MDNews - Long Island

The Life-Changing Benefits of Bariatric Diabetes Surgery THE COMBINED EPIDEMIC S of obesity and diabetes have been referred to as "diabesity," something that has become a profound concern due to the health risks of having both conditions. "For a lot of patients, diabetes and obesity go hand in hand," says Hesham Atwa, MD, FACS, FASMBS, Founder and Clinical Director of Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors. The cost in suffering is immense. Every year, 79,535 deaths occur due to diabetes. There are approximately 150,000 nontraumatic leg amputations every year in the U.S., and the leading cause is Type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, bariatric surgery can be a significant remedy for diabetes. "Even if surgery doesn't eliminate the diabetes one hundred percent, it makes it more manageable and helps prevent the progression, before it affects organs like the eyes and the kidneys," Dr. Atwa says. "Some people might be able to take just one or two medications instead of five or six to control the disease." THE EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF BARIATRIC SURGERY FOR T YPE 2 DIABETES CONTINUES TO MOUNT + 77% of patients with resolved diabetes. In these patients, diabetes completely disappeared, or treatment (medicines, insulin) was no longer needed. In studies measuring for "resolution or improvement," the number rose to 86% of patients. + Rapid results. For some patients, diabetes disappeared almost immediately, within days of surgery. Others saw blood sugar levels begin to fall soon after surgery, becoming completely normal within a year. + 92% reduction in deaths. In one study of 15,850 severely obese patients, those who underwent bariatric surgery had a 92% lower rate of death from diabetes than those who didn't have the surgery. comes back, we can determine the reason and deal with it." PARTNERS IN ADVANCED CARE Dr. Atwa encourages referring physicians to explore the advanced surgical options available for patients who could be candidates for bariatric surgery. He and his colleagues at Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors partner closely with primary care physicians, endo- crinologists and gastrointestinal physicians to determine the best course of treatment for patients and get them on the road to a healthier and happier life. Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors has two convenient locations, in East Setauket (4 Technology Drive, Suite 220, East Setauket, NY 11733) and Commack (500 Commack Road, Suite 150D, Commack, NY 11725). In addition to St . Cha rles a nd Mat her Hospita ls in Port Jefferson, Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors' surgeons see patients at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, St. Catherine Hospital in Smithtown, and Huntington Hospital. Both St. Charles and Mather Hospitals are among a special group of hospitals that belong to the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program – Centers of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. They rank among the top hospitals in the U.S. for bariatric treatment. St. Charles is also one of the few epicenters for bariatric, colorectal and general surgery where sur- geons can come in to observe and learn new techniques to add to their practice. "Through the years, I have been extremely fortunate to be able to associate myself with a talented group of providers and surgeons across Long Island," Dr. Atwa says. "We con- stantly turn to each other for consultations about treatment options for our patients and collaborate on rare or challenging cases. While I retain the independence of a physi- cian in private practice, I am privileged to work within hospitals committed to staying at the forefront of advanced technology to provide optimal outcomes for our patients and communities. At our offices and in our hospita ls, we share one vision — to treat patients as we'd want our own families to be treated." ■ To learn more, visit journeytothenewyou.com. Dr. Atwa uses robotic-assisted surgery to obtain superior outcomes for patients. 1 0❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R F E A T U R E

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