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New Procedures
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:
4 improved
self-esteem and body image
4increased
activity level
4reduced
depression and anxiety
But some people may experience
uncomfortable side effects and potentially life-threatening
complications, including:
4nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea
4nutritional
deficiencies
4GERD,
or gastroesophageal reflux disease
4gallstones
4bleeding
stomach ulcers
4intestinal
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 Kassie Smith, RN at
Dr. Pradhan’s office. You may call Kassie at 814-443-1281.
Dr. Pradhan’s office is located at the Somerset Commons Medical
Center, 1590 North Center Avenue, Somerset, PA. Dr. Pradhan
is a member of the Somerset Hospital Medical Staff and also
specializes in General and Laparoscopic Surgery.
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