UpClose Sugar Land Magazine September 2023

Incision-less Surgery

Houston Methodist Sugar Land leading medicine in the fight

Houston Methodist

for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is leading medicine with a ground-breaking approach to weight-loss surgery.

Board-certified surgeon Aman Barkat Ali, M.D., is one of just a handful of surgeons in the U.S. who is specially trained to perform incision-less weight-loss surgical procedures –reducing post-surgical pain, improving recovery times and eliminating permanent scarring. That makes Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital the only hospital in Fort Bend and surrounding areas offering all three forms of advanced bariatric surgery – laparoscopic, robotic and now incision-less.

“Incision-less surgery is a major advancement in the treatment of obesity,” Ali said. “It’s a unique way of accessing the stomach to perform gastric bypass or gastric sleeve procedures that eliminates some of the hesitation many patients feel about weight-loss surgery. All of us at Houston Methodist Sugar Land are proud to be leading medicine in this important area.”

During the procedure, Ali uses a specially designed endoscope, inserted into the abdomen through the patient’s esophagus, to perform surgical procedures from inside the body. The endoscope carries a tiny camera and all necessary surgical instruments, allowing him to complete the surgery with no incisions made to the skin or outer layers of muscle. Ali has performed more than 100 abdominal surgical procedures using this novel technology.

“Any time you make a traditional incision, even in minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgery, you create scar tissue and reduce the elasticity around the skin,” Ali said. “Plus, an incision that goes through muscle will always be more painful after surgery and lengthen recovery times. Using the endoscope, I am still making incisions to perform bariatric procedures, but they are from the inside, without cutting through skin and muscle. The result is that patients have significantly less pain, often go home the day of surgery, and usually don’t need powerful pain medications post-operatively.”

Leading Medicine to Fight a Growing Epidemic

Incision-less surgery isn’t the only way Houston Methodist Sugar Land is leading medicine in the fight against obesity. The Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land, led by Ali, offers a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary program designed to provide encouragement, support and knowledge throughout the weight-loss journey.

From nutritional and emotional counseling and education to the full range of medical and surgical interventions, Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery makes it possible for patients to lose weight and keep it off – while vastly improving their overall health.

“Most of our patients have been struggling for years – losing weight through dieting and then yo-yoing back multiple times,” Ali said. “Many of them have a body mass index (BMI) of 50 or 60, and research shows that having a BMI above 30 is a leading cause of many serious health issues

– from diabetes and heart disease to sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even an increased risk of many types of cancers. The good news is that losing weight immediately improves all comorbidities and getting to a BMI of under 30 can help patients live five to seven years longer on average.”

The increase in adult obesity is a rising epidemic across the U.S., and especially in Texas, where one in three adults is considered obese and 70 percent of the population is either clinically overweight or obese.

“This is a critical issue and one that is impacting other types of medicine directly,” Ali said. “Leading medicine against obesity is one of the best ways we can improve the health and quality of life of our community.”

Leading with Comprehensive Care

After an initial visit to Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land, patients undergo counseling with specially trained social workers and work with clinical dietitians and nutritionists who advise them – and often teach them – how to eat properly in any setting. Some patients undergo physical therapy to learn proper exercise techniques and begin the process of becoming more active.

The team also helps patients navigate insurance issues related to their care.

“We are very detail-oriented and accessible,” Ali said. “We do complete physical and psychological evaluations to understand our patients’ unique health profiles and motivations for change. By tracking a patient’s age, gender, height, body type and comorbidities, we can determine how much weight loss is needed to get below a 30 on the BMI scale, and that informs our treatment approach.”

Many patients at Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery are finding success in lowering their BMIs below 30 through medical treatment, thanks to a growing class of medications known as semaglutides, prescribed under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, or with another drug, tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro. Although originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, these relatively new medications were found to significantly help with weight loss along with diet and exercise. In fact, some patients report losing as much as one-third of their body weight.

Center

is first in area to offer a novel surgical procedure to help patients lose weight

Land Hospital is fight against obesity

incision-less surgery – designed to reduce the size of the stomach so that patients eat less.

