Category Archives: bariatric

Bariatric Surgery – Lap Band Procedure

Posted on by
Diagram of an adjustable gastric band

Losing weight is not easy, whether it be just a few pounds for a special occasion or to look good at the beach or considerably more weight in order to make a dramatic change in your health. Bariatric surgery is a popular weight loss choice for those people who would like to make a dramatic change in their life.
Bariatric surgery is performed on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss. The basic principle of the procedure is to restrict food intake and reduce absorption of food by the stomach and intestines.
The criteria for bariatric surgery are:
• Body mass index (BMI) over 40
• Disabling pain in weight bearing joints
• Over 100 pounds or more above ideal weight
• Previous attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise have failed
• Obesity related disorders such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, degenerative joint disease
One procedure that people speak about frequently is Lap Band surgery. This is one of the simplest forms of bariatric surgery. It is a minimally invasive technique and is performed laparoscopically. The surgeon places an inflatable silicone band on the upper part of the stomach; this is secured by sutures. The band will be adjusted by injecting a small amount of saline solution into a port. A small pouch will be created which will restrict the amount of food that a person who has this procedure is able to eat. The procedure usually takes one to two hours to perform.
Advantages of Lap Band surgery:
• Reduction in the amount of food that the stomach can hold
• Weight loss is usually 40 – 50 percent
• Short hospital stay
• No cutting or stapling of the stomach or intestines
• It is reversible
• Low rate of post-op complications
• Low risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital to discuss if bariatric surgery is right for you, please call 718-670-8908

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Summer Health Risks for the Obese

Posted on by

With the warmer weather upon us, the chances of suffering heat exhaustion or dehydration are high – and for those who are obese, the risks are even greater.

Silhouette of an tired sportsman at sunset

Health officials list obesity as a major risk factor for heat-related illness because fat is a natural insulator that traps core body heat so the extra layers of fat make it more difficult for the body to release heat. The body will attempt to cool itself by circulating blood to dissipate heat through the skin. An overweight or obese person’s heart must pump even harder on a hot day to circulate blood, and when it can’t meet the body’s demands, the person could pass out…or even worse.

Obesity is a serious health risk all year round, but in the summer the condition is especially dangerous. To combat obesity, Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a Bariatric Weight Loss Program to the community.

Flushing Hospital’s Bariatric Center is comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of health care providers that are compassionate and fully invested in helping you in every step of your weight loss journey. The service is highlighted by our variety of advanced robotic surgery options available to those who qualify. Our surgeons perform procedures with the aid of the da Vinci surgical robot. This method of surgery is minimally invasive; studies report patients experience shorter hospital stays, less scarring, shorter recovery times and less pain. Other services include: physician monitoring, pre and post-surgical evaluations, personalized dietary and nutritional counseling, and ongoing education and support.

To learn more about Flushing Hospital’s Division of Bariatric surgery, please call 718-670- 8908 or visit our website at www.flushinghospital.org

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.