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Sunday, November 29, 2015

Advanced Laparoscopic Specialists Offer Hope

By Marci Nielsen


These are the medical doctors of New York city who are trained in endoscopy (a minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical technique) with a focus on helping the morbidly obese lose weight. Advanced Laparoscopic Specialists are skilled in gastric by-pass surgery, which reduces the size of the stomach. The operation itself is only a first step in the weight-control program

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.

Exercise, a key part of any weight-control or health-building program, is hard for the obese. Since muscles burn calories most efficiency, lack of muscle tone exacerbates weight gain. A sedentary life leads to digestive problems, more rapid weight gain, and an increase of body fat. Circulation of lymph and blood is compromised, which lowers immunity. It is not uncommon for obesity to lead to chronic illness.

Excess weight places undue stress on feet and joints, making it hard or impossible for severely overweight people to walk freely, much less engage in more vigorous activities. Not being able to exercise makes gaining weight easier than ever. Weight gain is further accelerated if there are hormonal issues. Poor food choices and eating habits also contribute to overweight. In the US, obesity is second only to smoking as a leading cause of death from bad habits. In fact, being sedentary is called 'the new smoking' by health professionals.

Laparoscopic surgery has many benefits for the patient. Done with endoscopes, or long rods that are inserted through tiny incisions, this technique lessens the chance of infection and causes less pain and scarring. Recovery time is greatly reduced.

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 surgery is combined with extensive pre- and post-op counseling and support. Potential patients attend seminars that educate them on the procedure as well as ways to successfully keep weight off for the long run. Nutritionists and dietitians are on staff to help people commit to lifestyle changes and to learn how to form better eating habits. Support groups made up of counselors and former patients help people set goals and implement measures that keep the pounds from coming back.

This pre-op and post-op program involves both surgeons and trained professionals, as well as patients themselves. The personalized approach has proved very important in the success of this weight-loss measure. Without lifestyle and dietary changes, people who have the surgery often gain the weight back. With them, a whole new life is possible with everything needed for happiness and health.




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