MDNews - Long Island

COVER FEATURE PATIENT GUIDELINES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY Dr. Vohra and Dr. Nishimura have performed more than 4,000 procedures at South Nassau Communities Hospital. "When individuals give up one addic- tion, it's not uncommon for there to be a transference of addiction," says Dr. Vohra. "Giving up food can give way to addictions to alcohol or tobacco, and we want to help prevent patients from doing this by positively channeling that energy. Many become addicted to exercise, and that's the best addic- tion you can have. With appropriate psychological support, patients can have a meaningful transfer of addiction." Support groups help patients share their struggles, worries and successes with people who have similar experi- ences. Dr. Vohra has seen participation in these groups produce successful results in his patients. The first goal participants work toward is the century club. Patients who reach this milestone receive a certificate of achievement commemorating the first 100 pounds a patient loses. Reflecting on Changes From the early days of gastric bypass, when bariatric procedures were open surgeries, to the minimally invasive laparo- scopic methods of today, Dr. Vohra has seen technology transform bariatric surgery into a safe, highly reproducible discipline. "The biggest change I've seen in the last decade is, with the help of technology and preoperative optimization, we can perform life-changing operations in a safer manner," Dr. Vohra says. "The benefits 10 | Long Island MD NEWS s MDNEWS.COM of the procedures were always there, but complications arising from open surgery have given way to safer, minimally invasive procedures. Also, we're seeing a trend of moving away from gastric bypass to sleeve gastrectomy, allowing us to perform a procedure with similar benefits and fewer side effects." For more information about the Center for Weight and Life Management at South Nassau Communities Hospital, please visit www.southnassau.org/bariatrics. s AS RAJEEV VOHRA, M.D., FACS, Director of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at South Nassau Communities Hospital, explains, bariatric surgery is not a single event, but a journey that begins with patient education and requires lasting commitment to change. As such, South Nassau Communities Hospital maintains the following guidelines for bariatric surgical candidates. + Patients must have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or a BMI greater than 35 and an obesity-related comorbidity. + Patients must have demonstrated a com- mitment to lose weight by other methods. + Patients must be between ages 18 and 70. + Patients should be able to grasp the risks and commitment required by surgical intervention. + Patients should avoid becoming pregnant for 18 months following surgery. + Patients should be willing to participate in support groups and be observed on a lifelong basis. Dr. Vohra's staff are highly experienced in guiding patients on their weight-loss journeys: Kenia Ventura, receptionist; Maureen Volpe, front desk coordinator; John Comcowich, Ph.D., licensed psychologist; Danielle Solomon, CDN, registered dietician; Tom Ratas, RPA-C, physician assistant; Gail Kryshtalsky, office manager; Jill Siegel, M.S., CDN, registered dietician; Joanie Romano, medical assistant; and Diane Rodriguez, biller-receptionist. Additional staff not pictured include: Gabriel Becchinelli, RPA-C, physician assistant; Alison Singer, patient liaison; and Maryann Simonetti, program assistant.

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