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.

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 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 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.

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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