HEALTHCARE
Bariatric Surgery : An Option That Changes and Saves Lives
Compiled by Miles Z . Epstein Editor , COMMERCE
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), more than one-third ( 36.5 percent ) of American adults are obese . In addition , the U . S . National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimates that medical care costs associated with this disease are more than $ 147 billion per year and rising , as obesity increases the risk of costly , chronic conditions such as diabetes , heart disease , stroke , arthritis and some cancers . Since surgical procedures to treat obesity are delivering some promising outcomes for patients , COMMERCE asked doctors from New Jersey ’ s top hospitals to discuss the options that are available .
AtlantiCare By Alexander Onopchenko , M . D ., Bariatric Surgeon and Founder , Surgical Weight Loss and Wellness Center
Studies and our experience confirmed that the COVID‐19 pandemic has increased the risk of needing respiratory support , the risk of becoming critically ill and the risk of dying if an obese patient contracts COVID‐19 . Bariatric surgeries , including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy , laparoscopic gastric bypass
“ Bariatric surgery is the most effective way to lose weight in patients with morbid obesity .”
and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch , are effective treatments for morbid obesity . They are also effective at resolving and managing co-morbidities long-associated with morbid obesity , including diabetes , heart disease and high blood pressure — which also put individuals more at risk for getting COVID and for having COVID complications . The pandemic is winding down , however , national statistics show obesity is continuing to escalate due to the aftereffects of social isolation , poor diet and lack of activity . AtlantiCare works to ensure individuals realize surgical weight loss isn ’ t a “ quick fix ,” but a lifelong journey to better health requiring lifestyle changes and maintaining positive behaviors . Our integrated process helps assure candidates are physically and emotionally qualified to benefit from the surgery , prepared to take the actions necessary to achieve desired results and have support along their journey .
Atlantic Health System , Overlook Medical Center By Ajay Goyal , M . D ., Medical Director , Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery reduces or resolves many obesity-related medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes , sleep apnea , heart disease and hypertension . For many people living with obesity , bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for their type 2 diabetes . Bariatric surgery lowers a patient ’ s blood sugar , and in more than 86 percent of patients , their type 2 diabetes is resolved . In fact , many patients who have gastric bypass or a sleeve gastrectomy procedure stop taking their diabetes medication after surgery , even before they start losing significant amounts of weight . Obstructive Sleep Apnea ( OSA ) affects many people living with obesity and is often related to excess soft tissue around the mouth and throat causing a blockage making it difficult for air to pass through , especially when the body is in a relaxed stage of sleep . Bariatric surgery can improve or resolve 85.7 percent of sleep apnea in patients as losing weight results in the opening of air passages . With other medical conditions , weight-loss surgery ( both gastric sleeve and gastric bypass ) can reduce or resolve as many as 56 percent of heart disease cases , 76 percent of patients with hypertension and reduce cancer risk by more than 50 percent in patients .
Atlantic Health System , Morristown Medical Center By Ashish Padnani , M . D . Medical Director , Bariatric Surgery
Millions of Americans are overweight , significantly putting their health in jeopardy .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto
Bariatric surgery is the most effective way to lose-weight in patients with morbid obesity . The two most commonly performed weight-loss procedures are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass . Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy : This involves removing about 80 percent of a patient ’ s stomach including the portion that produces hunger hormones . This limits the amount of food consumed and patients feel sensations of fullness sooner . Other hormonal changes improve insulin resistance which tremendously helps with weight loss . This is the most commonly performed procedure because of its effectiveness , technical simplicity and safety profile . Laparoscopic Roux en Y
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