1,200 pairs of socks. Thomas said he enjoyed personally delivering to the Windcrest-area school.

“It takes a lot of fundraising,” he said. “We always somehow pull it off.” Students donate money in their second period classrooms, he explained.

To encourage Reagan teachers, the student council hosts a Teacher Academy Awards Night.

“It is an event to celebrate our teachers – we have a red carpet for pictures and students vote in different categories,” he added. “It recognizes them for all the things that may seem unorthodox but are really cool.”

Abigail Zamora, teacher student council sponsor, said, “As a teacher, I have the privilege of working with a group of students that strive to put others ahead of themselves and serve not only their peers, but also their teachers.

Our involvement at Camelot is just the tip of the iceberg of what our students do.”

Thomas’ fond memory promoting school spirit is serving on the StuCo “Pit Crew,” running the sideline flags at Reagan football games to celebrate each score.

“I will definitely remember that forever,” he said.

He credits his parents, Brad and Cathy, for inspiring his service-oriented attitude. “My parents are all about giving back – they taught me it’s more important to take care of others before taking care of myself,” he said.

Thomas is past president of Winner’s Circle, an association he joined to promote its positive lifestyle. “It’s very important for me to live a drug-and alcohol-free life,” he said. “I’ve seen those who have struggled with addiction. It’s a huge part of who I am to spread the message to others it’s not necessary to live like that.” Thomas attends NorthRock Church and is a former member of the Reagan cross country, track and soccer teams, specializing in the 800 meter run.

Jack Thomas and the other Student Council members organized a drive to donate 1200 pairs of socks for students at Camelot Elementary School.

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Ronald Reagan High School Senior Jack Thomas serves as vice president and chair of the Reagan Student Council Energy and Environment Committee.

Vision Source Valentine

Stone Oak Practice Introduces Newest Physician

By Monica Allison, O.D., Stone Oak Vision Source

s day came early for Stone Oak Vision Source’s V alentine’ newest physician, Victoria Perez, O.D., who became

engaged over the New Year’s holiday. Although she joined the practice recently, Dr. Perez is quickly settling into the community – living as well as working in Stone Oak.

Dr. Perez earned her Doctor of Optometry degree in May 2016 from the University of Houston College of Optometry, which she attended after graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University at Kingsville, not far from her hometown of Alice.

“The addition of Dr. Perez means Vision Source now has three full-time physicians able to provide appointments for patients six days a week,” said Monica Allison, O.D., Vision Source owner and lead physician. “This will allow our office to accommodate more people at the time most convenient to them.”

Dr. Perez credits her desire to pursue optometry to exposure at an early age. Not only did she begin wearing contacts herself in the third grade, she observed a close family friend struggle with and eventually lose his sight due to Strickler’s Syndrome.

“He has been able to pursue incredible things despite the disability he experienced as a young child,” she said.

Both circumstances gave Dr. Perez a real compassion to help patients see more clearly and empathy for what they experience. She knows what a difference the right vision correction can make – whether it be the ability to see distinct leaves on a tree or complete independent tasks, she said.

Dr. Perez mentioned the clinical rotation she completed treating those with low vision was “by far my favorite – the first time you put a pair of glasses on a baby, and the baby smiles when he sees his mom, is so rewarding.” She enjoyed demonstrating the devices patients could use to help them with their daily activities like seeing the computer or reading a newspaper, she added.

Trained in laser eye surgery during a clinical rotation with the Cherokee National Rural Eye Program in Oklahoma, Dr. Perez enjoys the medical aspect of helping other people; but she said she especially values the opportunity for patient interaction afforded by Vision Source. She looks forward to building relationships with her patients, taking care of their children and the whole family.

Dr. Perez is certified by the Texas State Board of Optometry as a Therapeutic Optometrist as well as an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. She’s a member of both the Texas Optometric Association as well as the American Optometric Association.

Dr. Victoria Perez is the newest optometrist to join Stone Oak Vision Source in Stone Oak. If you have any eye questions or are looking for a family eye doctor, please visit www.visionsource-stoneoak.com or call 210-495-9020 to schedule an appointment. Vision Source’s new office is located at 810 Knight’s Cross, suite 101, just behind the emergency center at Knight’s Cross and Stone Oak Parkway.

