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f
Ask the Physician
Michael L. Bilof, MD
Medical Director, Bariatric Services Program at Deborah answers your question:
Q: I have the heart condition “atrial fibrillation” and also
diabetes. I weigh 250 pounds and am 5-foot-9-inches tall. I’ve
tried dieting and exercise, but can’t get my weight under control. My doctor says that my weight is making my diabetes
and A-fib worse. Is there anything I can do?
~John M., Marlton
A: Absolutely! Deborah Heart and Lung Center recently
opened its new Bariatric Program for patients just like you.
People who are severely overweight – with a Body Mass Index
(BMI) greater than 40 – are automatically candidates for weight
loss surgery like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and duodenal
switch surgical procedures, as part of an overall program
focusing on nutrition, healthy living and exercise. Based on
your weight and height, your BMI is 36.91. This factor – combined with your diabetes and cardiac arrhythmia – qualifies
you for consideration of weight loss surgery.
Here is a link to calculate your BMI: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
guidelines/obesity/BMI/bmicalc.htm.
Deborah has partnered with the surgical weight loss experts
at Garden State Bariatrics and Wellness Center to bring this
service to the hospital. Give us a call and I’m sure our
physicians can come up with a plan that works for you.
For more information, call 800-555-1990.
www.njcopsmagazine.com
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