Bariatric Surgery: The Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

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Andrew Averbach, M.D., Ann &
Cathy Carr-Dadin

Unless you are overweight or obese and/or have serious complications from diabetes, blood pressure, heart problems, joint pain, etc., you might think of bariatric surgery as just an “easy, no effort” way to lose weight.  Think again.  First of all, there is nothing easy or anything to be taken lightly with making the decision to have bariatric surgery.  We’re talking about a major change for someone.  There is lots of upfront homework to do and then lots of preparation to have the surgery, and finally, the life changes that must take place after the surgery to maintain the weight loss and other health benefits.  My guests discussed the release of the first head-to-head studies comparing bariatric surgery to medical therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the obese.  Only in the surgical group were there remissions with rates from 40-75% depending on the type of surgery that was performed.  And, some patients were able to discontinue their medications entirely.  Just imagine the impact this can have not only on the quality of life for the obese patient, but for the decrease in medical care and insurance costs for treating symptoms and conditions of related chronic illnesses going forward.  Tune in to learn more and about what to look for in a bariatric center and physician.  It could be a life-changer and lifesaver for you or someone you care about.
Guests: Andrew Averbach, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, Director of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Saint Agnes Hospital Baltimore and Cathy Carr-Dadin, RN, Certified Bariatric Nurse and Bariatric Services Coordinator at Saint Agnes Hospital Baltimore