Bariatric Surgery can be Safer than Living with Obesity

Today, obesity is considered a public health problem due to ist prevalence, costs and health effects on Western societies. While some individuals manage to fight obesity through changing their life styles and eating habits, some put their hope into baratric (weight loss) surgy to battle the problem.

While a baratric, or gastric, surgery is a severe treatment containing many risks. A Geisinger physician now warns that the real danger may actually be a life of obesity. Christopher Still, D.O., and director of The Geisinger Center for Nutrition and Weight Management states “There are risks associated with bariatric surgery, as there are with any surgical procedure, but the risks associated with the procedure may pale in comparison to the health complications that can be caused by obesity.”

Obesity can lead to a variety of complications including diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, liver disease, heart disease and sleep apnea. Many patients considering bariatric surgery often suffers from at least one of these conditions.

“Some obesity-related conditions can be fatal, and others require chronic medication and treatment. With the help of bariatric surgery, medical complications caused by obesity can be eliminated, and patients can enjoy a much healthier life”, Dr. Still said.

A Bariatric sugery (weight loss surgery) can also lead to some complications and is only recommended for severely obese people (BMI over 40) who have failed to loose weight with other pharmacological dietary treatments. However, the long-term weight loss and decreased overall mortality rate justifies surgery for some people.

A gastric surgery eliminates medical complications and help many patients feel more in control of their lives. After surgery, many patients can perform daily tasks that they were unable to accomplish before. For many, a bariatric surgery leads the way to healthier habits.

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Dr. Christopher Still at Gesinger Health System

7 Steps for a Healthy Heart

The American Heart Association has identified 7 “easy” steps for you to get a healthy heart.

According to the organization; ideal cardiovascular health for adults is defined by these measures:

1. Never smoked or quit more than a year ago.
2. A healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
3. Physical activity. At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise is necessary for ideal health, which is equivalent to 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly.
4. Blood pressure below 120/80.
5. Fasting blood glucose less than 100 milligrams/deciliter.
6. Total cholesterol of less than 200 milligrams/deciliter.
7. Keeping a healthy diet. Four to five of the key components are followed. For a diet with 2,000 calories; these include:

• At least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day.
• At least two 3.5 oz. of servings of fish per week.
• At least three 1-ounce servings of fiber-rich whole grains per day.
• Limiting sodium intake to less than 1,500 milligrams per day.
• Drinking no more than 36 ounces weekly of sugar-sweetened beverages.

By the year 2020, the AHA hopes that the 7 factors could improve health of Americans by 20%, and reduce deaths from cardiovascular diseases and strokes by 20%.

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