Options and Answers for Obesity

If your New Year’s resolution was to lose weight, you’re not alone. Nearly a third of adult Americans are overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30, and more than one-third are obese, with a BMI over 30. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

For many individuals, adjusting diet and increasing physical exercise will address their weight problems. The unfortunate reality, however, is that this approach does not work for everyone. Severe obesity can be very difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone.

 And it’s dangerous. Obesity puts you at higher risk for type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and some types of cancers.

 The good news is that technological advances have transformed the way severe obesity is treated. Today, bariatric or weight-loss surgical options have made it possible to treat morbid obesity with significantly less pain, less scarring, shorter recovery time and ultimately, improved outcomes for a healthier lifestyle.

The Bariatric Institute at Franklin Square specializes in multiple weight-loss procedures, including the LAP-BAND System, Laparoscopic and Open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, open Duodenal Switch and open revisions of bariatric surgery. The newest treatment is the da Vinci Surgical System.

Da Vinci allows the surgeon to perform the most complex and delicate weight-loss surgeries with the smallest incisions and unmatched precision.

To ensure the best outcome for our patients, we use a unique Three Track Educational Treatment Program:

• Track I is designed for patients with no prior surgical program attendance and/or weight management education. This track offers a full spectrum of exercise, nutrition, counseling and education sessions required to ensure patients have a full understanding of the pre- and post-surgical process.
• Track II is designed for patients who have partially completed their pre-surgical program at another institution. Track II is completed under the supervision of dieticians, therapists and wellness coordinators.
• Track III is designed for patients who have completed a comprehensive pre-surgical program at another institution. This track is a refresher course.

From the bariatric information session to post-surgery follow up, program coordinator Ginny Andreasik, a registered nurse, works with patients to guide them through the entire weight loss journey.

In addition, our patients have access to a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, exercise physiologists and therapists who take an active role in the development and coordination of the entire weight loss program.

But the most important part of the team is the patient. It all starts with you. If you have been struggling to lose weight, you might want to consider bariatric surgery.

The general criteria for being a candidate for bariatric surgery include:

• Having a BMI of 40 or more (about 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight); or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with serious medical conditions related to obesity that would improve with weight loss.
• Having previously attempted weight loss efforts with diet, exercise, lifestyle changes or medications, without success.
• Being committed and motivated to a lifestyle change.
• Understanding the possible risks, benefits and side effects of the procedure.
• Being free from smoking, drinking and any type of illegal drug activities.

Still not sure if bariatric surgery is right for you? Attend an educational seminar to learn more. You’ll meet Ginny and Dr. You and get answers to all your questions. To register, call 443-777-7900 or visit franklinsquare.org.