FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM NOVEMBER 1, 2018 • HEALTH • THE QUEENS COURIER 53
We are pleased to announce that Ronald Fatoullah, Esq.
has been selected for his 10th consecutive Super Lawyers
recognition for outstanding legal achievements.
Congratulations are also in order for Managing Attorney,
Elizabeth Forspan, Esq. (Estate Planning & Probate), Yan Lian
Kuang-Maoga, Esq. (Estate Planning & Probate), and James A.
E. Asquith, Esq. (Elder Law) for their Rising Star honors.
Attorney Advertising: Super Lawyers, part of Thomson
Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more
than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer
recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers is a
registered trademark of Thomson Reuters.
Ronald Fatoullah & Associates and Super Lawyers do
not sponsor or endorse each other.
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1-877-ELDER LAW
1-877-ESTATES
www.fatoullahlaw.com
Is Bariatric Surgery Right For You?
Obesity is a growing public health issue in our region.
According to NYC.gov, more than half of New Yorkers are
overweight, and nearly a quarter qualify as obese. The
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,
reports that an estimated 23% of the population living in
Queens is obese.
These rates are concerning because people who are
obese are at an increased risk for developing chronic
diseases such as diabetes, stroke, hypertension, heart
disease and some cancers. However, the good news is
the risks associated with many of these conditions can
be significantly reduced by losing weight.
Diet and exercise are highly recommended methods of
weight loss but they may not be enough to yield
significant results for those who are obese. Bariatric
surgery offers an extremely effective weight loss
solution for people who have tried and failed to lose
weight by way of diet and exercise. Additionally, it has
been shown to help improve several obesity-related
health conditions.
The two most popular bariatric surgeries are the sleeve
gastrectomy and gastric bypass procedures. In the
sleeve gastrectomy operation a large portion of the
stomach is removed and a smaller, new stomach in the
shape of a tube or “sleeve” is created. During bypass
surgery, a new small stomach pouch is created, and a
section of the small bowel is bypassed. These surgeries
are usually done through small incisions either
laparoscopically or using the da Vinci surgical robot,
ensuring a minimally invasive approach. Both surgeries
offer excellent long term results and positive outcomes
in most patients.
With this is in mind, it is important to understand that
bariatric surgery is a major operation, no matter which
procedure is chosen. Bariatric surgery is not an easy
way out. It is an important decision to be made under
strict physician supervision and with the support of loved
ones. The process is immersive and takes approximately
4-5 months of supervised dieting and being seen by
multiple specialties for approval.
Although bariatric surgery is considered safe, it is very
important that patients understand the risks of surgery.
As with most major surgical procedures, the risks can
include bleeding or other complications.
For those who would like to explore non-surgical weight
loss procedures, there are options such as the
FDA-approved Obalon Balloon System. This involves three
air filled balloons inserted via a swallowed capsule. The
patient is given no anesthesia and most people return to
work the same day. The balloons stay in for six months
after which they are removed via endoscopy. The
procedure is generally very well tolerated with some side
effects such as nausea and cramping. Studies have
shown weight loss to continue beyond removal and many
patients lose significant amount of weight.
When deciding which procedure is best for you, it is
recommended that you receive an expert consultation
with a surgeon. Your physician can assess your health
which can lead to the decision on which surgery is
suitable for your needs.
To ensure the highest quality care and maximize your
chances of a successful weight loss procedure, it is
recommended that you receive treatment at a “Bariatric
Center of Excellence”, such as Flushing Hospital Medical
Center.
Flushing Hospital is the only Center of Excellence in
Queens. The process to reach this designation is arduous
and ensures that the center and the surgeons are of the
highest quality and preparedness. Surgical outcomes are
measured very strictly and the capability of both the
surgeons and the center must be of the highest caliber
when compared nationally.
To make an appointment, please call 718-408-6977.
/www.fatoullahlaw.com
