A Conversation with Dr. Vadim Gritsus on…
Obesity & Weight
Loss Surgery
What is obesity?
Obesity is among the most pervasive chronic diseases and a
leading cause of mortality, morbidity, disability and rising
healthcare costs in the U.S. today. Obesity is a complex disease
involving genetic, environmental, physiological and emotional
factors. When a person cannot lose weight through diet or
exercise, or when obesity is causing serious health problems,
medical help is available in the form of bariatric surgery — also
known as weight loss surgery.
What causes obesity?
There are many environmental, physiological, genetic and
emotional reasons why people become obese. Some of the most
common causes include excess calorie consumption, sedentary
lifestyles, insufficient sleep, commonly-prescribed medications
and having the obesity gene.
Can obesity be treated?
Treatment for obesity will vary from person to person, depending
on the factors contributing to the disease. When you begin an
obesity treatment program, there may be several different
specialists involved in your treatment. For example, an
endocrinologist may treat thyroid conditions or Type II Diabetes,
a dietitian or nutritionist provides guidance in developing
healthier eating habits and a bariatric surgeon will recommend
weight loss surgery, if necessary.
many patients are able to discontinue their medications for
these serious conditions.
If you have tried other weight loss methods and they
have not worked for you, weight loss surgery may be
recommended if the following apply to you:
• You are more than 100 lbs. overweight
• Your BMI is 40 or higher
• You have a BMI of 35 to 39.9 and also have a serious
weight-related health condition
• You are committed to making lifestyle changes in
combination with the surgery
Bariatric surgery is not a guarantee that you will lose all of
your excess fat, or that you will keep it off long-term. Success
after the surgery depends on your commitment to changing
your exercise and eating habits while maintaining those changes.
For more information, or to find a weight loss
specialist, call 800-247-9580 or visit
atlantichealth.org/weightloss.
Am I a candidate for
weight loss surgery?
Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of life-threatening
diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension (high blood
pressure), cancer, obstructive sleep apnea and stroke. The good
news is that significant weight loss