“We discuss the various types of surgery with our patients and make a decision based on the health and individual characteristics of each patient,” Ali said. “In some cases, it will still make sense to perform procedures laparoscopically or robotically. But we plan to utilize the new incision-less surgery as much as possible, and our patients are excited about the possibility of a less invasive approach.”

Leading with Follow-up Care and Support

Once surgery is complete, patients are placed on a bariatric full liquid diet, and Ali’s team helps manage issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure while the patient loses weight.

Don’t Wait to Lose Weight

“Although slightly different from each other, these medications work in the same fashion, by helping patients feel full more quickly when they eat and maintaining that ‘full feeling’ throughout the day,” Ali said. “And because they were originally designed to treat diabetes, they also improve insulin sensitivity, so the body responds properly after eating which also helps with weight loss.”

Ali stresses the importance of seeking guidance from a bariatric specialist if you are considering taking a drug, such as semaglutide. A specialist can help determine if this drug is the right choice for your weight loss goals. If you are prescribed them, the doctor will continue to monitor the drug’s effectiveness and address any potential side effects. “Weight loss isn’t achieved by medication alone,” Ali said. “Healthy eating habits and regular physical activity have to be integrated to achieve sustainable weight loss.”

Leading with Surgical Options

For patients who need to lose more weight than possible through medical therapies, Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land offers multiple types of bariatric surgery – including the new

In about a month, most patients have returned to a regular healthy diet – no bulky meals but lots of fruit, vegetables, proteins and noncalorie dense foods.

“The metabolic changes that occur after surgery are often stunning,” Ali said. “Within days, patients have lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and a significant decline in blood glucose levels.”

Patients also have ongoing follow-ups with clinical staff and physicians to ensure they are staying on track.

“Our center is not just about surgery,” Ali said. “We stay with our patients long after they’ve lost weight. We’re available to them whenever they need us to help them stay healthy.”

Ali said the stigma around weight loss intervention often prevents people from taking control of their health.

“It’s very easy today to look around and say, ‘I don’t have a problem’ because you can always find others who are heavier,” he said. “But anyone who has a BMI of more than 30 is at risk for serious health issues and can benefit from medical or surgical intervention. The first step is to see a physician who specializes in helping patients begin that journey toward meaningful weight loss.”

The Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land offers comprehensive medical and surgical therapies to help patients lose weight and regain their health:

• Counseling

• Nutrition education

• Physical therapy

• The latest medical treatments

• Robotic, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical options

• Ongoing support and assistance

Most insurance companies today will cover weight-loss treatments, including surgery, for patients with a BMI of 30 or above who also have a comorbidity such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and patients with a BMI of 35 or above with no comorbidity. Patients of Asian descent can often be covered with a BMI of 27.5 or above.

The center has both a bariatric coordinator and insurance verifier on staff to help patients better understand their options and insurance coverage.

Non-Invasively Detecting and Treating a Microvascular Breakdown

by

In each of us exists a complex network of microscopic capillaries that weave through our bodies like delicate threads, supplying the life-giving essentials of oxygen and nutrients to every single cell. These tiny capillaries make up the vast majority of our vessels. Inside these vessels exist tiny, hair-like projections that go into the vessel and do several things. They hold in fluids, prevent cholesterol and white blood cells from sticking to the sides of the vessel walls, and stimulate the production of nitric oxide (NO) which causes blood vessels to become larger.

Dr. Julia Ward, founder of local Balanced Body Functional Medicine, says, “The capillary system is a delicate system that can become damaged by many things, including aging, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, toxin exposure, genetics, stress, and inflammation. Damage can lead to the capillaries getting blocked or shut down. When this happens, oxygen and nutrients cannot get to your cells, and waste products build up. This eventually leads to cellular and tissue breakdown and chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension,

heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, stroke, dementia, septic shock, and inflammatory disorders.”

But how do you know if your capillary system is in trouble? “We now have a tool for measuring the health of the microvascular system,” continues Dr. Ward. “GlycoCheck is a non-invasive test. A video microscope camera is placed under your tongue. It shows the live movement of red blood cells as they travel through microvessels. Using the thousands of measurements and calculations taken, it comes up with an overall Microvascular Health Score (MVHS).”

