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A year is enough to shift the entire landscape of technology and society, and paves the way for opportunity and improvement. Today, we’re here to reflect on the major bariatric advancements we saw in 2017!
1. More people are recognizing medical weight loss.
Many people have already recognized bariatric surgery as a valuable tool in overcoming obesity, but many eligible patients don’t to undergo a procedure. However, as time goes on, more people understand it, including celebrities.
Last November, Mariah Carey underwent a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. She made headlines when she showed off her slimmer figure at her Imprint Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in November. This helped Show the public that to weight-loss surgery could be a viable option for those struggling with their weight.
For fans of NBC’s drama, This Is Us, bariatric surgery is no stranger to prime time. Main character Kate Pearson’s (Chrissy Metz) struggle with obesity is a consistent plot point, and in season 1, she considers undergoing gastric bypass surgery. The thoughtful and heartfelt treatment of Kate’s struggles with her weight opened many peoples’ eyes to both what it’s really like to live with obesity, and the surgical options available to help patients safely and effectively lose weight.
2. We gained a better understanding of how bariatric surgery affects the body.
To better heal the body, we need to better understand the body. In 2017, researchers discovered some new, striking connections between bariatric surgery, obesity, and our physiology. In the end, these findings stress the success of weight-loss procedures and the importance of overcoming obesity.
A study published in Scientific Reports – a scholarly journal – found that people suffering from obesity produce less Leptin, also known as the “satiety hormone.” This Leptin deficiency means they tend to eat more because their bodies don’t alert them when they’re full.
Another study highlighted by Reuters Health revealed a strong connection between obesity and 11 different cancers, including those of the breast, ovary, kidney, rectum, and colon. Those linked most strongly to obesity were cancers affecting the digestive tract. This study shows it is more important than ever to treat obesity – data shows that when patients lower their weight, they reduce their risk for these cancers.
Bariatric surgery has also been shown to help combat weight-related conditions often associated with obesity, and in turn, help patients live healthier lives. Patients who undergo the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy receive a “reset” of their stomach hormones, meaning their bodies begin producing more Leptin again, and are able to moderate their eating more successfully.
3. Bariatric procedures became more accessible.
2017’s ObesityWeek conference featured a great show of generosity by several bariatric professionals. Many people who need bariatric surgery lack the insurance and funds to get it – so 8 lucky individuals were chosen to receive it pro bono!
NYBG is proud to be one of those practices given the opportunity to help a patient in need. Our winner is a New York native named Mary Rodda who underwent a vertical sleeve gastrectomy last month. You can follow her journey with her from start to success at https://bariatric.stopobesityforlife.com/landing/sleeve-giveaway/
In addition to these giveaways, last year saw more and more insurance companies covering bariatric procedures. Depending on the patient and their goals, there is a bariatric option for them. There are temporary procedures that focus on building healthier habits, non-surgical options for those who don’t want or can’t have surgery, and anatomy-altering surgeries that boast great success. These procedures are safe and suited for success, no matter a patient’s needs.
4. Bariatric surgery has been proven to be successful long-term.
Bariatric surgery, when compared to other weight-loss options, provides the most excess weight loss, and the results can last a lifetime! Weight-loss pills, exercise regimens, and diet programs bring positive results for a couple of years at most. However, weight-loss surgery benefits have been shown to last for over a decade.
Although it can seem miraculous, extreme weight loss without medical intervention is unsustainable, which makes success unsustainable. It has been seen time and again with contestants on NBC’s The Biggest Loser. While they are on the show, they are living an extreme lifestyle that leads to such dramatic weight loss. However, their metabolisms didn’t change with the rest of their bodies. Even though contestants could continue to eat 800 fewer calories than their peers, they wouldn’t lose more weight. In fact, they’d maintain where they were or even gain more.
Bariatric surgery helps make new lifestyle habits more sustainable while preventing drastic changes to the metabolism. Patients who chose the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass see the same benefits at 2, 6, and 12 years – including their excess weight lost, improvement of type 2 diabetes, and increased cardiovascular health.
Make 2018 your year!
There’s no better time than now to lose weight and live healthier. NYBG is home to the best and brightest bariatric surgeons who are focused on one thing: patient success. We offer both surgical non-surgical options – such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric balloons – depending on patient need and preference. Don’t wait any longer; get in touch with us today!
