Is Weight Loss Surgery For Me?
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Is Weight Loss Surgery For Me?
Weight loss is a journey, and at Sharon Regional Health System, we're here to help you every step of the way. Skilled bariatric surgeon, Sheetal Nijhawan, M.D., performs a variety of minimally invasive weight loss procedures, which often offer less pain and faster recovery, and may help you find the life-changing results you're seeking.
You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if you are:
- Between the ages of 18 and 65
- Obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above (calculate your BMI here)
- Struggling with an obesity-related condition like hypertension, heart disease or sleep apnea
- Have tried or are currently trying to lose weight through other means such as diet, exercise and behavioral changes
- Psychologically ready for weight loss surgery and willing to commit to a whole new lifestyle
- Not drug or alcohol dependent
What happens next?
If you meet any of the requirements above, join us for a free informational session, where Dr. Nijhawan and the team will provide in-depth information on weight loss options, including the benefits, risks and expected results of each.
If it's determined that you may be a candidate, you'll schedule a private consultation to explore your specific goals and options.
Call (724) 296-8823 or reserve your spot at an upcoming weight loss event.
How Do I Prepare for Surgery?
Weight loss surgery is just the start of a lifelong commitment to healthier living. To ensure you're prepared, we provide counseling for the whole you:
Physical. You may be required to complete a medically supervised weight loss program if your insurance carrier mandates it. Losing some pre-operative weight often makes for a safer procedure and faster recovery.
Mental & Emotional. You'll undergo a psychological evaluation to assess your readiness for surgery and the lifestyle changes you must make for long-term success. Evaluations are conducted by a licensed psychologist, who then may coach you on the kinds of adjustments you'll face after surgery.
What Does the Program Require?
To get set for surgery, you must:
- Meet with our Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator and attend dietary and exercise counseling and bariatric surgery support group.
- Attend appointments with medical providers, such as a sleep specialist, psychologist and/or cardiologist, as indicated by your surgeon.
- Once your surgery has been scheduled, we'll make an appointment for lab work, and set up a pulmonologist consultation.
- After you complete your testing and consultations, you'll attend regular appointments with your surgeon and our Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator.
Please note: You cannot have any weight gain from your initial visit to Sharon Regional until the date of surgery, or your procedure may be postponed.
What Are the Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery?
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), a weight loss procedure can significantly improve your health and free you to pursue an active and happy life.
Benefits of bariatric surgery may include:
- Significant and lasting weight loss: By changing your gastrointestinal anatomy, certain bariatric procedures allow for significantly less food consumption, and affect changes in your intestinal hormones that reduce hunger and increase your feeling of fullness. Studies show that more than 90 percent of bariatric patients are able to maintain a long-term weight loss of 50 percent excess body weight or more, when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes.
- Improves or resolves related conditions: Bariatric surgery has proven to significantly improve diseases caused or worsened by obesity, including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, sleep apnea, arthritis, asthma, acid reflux and more. It has also shown to drastically reduce - or even eliminate-type 2 diabetes. Assess your risk for type 2 diabetes here.
- Longer life: Several large studies of severely obese people have found that those who have had weight loss surgery have a significantly lower risk of death than those who have not. The exceptionally low mortality rate is remarkable, considering that most patients affected by severe obesity are in poor health and have one or more life-threatening diseases at the time of their surgery.
- Happier, healthier you: Significant weight loss from bariatric surgery brings more than just physical benefits. Studies have shown that self-esteem, work, social interactions and sexual function all improve. Singlehood is significantly reduced, as is unemployment, disability, depression and anxiety. All paving the way for a whole new you.
What Are Some of the Risks Involved with Weight Loss Surgery?
All operations carry some risk. Dr. Nijhawan will review the potential complications and risks with you well before your operation. Pneumonia, blood clots, infection, bleeding, leaking at staple lines, as well as ulcers, hernia and gallstones may occur, but are infrequent. Generally, the risks associated with weight loss surgery are significantly less than the risk of remaining morbidly obese.
How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?
The cost of a bariatric procedure depends on several factors, including the type of surgery you're having (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or LAP-BAND®) and length of hospital stay. Dr. Nijhawan is accredited by major insurance providers, though plans vary. If you're a candidate for a weight loss procedure, our Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator will work closely with you and your provider to help determine coverage, and submit your documentation for approval.
Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.
Attend an Event
Free information session to explore weight loss solutions.
Risk Assessment
Did you know that obesity can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes?
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740 East State Street
Sharon, PA 16146
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