FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM OCTOBER 4, 2018 • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • THE QUEENS COURIER 41
Flushing Hospital Now Offers Sleeve Gastrectomy for Those Considering Weight Loss Surgery
A person who is obese has far more weight
than what is considered healthy for their body
type. Obesity is a serious and at times
life-threatening condition that can contribute
to health problems such as diabetes, stroke,
some cancers and heart disease.
In some cases losing weight can reduce the
risk of developing these chronic health
conditions. According to the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases, “losing even 5 to 10 percent of your
weight can delay or prevent some of these
diseases.”
Maintaining a proper diet and exercising
regularly are lifestyle modifications that can
help combat obesity; however, not everyone
who applies these practices is able to lose
weight on their own. If diet or exercise does
not yield sufficient results and a patient’s
weight continues to pose a risk for developing
complications, their doctor may suggest
weight loss surgery.
One of the procedures a physician may
recommend is a sleeve gastrectomy. This
operation is often utilized for patients who
are too heavy to safely undergo other types
of weight loss surgery.
A sleeve gastrectomy requires the surgical
removal of part of the stomach. This permanently
reduces its size by approximately 25%
(about the size of a banana). The surgeon
then creates a new tube-shaped stomach or
“gastric sleeve.” With a smaller stomach, food
intake is restricted and the patient will feel
fuller more quickly. This procedure is irreversible
and usually performed laparoscopically.
Most patients experience several health
benefits after receiving a sleeve gastrectomy,
some of which may include:
��������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������
Each case is unique to the individual and it is
important to keep in mind that all surgical
procedures have their risks. Please speak
with your doctor about which weight loss
surgeries may be best for you.
Overcoming obesity can be difficult. You may
have tried several weight loss treatments or
methods to lose weight, but were unsuccessful.
Fortunately, bariatric surgery is an option
that often yields results and success stories.
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
unique and multidisciplinary program that
involves a complete mind, body and wellness
approach to weight loss surgery. For more
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
performed by our doctors, please call
718-670-8908.