Ask the Physician
Michael L. Bilof, MD
Medical Director, Bariatric Services Program at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, answers your question:
Q: I went through a very stressful period in my
life five years ago, and ate a lot to help me cope with
everything. Things have evened out in my life and
my days have become much easier, but now I have
diabetes and I weigh 290 pounds at five feet, seven inches tall.
I have tried a lot of diets and do exercise a little, when I can –
it’s hard to move this size body around – but just can’t get my
weight to go down. My doctor says the weight that caused my
diabetes is now making the disease even worse, and that my
heart is showing signs of stress (now I also have atrial fibrillation). I’m really desperate! Can Deborah Heart and Lung Center
help me?
~Marie J., Monmouth
A: Marie, Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s Bariatric Program
was created for patients just like you. People who are severely
overweight – with a body mass index (BMI) over 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 45.42. This
factor – combined with your diabetes and cardiac arrhythmia
– qualifies you for consideration of weight-loss surgery. Here’s
a website to help you 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. Don’t be discouraged – there’s hope! Give me a
call and I’m sure I can come up with a plan that works for you.
Contact Deborah’s scheduling department for an evaluation at 800555-1990, visit www.demanddeborah.org or contact Dr. Bilof directly
at 609-893-1200 x4727.
www.njcopsmagazine.com
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