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Continued From Page 38 gical instruments that allow us to divide the stomach and perform the bypass . Connecting a part of the small intestine to the newly created gastric pouch , we bypass a segment of the gastrointestinal tract . After surgery , patients are unable to eat as much as they used to and absorb fewer calories . With the added stress and strain that excess weight puts on the body , bariatric surgery should not be viewed as vanity surgery — it ’ s lifesaving surgery .
St . Joseph ’ s Health , St . Joseph ’ s University Medical Center By Toghrul Talishinskiy , M . D ., FACS , FASMBS , Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
The most common weight-loss surgery , also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery , is a sleeve gastrectomy , as well as the lap band and gastric bypass . These procedures are performed through minimally invasive techniques , which allow for less pain and quicker recovery . Bariatric surgery has tremendous effects not only on an individual ’ s weight , but also on medical conditions such as diabetes , sleep apnea and fatty liver disease . There are so many success stories of patients who got their lives back . I can ’ t help but think of a 61-year old patient who successfully lost more than100 pounds through weight loss surgery . She was able to avoid a hip replacement , and was able to play and run with her grandchildren without further intervention . Another is a 28-year-old who , after undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy , was able to donate her kidney to her father who was suffering from end-stage renal disease . This miracle story could not have been possible without minimally invasive weight-loss surgery . Lastly , I performed gastric bypass on a 52-year-old who never again had to inject himself with insulin to manage diabetes . These examples of thriving patients show that weight-loss surgery can be a highly effective way to lead a healthy and vibrant life . St . Joseph ’ s Health offers the most advanced procedures for people to get back to their healthy lives .
Valley Health System By Melissa Bagloo , M . D ., Medical Director , Center for Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Management
Weight-loss management offers patients an individualized and comprehensive approach to weight loss . Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing — and potentially life-saving — option for qualified patients . We offer four surgical options : gastric banding ,
sleeve gastrectomy , gastric bypass and the duodenal switch . The gastric sleeve , gastric bypass and duodenal switch are the best surgical options for long-term outcomes . To further promote patient success and long-term weight loss , we have a nutritionist in the office who provides nutritional counseling to patients both pre- and post-surgery . In addition , we place a strong emphasis on maintaining a long-term relationship with our patients , including annual checkups and regular bloodwork to monitor the patient ’ s post-surgical health and weight . In general , the majority of surgical patients find an improvement of conditions such as hypertension , hyperlipidemia , diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea . Obesity-related respiratory problems , including sleep apnea and shortness of breath with minimal exercise , will become asymptomatic , improve or completely resolve . Joint and back pain associated with obesity , urinary incontinence , venous problems in the legs , acid reflux , menstrual irregularities , and certain types of headaches can also improve with weight loss after surgery .
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