Advanced Laparoscopic Specialists Help The Obese

By Marci Nielsen


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'.

Laparoscopic surgery carries less dangers than open incisions. In this technique, long metal tubes called endoscopes are used to allow the surgeon to operate through tiny incisions that may be far from the actual site of the surgery. There is less chance of infection, less pain and scarring, and a greatly reduced time for recovery.

The surgeon views the operating area by means of special lights and cameras that are contained in the endoscope. The advances in technique have made gastric by-pass available to individuals whose health might not make them good candidates for conventional surgery. It has also lessened the risks and brought this solution into favor as weight-control therapy.

The clinics that offer this service also provide comprehensive support. Dietitians and nutritionists hold classes on proper eating habits and good lifestyle choices. Support groups help both before and after surgery and recovery, giving people the encouragement they need for success. Behavioral counselors help people understand the emotional aspects of obesity and the ways that people can cause themselves to fail.

Patients have all the help they need to lose weight and keep it off. Without this kind of extra care, many people gain the weight back after by-pass surgery. With counseling and support, as well as the skilled hands of trained surgeons, people can truly find new life, hope, happiness, and health.




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