As with most things, prevention remains the cornerstone of tackling this hidden crisis. Dr. Ward says, “Lifestyle changes–including a hearthealthy diet, regular exercise, and avoidance of smoking–can go a long way in preserving the integrity of the microvascular system. But if you are experiencing the warning signs of a microvascular breakdown, give us a call. We’ll do a Glycocheck test and come up with a custom plan for you based on your score. There is a natural

supplement called Endocalyx Pro that can help to regrow the capillary lining. Studies have shown that when taken consistently over 3-4 months, one will have an improved MVHS on the Glycocheck test. In science, that which gets measured, gets improved. This is exciting. With Glycocheck, we now have a way to measure and improve the health of our microvascular system, and thus prevent and treat chronic disease!” EARLY WARNING

• Cold Hands and Feet

• Leg Cramps

• Skin Problems

• Hair Thinning

• Fatigue

• Lack Of Focus (Brain Fog)

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Memory Loss

• Visual Problems

• Hearing Loss

• Severe PMS

• Erectile Dysfunction

• High Blood Pressure

• Neuropathy

• Slow Wound Healing

Amy Sharp

Something Worth

Smiling

by Amy Sharp

This month, Dr. Asha Patel launches her state-of-the-art general dentistry practice right here in Fort Bend County: Smile Solutions.

Dr. Patel might be new to the area, but she’s not new to dentistry. In 2019, she was voted one of Tampa’s Top 20 Dentists. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Dental School, she is one of only 6% of dentists in the United States to earn the FAGD (Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry) designation.

“I grew up in Florida,” explains Dr. Patel. “My parents are blue collar immigrants. They owned an independent, mom–and-pop-style business. We actually lived in the back of the business until I was a senior in high school. My parents ensured my brother and I received a good education. While in college, I shadowed different healthcare professions. I ultimately chose dentistry for a few reasons. I’m an arts and crafts person, and I love working with my hands. Dentistry also provides a sustainable lifestyle, allowing me to be a great wife and mom. Family is why I moved here. I met my husband Viraj in 2020. He’s from Sugar Land. I had previously done a general practice residency in Houston, and I loved Texas. When we decided to marry, it made sense for me to move here.”

“Opening my own practice fulfills a dream,” continues Dr. Patel. “It’s the culmination of what I’ve learned in my eight years of practicing in Florida. I consider my chairside manner to be thorough and straightforward. I’ve learned that trying to sugarcoat things usually does not benefit the patient or me. If you want to know every nuance, I’ll give them to you. If you don’t, that’s ok too! I offer fair treatment plans, and I want to build trust. When you have a toothache, I want you to think of me and know you’ll receive the very best care!”

At Smile Solutions, Dr. Patel offers all aspects of general dentistry from crowns to implants to surgical extractions. Treatment accompanied by nitrous oxide or minimal sedation is also available. Dr. Patel also places a large emphasis on continuing education, ensuring Smile Solutions stays up-to-date on the latest in dentistry. Her practice is a PPO/fee-for-service office.

When she’s not working, Dr. Patel loves spending time with Viraj, their eightmonth-old son Arik, and Great Dane Apollo. She enjoys fitness, traveling, and she’s a foodie. “When you’re a foodie, Houston is a fantastic location,” smiles Dr. Patel. “So many great brunch spots throughout the city!”

Smile Solutions ~ Dr. Asha Patel, DMD, FAGD 832-449-5442

7963 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite A, Richmond, TX 77407

smilesolutionsrichmond.com

One team One focus

Freezer Pops, Gummy Bears, Lozenges, Pudding, and Lollipops

by Amy Sharp

here are many challenges when dealing with medications and children. Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm.D., R.Ph, founder of local Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy, says, “Often kids resist having to take medication. They dislike the texture and/or taste, as well as have difficulties swallowing pills. We can help. We can compound oral medications into flavors, colors, and formulations that are appealing to children, including freezer pops, gummy bears, lozenges, pudding, or lollipops.”

Not only is a compounded medication easier and more fun to administer to kids, it’s also made specifically for your child. Dr. Campbell explains, “Commercially available medications come in standard dosages. If your child requires a different amount, you might be splitting pills, or you might be over-medicating or under-medicating your child. We can make the medication in the exact dosage required and without allergens. We offer gluten-free and casein-free preparations, as well as nutritional therapy. These can be very beneficial for children with autism and other developmental disorders.”

