Obesity is a condition that affects millions of people. It also contributes to many other disorders. New York surgeons on staff at Advanced Laparoscopic Specialists perform gastric by-pass surgery as one part of a weight loss program. Other trained specialists and former patients offer additional support to make the treatment a long-term solution.
In spite of what many think, this is not a frivolous field of medicine. Those who are one hundred pounds or more above their ideal weight are prey to severe health complications. Among these are hypertension and other heart conditions, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. Any of these conditions can be life-threatening. All of them, as well as the excess weight, lower the quality of life for millions of people.
Individuals who are severely overweight may be unable to get sufficient exercise, which is a key component of most successful weight-loss programs. Muscles need exercise to maintain tone, and it is muscle fibers that burn calories more efficiently than other tissue. Without exercise, more calories are stored as fat instead of being burned for energy. Without exercise, digestion is compromised. So is circulation of both blood and lymph, leadong to a weakened immune system that leaves a person vulnerable to other illnesses.
Excess poundage stresses joints such as knees and ankles, making even moderate walking for a mile or more virtually impossible. As lack of exercise contributes to weight gain, the problem only worsens. If the person also has hormonal issues and poor eating habits, the stage is set for obesity. In the United States, this condition is the second largest 'bad habit' cause of death. The first is smoking. In fact, too much sitting is now called 'the new smoking'.
Gastric by-pass is done with endoscopes (metal rods that allow lights, cameras, and implements to be inserted through tiny incisions). It is one of many operations under the laparoscopic surgery umbrella. Endoscopy is safer than open surgery, since there is less chance of infection because of smaller incisions. There is also less pain, less scarring, and a much shorter recovery time.
Special cameras and lights allow the surgeon to 'see' what he's doing. Advances like these make surgery feasible for many whose health might not allow conventional surgical procedures. Gastric by-pass used to be major surgery with inherent risks. These have been greatly reduced with the less invasive procedures.
The surgery is combined with extensive pre- and post-op counseling and support. Potential patients attend seminars that educate them on the procedure as well as ways to successfully keep weight off for the long run. Nutritionists and dietitians are on staff to help people commit to lifestyle changes and to learn how to form better eating habits. Support groups made up of counselors and former patients help people set goals and implement measures that keep the pounds from coming back.
This pre-op and post-op program involves both surgeons and trained professionals, as well as patients themselves. The personalized approach has proved very important in the success of this weight-loss measure. Without lifestyle and dietary changes, people who have the surgery often gain the weight back. With them, a whole new life is possible with everything needed for happiness and health.
In spite of what many think, this is not a frivolous field of medicine. Those who are one hundred pounds or more above their ideal weight are prey to severe health complications. Among these are hypertension and other heart conditions, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. Any of these conditions can be life-threatening. All of them, as well as the excess weight, lower the quality of life for millions of people.
Individuals who are severely overweight may be unable to get sufficient exercise, which is a key component of most successful weight-loss programs. Muscles need exercise to maintain tone, and it is muscle fibers that burn calories more efficiently than other tissue. Without exercise, more calories are stored as fat instead of being burned for energy. Without exercise, digestion is compromised. So is circulation of both blood and lymph, leadong to a weakened immune system that leaves a person vulnerable to other illnesses.
Excess poundage stresses joints such as knees and ankles, making even moderate walking for a mile or more virtually impossible. As lack of exercise contributes to weight gain, the problem only worsens. If the person also has hormonal issues and poor eating habits, the stage is set for obesity. In the United States, this condition is the second largest 'bad habit' cause of death. The first is smoking. In fact, too much sitting is now called 'the new smoking'.
Gastric by-pass is done with endoscopes (metal rods that allow lights, cameras, and implements to be inserted through tiny incisions). It is one of many operations under the laparoscopic surgery umbrella. Endoscopy is safer than open surgery, since there is less chance of infection because of smaller incisions. There is also less pain, less scarring, and a much shorter recovery time.
Special cameras and lights allow the surgeon to 'see' what he's doing. Advances like these make surgery feasible for many whose health might not allow conventional surgical procedures. Gastric by-pass used to be major surgery with inherent risks. These have been greatly reduced with the less invasive procedures.
The surgery is combined with extensive pre- and post-op counseling and support. Potential patients attend seminars that educate them on the procedure as well as ways to successfully keep weight off for the long run. Nutritionists and dietitians are on staff to help people commit to lifestyle changes and to learn how to form better eating habits. Support groups made up of counselors and former patients help people set goals and implement measures that keep the pounds from coming back.
This pre-op and post-op program involves both surgeons and trained professionals, as well as patients themselves. The personalized approach has proved very important in the success of this weight-loss measure. Without lifestyle and dietary changes, people who have the surgery often gain the weight back. With them, a whole new life is possible with everything needed for happiness and health.
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