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Is Bariatric Surgery Right For You?
Those struggling with weight loss should
know that bariatric surgery isn't for
everyone. Lisa Dobruskin, MD, reports
that there are very strict criteria for those
contemplating the procedures. These
criteria are based on body mass index.
"You have to be about 100 pounds over
your ideal body weight," she says.
In addition to the gastric sleeve
procedure, Dr. Dobruskin also performs
many successful gastric bypasses, in
12
Summer 2013
which the small part of the stomach is
partitioned off from the large part. A part
of the small intestine is then attached to
the new smaller stomach, but no part of
the stomach is removed. This procedure,
unlike the gastric sleeve, is reversible,
but only in extreme circumstances.
Dr. Dobruskin also performs gastric band
surgery, which has received attention
recently since Gov. Chris Christie
underwent the procedure.
"Obesity is a disease," she says. "It's
important to get the most effective
treatment for your disease." Dr. Dobruskin
notes that fewer than 10 percent of people
who need to lose weight can do it through
diet and exercise alone.
However, she cautions, "This is a serious
decision. It's something you should really
think about. You really should know in your
heart that you've tried everything else and
it hasn't worked."
Healthy Directions