Want to learn more? Give Campbell’s Compounding a call. Just think how much easier it would be to offer your child a delicious, easy-to-swallow, medicated treat rather than the dreaded “medicine!”

The UNWANTED Roommates

If your child is experiencing issues with any of the following, call us to find out how we can help: •

•

•

lice and scabies

• Traumatized or diseased nails

Think you and your family are the only ones in the house? Think again!

The heat brings in roaches looking for water. Once they gain access to a home, roaches can repro duce quickly. Under optimal conditions, a single pair of roaches can produce up to 400,000 descendants in a year, Most roaches develop into adults in under 35 days, so it doesn’t take long for a home to become infested…and you can have a

“If

have a flea problem, there’s a chance you also have a rodent problem…you just don’t realize it because rats, possums, and raccoons are all nocturnal. That’s a lot of unwanted roommates!

by Amy Sharp

cockroach infestation without even knowing it. Seeing that first roach is usually just the tip of the iceberg. Cockroaches are good at hiding themselves, and they usually only come out at night.

Flies, fleas, ticks, yellow jackets, wasps, and termites also thrive in hot humid weather. Fleas and ticks often hitch a ride on rodents into the house, and the peak season is right now, between June and September. If you

What can you do about it? Call BUGCO Pest Control. Locally owned by President and CEO John Onofrey and Executive VP of Company Operations Chris Millward, BUGCO’s Residential Protection Plan and Convenience Agreement is tailored to your specific needs. Chris says, “We offer quarterly services, each focusing on your pest control needs. Our process begins with an inspection of the interior and exterior of your home. We then create a ‘perimeter of protection’ outside the home… an invisible barrier to help prevent pests from entering. If rodent evidence is present, our rodent control strategies can include using baits, setting traps, and/or exclusion work to identify the rodent entry points and close them off.”

BUGCO also offers special treatments for bed bugs, ticks, fleas, and mosquitos. As-needed general pest control services are also available. Now is the time. Rid your home of unwanted roommates today!

BUGCO Pest Control

281-240-2157

www.bugco.org

Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy

Did you know? Classic Elite Chevy Sugar Land and its sister locations, Classic Elite Chevy on Hwy 6 and Classic Elite Buick GMC on the Katy Freeway, offer fleet and commercial vehicles.

All three dealerships are locally owned by Tiffany and Jeff Sebastian. Tiffany says, “We offer commercial vehicles for small businesses, light fleet for small companies requiring 15 to 50 vehicles, and heavy fleet for large companies and corporations requiring 100 to 500+ vehicles a year. Very few stores in the Houston area offer heavy fleet. We are a preferred provider. Back in March, we welcomed Hector Garcia as Fleet and Commercial Director. Hector joins Wesley, Mike, Joe, and Lanette…a dynamic team committed to providing all of you the very

best service when considering commercial or fleet vehicles.”

Hector has 40 years experience in fleet and commercial sales and leasing. Hector says, “Before coming to work here, I already knew a lot of these people. In my previous position, we bought many vehicles from Classic Elite Chevy Sugar Land. I’ve had a relationship with them dating back to the early 90s. I could have bought from anywhere in the city, but the relationship, culture, and service here kept me coming back. Now, I’m excited to be a part of this team. It’s the building of relationships that I value the most, and the part that I’m most enthusiastic about. We’re old school guys. The truth is, anyone can sell vehicles. But we aren’t in it for instant gratification. We want a lifelong relationship…we strive to be your source for life.”

Classic Elite counts Yellowstone Landscaping and Webber Construction among its clientele. “We also sell to national fleet management companies,” explains Hector, “including ARI, Wheels, Element, and Enterprise. These companies service everyone from blue-chip Fortune 500 corporations to mom-and-pop A/C companies with 10 or less vehicles. We help fulfill their customer’s needs.”

