Why Do You Perform Weight Loss Surgery

By Troy Glembot, MD

 

It was another fairly routine day in the office. Most of my day had been spent seeing postoperative patients. I happened to go out to the front desk, and saw a man I barely recognized. Tommy had surgery almost three years ago, and his postoperative course would best be characterized as complicated.

 

His BMI was nearly 60, and he was almost immobile due to his weight. Unfortunately, he experienced one of the most feared complications of gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy surgery; namely a leak. It occurred about a week after his primary surgery. After identifying the problem, he was admitted to the hospital and had another operation to drain the leak.  His leak ultimately healed, and he was discharged home. Ever since, he has done exceptionally well, and has enjoyed resolution of virtually all of his obesity related diseases.  In fact, he just recently had a body lift plastic surgical procedure done, and it was this new trim silhouette that I did not recognize.
 
“How the heck are you?” I asked, happy to see him doing so well. “Couldn’t be better” he exclaimed. I could genuinely feel the positive energy he radiated. “I got my life back”.   He grinned and gave me a pat on the shoulder. “You know doc, I would do it all again” he said. Words like that, coming from a man who experienced a complication after his operation still amazes me.
 
Through the years, many people have asked me “why do you do weight loss surgery?”.   I think back on patients like Tommy, who are trapped in their bodies, riddled by a disease that slowly erodes every organ in their body and drains all of the energy from their spirit. To be a bariatric surgeon, and offer a person the ability to get their life back is an absolutely amazing feeling. Who wouldn’t want to do bariatric surgery?

 

Complications after bariatric surgery are extremely low.  Research shows it is safer than having your gallbladder removed.  The benefits to your health and life are incredible.  Find out if bariatric surgery is right for you by reaching out to us.  We are here to answer all of your questions and guide you through the process.  This may be the time for you to finally reach your health and weight goals.