The NY Weight Management Programs
of St. Catherine of Siena was established to provide a comprehensive
weight loss center, offering the essential elements for individuals
seeking long term successful weight loss.
Obesity – a growing problem
The ramifications of being overweight can bring social discrimination
as well as increase
the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
sleep apnea, gall bladder, diabetes, asthma and other diseases.
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center offers a bariatric surgery
program to help those who are morbidly obese.
Bariatrics is the area of medicine that deals with prevention,
control and treatment of obesity. Morbid obesity is defined
as being overweight by 80 pounds or more. Severe obesity is
a chronic condition, which is difficult to treat through diet
and exercise alone. For some, it is more than battling just
a few extra pounds; it could be a matter of life or death.
Obesity not only increases mortality rate but also escalates
the risk of other major health problems.
An astounding 67% of American adults are afflicted and that
number is steadily rising – and rapidly affecting the
younger population. In our fast-paced, multitasking 21st century
world, maintaining proper nutrition can be very difficult.
Even for those who do eat well and exercise, plenty of other
factors - stress, genetics, etc. - can keep the pounds from
coming off. At its most severe, obesity becomes a chronic
condition. That means it just does not go away, regardless
of diet and exercise. Severe chronic obesity is more than
battling just a few extra pounds; it can be a matter of life
or death.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
For people suffering from long-term severe chronic obesity
who have run out of non-surgical options, bariatric surgery
could offer hope. Although bariatric surgery has proven effective,
it is not without risks. Anyone considering surgery should
be well informed of the risks involved. Patients must also
participate in therapy and follow-up after surgery. They must
demonstrate that they clearly understand how their lives can
change following surgery.
There are two types of weight-loss surgery commonly performed
at St. Catherine's: gastric bypass, and gastric banding. These
surgeries typically result in dramatic weight loss. Gastric
bypass involves sealing off most of the stomach to reduce
and control the amount of food a person can ingest. The small
intestine is rearranged to reduce the amount of calories absorbed
by the body. Gastric Banding or “Lap Band” involves
a synthetic device that is placed at the top part of the stomach,
creating a smaller compartment which restricts the amount
of food a person can ingest per meal. The food passes through
a narrow channel and empties into the larger stomach compartment
and gets digested in the normal way.
IS SURGERY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Potential weight-loss surgery candidates are morbidly obese
people who are determined to safeguard their future and eradicate
their struggle with this lifelong, life-threatening weight
problem. However, successful results depend on knowledge,
personal motivation and behavior.
The Medical Center offers ongoing education and support for
those who have undergone surgery or are planning surgery in
the future. St. Catherine’s supportive staff of health
care professionals, including board certified bariatric surgeons,
and a registered nutritionist, are dedicated to provide patients
with the help needed to reach their long term weight goals.
For more information, please call (631) 870-3444. |