With an extensive selection of new and pre-owned Chevy and GMC fleet and commercial inventory at all three dealership locations, Classic Elite is our local, preferred provider for all of your fleet and commercial needs. Have questions? Hector and his team are here to assist you every step of the way. “We’re just a phone call away,” says Hector. “My team and I are always happy to help!”

by Amy Sharp

Ivey and Ryan Jacops’ s Story

by Amy Sharp

Ivey and Ryan met Cathy Stubbs, a Keller Williams Southwest agent, at an open house. “We moved down here from South Carolina for Ryan’s work,” explains Ivey. “We were down looking at homes when we met Cathy. Afterward, we talked to her on the phone. This was our seventh home as well as our fourth relocation. I’m also a real estate consultant, and I’ve trained and coached more than 500 agents…so I know a lot about buying homes. Cathy possesses the necessary market knowledge and was able to educate us about this area. Relocating is hard. In the past, we would rent first to get a better idea of the area we were moving to. But this time, we have an 11-year-old and two dogs. We wanted to move one time.”

“Cathy helped us make a decision from 1000 miles away,” continues Ivey. “We had limited time on our house hunting trip, and delayed flights made for even less time. Cathy isn’t just a door opener. She helps you think things through to make the best decision. We first saw this house a week or two before we came down. We really liked it over FaceTime. About the same time, another house came on the market that was similar to our house in South Carolina. It distracted me. Cathy helped me think through both houses over FaceTime. When we finally made it down here, the first house was under contract. When we

visited the other, we realized it needed a lot of work. My first thought was, ‘I can take on a project!’ But that was not going to work. I needed a house that was move-in ready. Then another home a few houses down from the first home came on the market. We liked it, and we liked that neighborhood a lot. Cathy liked it too, but still said she wished the first home wasn’t under contract…that it was still the perfect fit.”

By the time Ivey and Ryan got to the airport, they learned the buyers had walked away from the first home. “We rushed and put in an offer from the airport!” says Ivey.

With the perfect home secured, Cathy hooked Ivey and Ryan up with a fantastic builder to renovate two bathrooms and redo the floors throughout the house. Ivey says, “Cathy helped manage him and that whole process. This was a huge load off our plate as we were moving, and a huge value-add provided by Cathy!”

“We are so thankful for Cathy’s expertise,” continues Ivey. “This house really is perfect for us. I’m still on Zillow receiving updates. No other house has come on the market that fits our needs anymore than this one. It’s the perfect location and neighborhood for us. Cathy’s market knowledge, vendor recommendations, and expertise in negotiations make her a standout. We just love our new home!”

KW Agent Cathy Stubbs

RAFFLES, VENDORS, ADOPTION, PUPPY PAINTING, PET COSTUME CONTEST & MORE!

EVERY HOUND NEEDS A HOME, AND IT IS OUR GOAL TO HELP THEM FIND ONE BY SUPPORTING LOCAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES WHO ARE OVER CAPACITY AND OVERWHELMED.

SAT. SEPTEMBER 30TH 10AM - 1PM 1650 HWY 6, SUGAR LAND, TX 77478

The Other New Year’s Celebration

by Nicole Mancini

Maybe nobody’s staying up ‘til midnight or throwing a wild party, but the start of a new school year is reason for celebration. Now that the kids aren’t underfoot anymore, take a look at the carpet in your home. How much damage did it suffer last summer? Mohamed Naser of Lone Star Floors says, “Now that my children are grown and have children of their own, I remember how hard it was when they were younger to find carpet that could stand up to all they put it through. Whether you want to do some rescue work on your existing carpet or replace it with something soft, durable, and gorgeous, we can help you celebrate the start of a new year this September!”

How your carpet looks is only part of the equation. “We shop first with our eyes,” says Ziad Mukhaimer. “But it’s important to feel a sample of the carpet you’re considering, and then think about its quality and warranty. In our showroom, you can get a hands-on education about carpet. A current favorite of ours is Anderson Tuftex, the premier brand from Shaw Floors. Made in the USA, they offer some really extraordinary colors, styles and designs. The company puts a lot of time and thought into environmental choices, and they stand behind the products they offer. In fact, they boast the lowest manufacturer claim rate in the industry.”

