If there is one thing that we all have in common, it’s that no one wants to get sick. In the wake of
COVID-19, researchers learned that being obese can sometimes make that a challenge. Recent
studies show that obesity can impair the body's immune response or function, leading to
an increased chance for various infections.

Obesity Triggers Inflammation

How does excess weight affect your immune health? Obesity causes your body to be in a state
of chronic inflammation, which compromises your immune system. More weight can equal
more inflammation. When body fat rises, fat cells release cytokines which trigger inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is a serious issue and can lead to the development of minor and serious
illness and conditions, such as:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Cancer
  • Heart Disease
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Obesity & Vaccine Effectiveness

Obesity can also play a role in the effectiveness of vaccines. A recent study found that obesity
can cause some COVID-19 vaccines to lose their efficacy quicker. The results indicated that
vaccine effectiveness differed across BMI groups, with more rapid waning in those with
increased BMI.

Another study, this one on Hepatitis B vaccines, discovered that people with obesity have a very
high non-response rate to vaccination. Researchers found that it takes a more potent Hepatitis
B vaccine to come close to a response rate.

A study on the effectiveness of the Flu vaccine revealed that the vaccine does not work as well
for obese adults, leaving them at an increased risk of getting the Flu. Researchers discovered
that as a person becomes more overweight, their metabolism changes which causes a
metabolic shift in immune system cells.

Weight-Loss Surgery Could Help Lower Infection Risk

Bariatric surgery is a safe, effective long-term weight-loss solution that helps thousands of
people lose weight and keep it off. Many studies show that patients maintain 50% to 70% loss
of excess weight 10+ years after bariatric surgery.

When it’s time to start a successful weight-loss transformation, it’s time to call NYBG!

We’re the best practice around and our numbers prove it:

  • 23 skilled surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, 4 Plastic Surgeons, 21 PA’s, and 1
    Colorectal Surgeon.
  • 30,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
  • The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
  • Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q&A sessions.
  • 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and
    showcasing previous patients
  • Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
  • Since 2000, we boast over 20 years of success!

All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accrediation and Quality Improvement
Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon
only the top quality bariatric programs.

Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!

New York Bariatric Group is implementing and enforcing strict guidelines put out by the Center
of Disease Control and the Department of Health in order to keep our staff and patients safe.

We are offering in-person and virtual consultations to ensure that everyone is able to get the
information and care they deserve without feeling pressure to leave their home.


Back to Blog

Obesity Can Impact Your Immunity

Thomas

lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

Listen to Robert’s testimonial

Samantha

lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

Listen to Samantha’s testimonial

Eileen

lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

5.0

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Listen to Eileen’s testimonial

Brittany

lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

Listen to Brittany’s testimonial

Desiree

lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

BMI Calculator

What is your height?

ft
in

What is your weight?

lbs

Your BMI is

Note: A BMI of 30 – 34.9 or BMI 35 – 39.9 with no comorbidities qualify for lap band but is usually not covered by insurance.

Contact us media

© New York Bariatric Group. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 1-800-633-THIN.
Contact Us

Contact Us

1-800-633-THIN
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit