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
This surgery, which reduces the size of the stomach, is considered by many to be frivolous. However, those who are obese desperately need help. They face life-threatening health concerns including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and other cardio issues, and sleep apnea. All of these are serious, as well as making life difficult, and all can lead to complication that lower the quality of life.
The fact is that obesity makes it impossible to get the recommended amount of exercise, which does not help any weight-control plan. Without exercise, circulation of blood and lymph is compromised and digestion is impaired. This weakens the immune system, so the person is susceptible to many ills. A lack of muscle tone also makes burning calories less efficient, as less are burned for energy and more are stored as fat.
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 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.