If you have an open floor plan, your carpet needs to coordinate with the tile in your kitchen, the hardwood in your dining room, or the granite of your countertops. Mohamed says, “We’re especially sensitive to choosing materials that work with each other, because we sell and install wood, laminate, tile, stone, and carpet. A nice added bonus to the Anderson Tuftex line is that they offer color palettes that compliment and

coordinate with stone, ceramic, and hardwood. You can create a transitional look between indoors and outdoors, getting a tailored, cosmopolitan, or traditional style, and know that your carpet will add to the overall look of your home. Design and advice are just part of the service we offer in our showroom.”

Ready to celebrate the kickoff of a new school year with a new look for your home? Lone Star Floors is locally owned by cousins Mohamed, Ziad, and Imad Mansour. “We are your one-stop-shop for flooring, countertops and complete kitchen and bathroom remodeling…basically all the things that come together to make your house into a home. We promise personal attention, design advice, an easy-to-understand quote, and installation you can trust!”

Sugar Land: 281-564-1345

10009 Highway 6 South Sugar Land, TX

Katy: 281-398-2319

873 South Mason Rd. #300 Katy, TX

Woodlands: 832-813-0813

24627 I-45 North Suite # A The Woodlands/Spring, Texas

Let’s Talk About

HOT Water

by Amy Sharp

It’s hot, and according to some experts, we’re on pace for 2023 to be one of the warmest years ever for the Houston area. The heat brings with it a host of problems…but here’s one that maybe hasn’t happened to you yet. The heat may affect the pilot light on your hot water heater.

Alan Burkhalter, founder of local Alan’s Plumbing, says, “Poor attic ventilation can lead to excessive heat and attic temperatures in the summer, which will cause the pilot to go out on standing pilot water heaters. We’ve had many calls about this very issue this summer. While increasing attic ventilation will help alleviate this problem, I also encourage clients to consider a tankless water heater. Each type has its pros and cons.

Back in the beginning (about 30 years ago!), the Alan’s Plumbing team consisted of only Alan and his wife Jennifer. Jennifer answered the calls, and Alan provided service for those calls. Today, Alan’s brother Chris works alongside Alan’s two oldest sons, Beau and Luke, while their youngest son, Jake, does plumbing sales in Houston. This dynamic team includes longtime plumbers Jaime, Christian, Anthony, and Nick, with Jennifer running the back office and longtime family friend Katie as the voice behind the phones.

Alan says, “If you’re struggling with your hot water heater or the pilot light, give us a call. We’ll help you weigh your options to make the best water heater choice for your household.”

Great Workmanship

Efficient and Reasonable That’s

by Amy Sharp

When Kerry was ready to remodel her powder bath and master bathroom, she turned to the contractor she had read about on both Nextdoor and in UpClose magazine: Teri Gilberg (better known as The Re-Modelista). Kerry says, “Everyone I read about was happy with Teri, and I liked that she is a woman-owned business. I found Teri to be very down-to-earth and funny. I liked her. I wasn’t sure how the master bathroom would work out, and Teri gave me good ideas at that very first meeting. I did try to get one other quote, but the person never got back to me. So I just gave up on that. I had done my research on Teri, and everyone had good things to say. My first impression of Teri was good.”

In the powder room, Kerry wanted to change out the cabinets and countertop. The master bathroom was more extensive. Kerry wanted to remove the small shower and put in a walk-in shower in addition to new cabinets and countertops. “In my mind, the new shower went where the old shower was,” says Kerry. “Teri suggested we remove the garden tub and build a new, walk-in shower there, and then add a linen closet where the old shower was. She had really good ideas and was able to talk me through them and visualize them.”

Kerry knew she wanted white in the bathrooms, but was unsure how to go about picking materials. To provide her some help, Teri added design hours with interior designer Louise Ostrander to the project budget. Kerry says, “Louise was great and able to give very concise advice. We visited a couple of places together in one afternoon. Louise helped me narrow down choices, and explained design reasons for the different choices. It went really well.”

As estimated, the project took about three weeks. Kerry says, “Someone was here consistently; they never missed a day. Saturday was optional, and I went ahead and had them work on Saturdays too. The crews were very effi cient. Teri and her foreman Chris tian both visited daily. We also had a group text between the three of us where I was updated on what was going on each day. We did have one small hiccup, and Terri and Christian took care of it immediately. It was great how they handled it, and they made things right. I feel the budget for the project was comfortable and very reasonable for the great workmanship the crews provided.”

