The NJ Police Chief Magazine - Volume 29, Number 7 | Page 22

Ask the Physician

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | April 2023
I am extremely obese . My doctor has told me I have to lose weight . My cholesterol , blood pressure , and sugar levels are all out of control . I ’ ve tried dieting and I just can ’ t make it work . My doctor told me I should consider gastric bypass . What are the risks ? I ’ m very nervous . – Frank , Wildwood
Frank , I can understand that you are nervous , but it sounds like you ’ ve tried dieting and have had no luck . Carrying all that extra weight around is clearly causing you health problems .
Bariatric surgery is usually done as a minimally-invasive procedure ( generally five very small incisions ), so it reduces the risks that come with surgery like infection or blood clots . With surgery there can be some side effects and risks , which your surgeon can discuss with you in detail at your office visit .
Compared to other elective surgeries bariatric surgery is very safe when performed by experienced surgeons . The most important thing to make this successful is making sure you have a full commitment to the procedure and to losing weight . Bariatric surgery can achieve extraordinary results , but you need to be on board to help make this happen .
Good luck with your weight loss and your journey towards better health . For more information visit www . DemandDeborah . org or call 855-646-3484 .
Michael Bilof , MD Bariatric Surgeon Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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