Weight Loss Surgery

For most people, a combination of diet and exercise is the best way to lose weight. But if you’ve tried everything-and still can’t shed excess pounds or keep them off- you may want to consider weight-loss surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight will help your heart health. Carrying excess weight makes the heart work harder and leads to many heart problems.

What surgical options are available

Weight-loss surgery is also called bariatric or gastrointestinal surgery. The treatment is an important health option for some people with severe obesity – those who are 100 pounds more than their ideal weight. Your doctor may also recommend the operation if you suffer from weight-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

There are several different types of surgical procedures to help you lose weight. For example, one method makes the stomach smaller to restrict food intake. Another more common technique makes a bypass around a portion of the small intestine. With these methods, the body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients from the digestive system.

What are the benefits and the risks

Individuals who undergo weight-loss surgery can lose 60 to 70 percent of their excess weight within the first 12 to 24 months. And many people keep the pounds off.

After surgery, blood sugar levels improve in up to 47 percent of those with type 2 diabetes. More than 50 percent of people with high blood pressure also have fewer symptoms.

Other benefits include:

• improved self-esteem and body image
• increased activity level
• reduced depression and anxiety
  

But some people may experience uncomfortable side effects and potentially life-threatening complications, including:

• nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• nutritional deficiencies
• GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease
• gallstones
• bleeding stomach ulcers
• intestinal obstructions

Surgical weight loss isn’t for everyone. The treatment is most risky for men who are extremely obese and for patients older than age 55. Talk to your doctor if you think you may need surgery to lose weight. Together, you can decide if it’s the right solution.

Kumuda Pradhan, M.D.

Dr. Pradhan specializes in weight-loss surgery, performing over 120 procedures in the past year. Persons needing additional information on the surgical process may contact Dr. Pradhan’s office at 814-443-1028.

Dr. Pradhan’s office is located at the Med Cor Building, 223 South Pleasant Avenue, Somerset, PA.

Dr. Pradhan is a member of the Somerset Hospital Medical Staff and also specializes in General and Laparoscopic Surgery.