Obesity is a common and ever increasing medical problem. With greater than 60% of the US population now considered overweight, and 1/3 of these people considered obese, it is becoming an epidemic. Genetics, Environment, and Social Factors have all contributed to the rise in Americans waistlines. Our shared diets along with similar lifestyle may explain the common factor of why obesity runs in families. What we eat along, how much we eat, and our level of activity mainly contributes to how much we weigh. Economics and education have also been linked to patterns in weight.

Dietary modifications, including commercial weight loss centers, fad diets, dietary supplements, and exercise have been the mainstays for treating obesity. Until recently these were commonly recognized as the only help in overcoming the battle against obesity.  Over the past 15 years, more Americans and their medical providers are opting for surgery to treat obesity. New studies are proving that bariatric (weight loss) surgery can help cure diabetes.  It is difficult for many people to even imagine no longer taking diabetes pills or injecting themselves with insulin  

There are many surgical options available, but the two most common types of surgeries that are performed include malabsorptive surgery- Roux en Y (Gastric Bypass), and restrictive surgery- laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Over the next several installments a discussion of surgery as a treatment option for obesity will be discussed, including risks and benefits of the procedures, what makes a good candidate for surgery, necessary preparations, what to expect during hospital stay, and what to expect during recovery from bariatric surgery.

Tara Zychowicz FNP-BC, is a nurse practitioner with more than 16 years of nursing experience, including 5 years as an NP, who currently practices in the field of Bariatric Surgery. She works at Tri State Bariatrics, in Middletown , NY where surgeon, Peter H. Kwon, MD, has performed over 1200 Lap Band surgeries. Their team of highly skilled surgeons, nurse practitioners, nurses, and clinical support staff has helped many clients succeed at losing weight. 

 NOTE:  To comment on this or any other blog, you must register and sign in at the top of the page.

From HVLifeOnline: Check back for more entries on this theme from both patients and other health care professionals.  Would you like to contribute?  Contact our Webmaster, sfaso@excitingread.com