Understanding Obesity - Saratoga Hospital
Effects of Obesity
Obesity is a chronic condition associated with numerous, serious health complications. There are many comorbidities, or diseases, associated with obesity that have negative effects on a patient’s life.
Obesity is linked to an increased risk of:
- Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): Including heart failure and stroke.
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
- Cancers: Breast, colon, pancreatic, endometrial and nine other types of cancer.
- Respiratory Issues: Obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
- Musculoskeletal Problems: Osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus.
- Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Erectile Dysfunction, PCOS, and Infertility: Trouble getting pregnant or conceiving a child.
Addressing obesity involves a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and psychological support to manage these comorbidities effectively.
Finding Your Weight Loss Journey
A weight loss journey can begin at any time, and we are here to help! If your journey doesn’t include surgery, you may want to start with our non-surgical options.
Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Program is recognized as a center of distinction by major health plans in our area. We use rigorous and comprehensive pre- and post-operative processes to support our patients and meet requirements set by insurance companies. If you think bariatric surgery might be for you, check with your insurance to see if it is a covered benefit.
Take the next step by signing up for our informational webinar!
Register for a Seminar
(choose "bariatrics" in the menu)
Bariatric Surgery & Diabetes
Diabetes is on the of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. Approximately 90% of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), the most common form of diabetes, is attributed to excess body fat.
T2DM is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time without proper treatment. It can require multiple medications to try to control blood sugar; however, lifestyle changes in addition to medical supervision and adherence to prescribed medications can help keep blood sugar levels from reaching dangerous levels. In some patients’ remission can be achieved.
Since obesity is the primary cause for T2DM, losing weight and following a healthy lifestyle are the best ways to reduce your chances of the numerous complications associated with this disease. For people with significant obesity, bariatric surgery can make a significant impact on a patient’s diabetic status. It can assist in lowering blood sugar, reducing the number or dosage of medications required for treatment, and improve diabetes-related health issues.
Weighing the Benefits & Risks
While bariatric surgery certainly has some risk, the long-term risk of continued diabetes typically outweighs the risk of a surgical procedure for most patients.
Bariatric surgery can be a life-saving option for those with T2DM, improving their quality of life and health status for years to come. Each patient’s risks for surgery will be evaluated individually in regard to their T2DM and other health issues.
Register for an Informational Seminar
Our information sessions are held twice a month on Tuesday evenings. The agenda includes a presentation about bariatric surgery and other weight loss options with medical director, Dr. Dmitri Baranov, and a live question and answer session at the end.
Free virtual seminars make it easy to get all the right details you need to know to make the next step in your weight loss journey. After you attend our Webinar, you will be able to make an appointment with a provider in our office for a one-on-one consultation!
Register for a Seminar
(choose "bariatrics" in the menu)
