| Dr. Jeffrey Zitsman is a bariatric surgeon and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Bariatric Surgery.
Q. What impact do medical conditions have on the decision for bariatric surgery, and how can medical problems affect risk?
A. Obesity in young people whom we have seen at our center often have symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, elevated cholesterol, and evidence of insulin resistance (which may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk). Teenagers are generally good surgical candidates since their medical conditions generally have not progressed to manifest clinical symptoms. An obese teenager with morbid obesity complicated by medical problems may be a better candidate for surgical intervention since weight loss may interrupt the progression of the underlying obesity-associated morbidities while not incurring the increased surgical risk of waiting until adulthood.
Q. Are there any alternative procedures in order to avoid bariatric surgery?
A. Surgery is never a first procedure to lose weight. Diet and exercise therapy are the mainstays of weight loss. Severely obese individuals, however, may not be able to lose sufficient weight with diet and weight loss alone. Several medications have been approved to help people lose weight, but recent reports suggest some increased cardiac risk in certain individuals. Weight loss programs may help overweight individuals lose weight, but the results are quite variable and long term loss is difficult to maintain.
Q. Is Hospitalization Necessary Before Undergoing Bariatric Surgery?
A. Not for individuals in our program.
Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. We participate in numerous plans.
Q. What is the cost involved in Bariatric Surgery?
A. It varies by institution and location. AT MS-CHONYP the approximate cost is $25,000.
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