Special Supplement to The West Valley View
HEALTH
WELLNESS Your Local Guide to Better Living
Winter 2022
Abrazo’s surgical weight loss program can help patients BY ABRAZO HEALTH
T
he start of a new year, combined with extra weight — dubbed by some as the Quarantine 15, brought on by the stresses of COVID-19 — are leading more people to consider surgical weight loss. Their goal is to improve their chances to not require hospitalization if they contract COVID-19. Over the course of the pandemic, a recent Harvard Medical School study said that close to 40% of people have gained weight compared to what they were the year before. These pandemic pounds can come from stress, lack of exercise, being stuck at home, and eating the wrong foods. According to the CDC, having obesity increases someone’s risk of suffering more severe illness from COVID-19. Nearly three-fourths of adults older than 20 years in the United States meet the criteria for being overweight or obese. More than 9% of the U.S. adult population are considered morbidly or severely obese. Research published in the Journal of Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases found that patients who have undergone weight loss surgery are three times less likely to require hospitalization for COVID-19. When diet, exercise and medications have failed, it may be time to consider weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery.
“Weight loss surgery is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and it can help alleviate many other obesity-related conditions,” added Dr. William Arnold, a general surgeon and medical director for bariatric surgery at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus. “Weight loss surgery may provide effective, lasting relief from severe obesity for appropriate patients,” added Dr. Daniel Fang, a general surgeon who also is medical director for bariatric surgery at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus. The Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program is designed to help people who have a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. The program offers nonsurgical weight loss approaches, as well as laparoscopic bariatric surgeries. “Our experienced surgeons and caring staff are here to help you reach your goal of a healthy and more active life. And because our commitment to your health doesn’t end after you walk out our door, you’ll receive a personalized plan to ensure your continued success through continued education and support,” noted Katy Stemple, MDA, RDN, registered dietitian and manager of the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program. Weight loss surgery has benefits well beyond weight loss, including: • Long-term remission or reversal of
Weight loss surgery can pave the way to reduced joint pain and improved mood. courtesy of Abrazo Health)
Type 2 diabetes. • Improved mobility and increased energy. • Lowered risk of heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and stroke. • Reduced or eliminated joint pain.
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• Improved mood and feelings of well-being. • Increased self-esteem and confidence. To learn more about the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program, visit abrazohealth.com.
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