ASK THE PHYSICIAN
Michael L. Bilof, MD Medical Director, Bariatric Services Program at Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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
Ask the Physician
out in my life and my days have become a lot easier, but now I have diabetes and I weigh 290 pounds at 5’ 7” tall. I’ ve tried a lot of diets and do exercise a little( when I can— it’ s hard to move this size body around), but I just can’ t get my weight to go down. My doctor says my weight, which caused my diabetes, is making it even worse, and 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?
~ Sam B., Monmouth
A: Sam, 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( here is a link to calculate BMI: http:// www. nhlbi. nih. gov / guidelines / obesity / BMI / bmicalc. htm). This factor— combined with your diabetes and cardiac arrhythmia— qualifies you for consideration of weight loss surgery.
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. For more information on Deborah’ s Bariatric Program, call 609-893-1200, ext. 4727.
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