Greenville, South Carolina (WSPA) – The CDC reports an increase in adult obesity – recently over 40%. Obesity is a chronic illness that can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
As part of the Ask The Expert series, Taylor Murray of 7NEWS talked with his doctor’s assistant about surgical weight loss and how to save the lives of people suffering from obesity.
Ashley Colatriano, a BonSecours doctor’s assistant, says weight loss surgery is an option for those who have failed to succeed in dieting or exercising.
“These are patients with general or morbid obesity,” says Colatriano. “Our patients generally identify patients with an obesity index of 35-39.9.”
Gastric bypass has been the most common procedure to date. Currently there is another option.
“The newer of the two second steps we offer is sleeve gastrectomy, which is currently considered to be the least invasive mentally compared to gastric bypass,” says Colatriano. say.
Both procedures cause the stomach to become physically smaller and the patient must stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights after surgery.
While weight loss surgery can save lives, it is not a quick solution.
“Patients say that the most difficult part of surgery is not actually recovering from surgery, but is generally learning a new normal condition,” said Colatriano.
Lifestyle changes should be made after surgery.
“So we all have, you know high-protein, low-carb vegetables, obviously just as important. We aim for 300 minutes of exercise a week. We usually They definitely eat small potion sizes because they aim to fit their potion size in the palm of their hand, “says Colatriano.
There are several steps that must be taken before surgery.
“Before they come to the office for their first appointment, they need to see our online seminar going through the process with them …” Ashley told Taylor.
Next, before the surgeon approves the procedure, you need to assess your medical history, complete a blood test, and meet with a physiotherapist and psychologist.
If you are suffering from weight and it leads to serious health problems, according to experts, the first step is to contact your doctor to see if surgical weight loss is your option. is.