Make an Appointment!

Monica Allison, O.D. Lindsey Denison, O.D. Kim Ip, O.D. Joshua “Jed” Martin, O.D. Victoria Perez, O.D. Call 210-495-9020 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Monica Allison, O.D.

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Sonterra’s Award-Winning Instructor Develops Golfers

By Amy Morgan

R

egistration has begun at The Club at Sonterra for its spring 2017 junior golf team program. Junior golfers age 6-16 are eligible, and no formal experience is required. Team play is open both to club members and community non-members. A parent/child information night is scheduled Feb. 22 at 6 p.m., in the Garden room, said Head Coach Heather Levow, who heads up the program.

Levow brings more than 20 years teaching experience to the program and also serves as an instructional advisor with the Smithson Valley Middle and High School teams. She has designed Sonterra’s program to provide a two-pronged approach to learning golf, different than just lessons or clinics. Golfers will practice with the team Wednesdays and also have opportunity to compete in inter-club events.

“Other sports have games as well as practices - it pushes the kids to get out and play,” she said. “Traditional camps and clinics introduce them to golf but don’t get them out to be golfers. Our junior golf team is not just an introduction to golf – it’s an introduction into how you become a golfer – and how to become a better golfer. By the time they complete the three levels of junior play, our goal is for them to be ready to play on their middle or high school teams.”

Levow emphasizes starting golf at a young age, for skills building as well as social and physical benefits.

“They really need to start developing the basic fundamentals,” she said. “Golf is not a sport you can just take up, and in three months you are an expert. It’s also about teaching them life skills like integrity, self-discipline, being part of a team and to have confidence in themselves.”

Families – parents, and children Coach Levow works on the who have participated - have fundamentals of putting with enjoyed making friends with others from the team, she said, one of her junior golf students.

Junior Golf Program Info Juniors will be divided into two Sonterra Groups.

Junior Development Team, Ages 6-12, for the younger or less experienced Junior Competitive Team, Ages 12-16, for more experienced juniors.

and many continue to connect for golf outings. “It’s a great life sport,” she said. And while making friends, one may meet a future spouse, as Levow did, playing junior golf in Canada with her fiancé, David Stewart, who also helps with instruction.

Levow is a Certified Level III Instructor and a Class “A” Member with the PGA of Canada and has been nominated for two National Awards; Teacher of the Year and Junior Teacher of the Year with the PGA Ontario and the PGA of Canada.

Professional and personal highlights include being the head women’s and men’s golf coach at Northwood University in Palm Beach, Fla., being nominated for the Taylor Made-Gary Adams Award-Executive Golfer Magazine, winning the Women’s Ontario PGA Championship, being a NCAA Division II Champion, being a Member of the Futures Tour in 93-94.

Junior Golf Head Coach, Heather Levow, is teaching the future of golf to learn and love the game.

She is especially proud of three of her former students, who played for Canada in the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Join Junior Golf this Month!

Learn how your registration fee can be applied to club membership.

Mention this ad for details.

Inter-Club – among Sonterra, Dominion, TPC and Randolph Oaks will consist of four regular 9-hole events plus one playoff event.

Tournament events will occur Saturday and Sunday afternoons between President’s Day and Memorial Day, with the majority of the events occurring in March, April and May. Cost is $340, which includes a private one-on-one lesson in addition to league practices and events.

Practices are Wednesdays, 4:30-5:45, with parents encouraged to allow time from 4-6 p.m. for extra instruction and practice.

Practice Schedule: March 1, 8, 22, 29 (No practice during Spring Break) April 5, 12, 19, 26 May 3, May 10 make-up Contact Coach Levow at hlevow.sonterra@yahoo.com or in the golf pro shop at 210-491-9900.

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~ Junior Golf ~ Registration has begun at The Club at Sonterra for its spring 2017 junior golf team program. Junior golfers aged 6-16 are eligible, and no formal experience is required.

Team play is open both to club members and community non-members. A parent/child information night is scheduled for February, 22nd at 6 p.m., in the Garden room at the Club at Sonterra.

Julie Golla | Director of Membership | jgolla@ClubAtSonterra.com

901 Sonterra Boulevard • 78258 • 210.483.4292 www.ClubAtSonterra.com • Facebook.com/ClubatSonterra

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