“My new bathrooms look wonderful. They’re beautiful,” continues Kerry. “I absolutely recom mend Teri. I will be calling her back in a year or two when I’m ready to remodel the full bath upstairs!”

Your

Next Stop...

Taken Care Of After A Fender Bender

feel right,” explains Naushad. “So I texted Dr. Shannon Orsak.”

by Amy Sharp

Back in May, Sugar Land City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Naushad Kermally and his wife Narmin were in Dallas, where their youngest son Aaron attends SMU.

Naushad says, “We had thought about letting Aaron drive home alone at the end of the semester, but he’d never driven that far before. It just worked out that Narmin and I happened to be in the Dallas area and could make the drive with him. We had lunch in Dallas, and then headed out. Aaron drove the first couple of hours, and I coached him.

After a stop at Buc-ee’s in Madisonville, we switched. I started driving. We were just north of the Woodlands when the car in front of me braked hard. I rear-ended the car. It was a fender bender, and we pulled over. The other car had little damage, and our car seemed ok. There was a lot of traffic, so we exchanged information and were on our way. My family and I were on the Grand Parkway when our car started to smoke and a light came on…not good. We pulled over in Spring and called for assistance.”

In the accident, Narmin was in the backseat and Aaron was in the passenger seat. All three members of the Kermally family started to realize they were feeling the effects from the jarring of the accident. “It just did not

Dr. Orsak is the owner and founder of local St. Michael’s Elite Hospital. “Dr. Orsak told us to come by as soon as possible,” continues Naushad. “We didn’t really expect anything to be wrong, but we knew it was always good to get checked out. Narmin and Aaron were able to go when we got back to Sugar Land, and I went the following morning. We were all greeted immediately and taken back quickly to complete the paperwork in an examination room. The nurse came in to do her stuff, and the doctor arrived quickly. Narmin, Aaron, and I were all relieved to learn we were all fine, and we really appreciated the professionalism and quickness at St. Michael’s. In the following days, each of us received a phone call from the doctor that examined us. I found that interesting…that the follow-up came directly from the doctor, and all three of us received a personalized call. We are so lucky to have this great facility right here at Hwy 6 and US 59. If you’re injured or hurt, visit St. Michael’s Elite Hospital. You will be well taken care of.”

St. Michael’s

Elite Hospital is a participating provider for Medicare and bills all insurances. Your insurance MUST pay in-network benefits at the ER of YOUR CHOICE whether the emergency room you choose is “in-network” or “out-of-network.”

Special Care for Special Teeth

by Amy Sharp

Children with developmental disabilities may require more attention than others. And often, they’re situation is more difficult than other children when it comes to routine parts of life like dental visits. As a result, many special needs parents put off taking their special needs child to the dentist for years. Dr. Faisal Khan, founder of local Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental, says, “Many individuals with special needs are at higher risk for developing dental and oral diseases. We do not recommend delaying routine dental care.”

“We can accommodate most special needs kids in our office,” continues Dr. Khan. “My staff understands that some kids are sensitive to touch, new people, or a change of environment or routine. Tell us about your child’s limitations, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them. We can do simple things like ensure your child is seen by the same dental hygienist, who will wear the same outfit as their prior visit, while also treating the child in the same room and chair. Depending on the situation, we have mild sedation options available. For kids with needs that just can’t be met in a dental chair, we offer hospital dentistry. Sometimes it’s the most compassionate approach for children who struggle with medical or emotional challenges.”

Dr. Khan completed his general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Ctr/ Albert Einstein Medical School. He then pursued a fellowship at Albert Einstein Medical School in Special Care Dentistry, which allowed Dr. Khan to obtain extensive training in working with children with various complicated medical and physical disabilities. He has received extensive training in behavior management, sedation,

and a variety of other techniques to make sure your special needs child is comfortable throughout each visit, based on their health needs.

While all children yearn for gentle and caring dental care, caring for a special needs patient takes extraordinary amounts of compassion and understanding. Dr. Khan and his team, including Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik and Dr. Annie Zheng, are committed to making your child’s dental care as comfortable and easy as possible.

Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental

Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS

832-246-7255

7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406

www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com

Do YOU Have Mom or Dad’s Teeth?

by Amy Sharp

Teeth can be strongly influenced by genetics. Factors like how many teeth you have, your tooth placement, and your tooth style are all factors that can be traced back to your roots. This means you may have inherited a straight set of teeth from your parents, but it could also mean inheriting some unattractive crookedness or other issues.

Local dentist, Dr. Thomas Lomonte, sees this phenomenon day in and day out. He has been practicing at his same location in Stafford on Murphy Road for more than 40 years. From the beginning, Dr. Lomonte designed his practice to meet the needs of the entire family, both adults and children. Today, he has been practicing long enough that he now sees second and third generation patients.”

“The genetics in teeth are fascinating!” says Dr. Lomonte. “I can’t count how many times I’ve said things like, ‘You have mom’s lips, and you also have her teeth.’ Seeing the similarities and differences in my families’ teeth is another language in which I get to know them personally. It also gives me some insight into how any issues can be treated. Often, what worked for mom is a good start for what a daughter with similar teeth may require.”

But never fear, while mom’s teeth may provide insight into yours, the treatment plan is likely vastly different from what mom received. Why? Because Dr. Lomonte is committed to keeping up with the latest in technology and procedures in the constantly evolving field of dentistry. Dr. Lomonte says, “By focusing on continuing education, my team and I make sure you get the best,

most advanced care possible. I’ve been in self-practice since 1982, but my treatment plans are definitely not from 1982! From the simplest fillings to cosmetic reconstruction, Invisalign, and more, modern dentistry is more efficient than ever before, and often virtually painless.”

Dr. Lomonte loves his legacy families, and he always gladly welcomes new patients. He cannot wait to get to know your family and your family’s teeth. Schedule your visit today!

Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S.

“Come in as a patient, leave as a friend.” 281-530-1440

12122 Murphy Rd., Stafford, TX 77477

www.drthomaslomonte.com

Always SOMETHING to

CELEBRATE CELEBRATE

by Amy Sharp

Event planning has been a part of Laura G. Rosilez’s life since 2002, when her daughter Hayley was turning one. “I love planning birthday parties for my family!” says Laura. “My love and passion for creating all things fun has evolved and grown since then. In 2020, I created something special for a friend’s son’s high school graduation. That quickly turned into a side gig for me and my kids–Hayley, Elaina, and Joshua–for almost two years. Then in April of last year, I resigned from my other job. Texas Party Box is now my fulltime job, and I love it!”

Anything you want to create, Texas Party Box can make it happen. From balloon installations to party coordination to hiring photography and videography and more, your celebration dreams will be brought to life. Laura says, “We work with any budget, and we make it happen. Don’t know what you want, give us the budget and date. We’ll do an exploratory interview

asking questions like: Do you want to feed everyone or just provide small appetizers? Would you like a balloon area? How important is a photographer to capture the moments? Very specific questions help us understand your vision and bring it to life within your budget. We work with a preferred vendor list and collaborate with many area small businesses to make your celebration special. I’m always blown away by how much happiness and love I get to be a part of.”

Laura was born and raised in Sugar Land. Her vast experience in event planning includes being named her kids’ school PTA Volunteer of the Year, Prograd planning, and serving on the team at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Her previous position

was Director of Fun for a local, masterplanned community. Laura’s kids are still active members in Texas Party Box. Hayley’s now in college. Her duties include social media, getting clients booked, and laying out color palettes. Elaina is the hands behind the balloons, and a “do-er” like her mom. Joshua is the setup and breakdown guy. Laura says, “I’m so proud of my children. They’ve all stepped up in a big way! My dad is retired, so many days he helps me as well. It keeps him out of my mom’s hair! In addition to my family, I have a team of up to 10 that I can call on to help with larger events.”

Texas Party Box provides event planning for a variety of occasions, including weddings, corporate fundraisers, community volunteer outreach programs, birthday parties, and much more. There’s always something to celebrate. Laura and her team will make your celebration dreams come true!

Texas Party Box

832-584-4624

info@texaspartybox.com

www.texaspartybox.com

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