Prominent bariatric surgeons, Dr. Aurora Pryor, Director, Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center at Stony Brook, and Dr. Konstantinos Spaniolas, Associate Director, Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center at Stony Brook, share their expertise on the benefits of bariatric surgery and weight loss, and what makes our Center so unique.
What types of weight loss options does Stony Brook offer?
We offer today’s most advanced procedures such as Sleeve Gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, and Duodenal Switch, and choose the best options to suit each candidate’s needs. The majority are performed laparoscopically, which means minimal scarring and faster recovery times. Treatment strategy may include surgery, endoscopic approaches, medical management, diet and exercise, behavior modification and psychological counseling. Our interdisciplinary team of professionals is a part of every step of the weight loss journey, and will continue to meet with the patient routinely during the first year after surgery, then annually or as needed. We also perform Revisional Bariatric Surgery for those who may have experienced suboptimal weight loss or resurgence of comorbidities despite having previous bariatric surgery.
Non-surgical weight loss options such as medicinal weight loss, and diet and nutritional counseling are available for patients who don’t qualify or who elect not to have surgery. At Stony Brook, we are committed to helping every individual during their transformation, even after surgery. As a result, we have a great track record of patients achieving long-term success.
What is involved in bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery makes the stomach smaller, so the patient feels satisfied with less food. Some types of bariatric surgery are also malabsorptive, so that fewer calories are absorbed from what is eaten. To work most effectively, bariatric surgery should be part of an ongoing process toward transforming the patient’s health through lifestyle and behavior changes. It’s not an automatic fix. Without surgery the chance of maintaining substantial weight loss is 5 percent. With surgery, a patient can experience 85 to 90 percent chance of maintaining significant weight loss, making it an excellent, valuable tool for the individual.
What are the health risks and benefits associated with bariatric procedures?
The benefits of bariatric surgery significantly outweigh the risks. The chance of experiencing a complication during surgery is less than 2 percent. Patients who opt to have bariatric surgery experience a significant improvement in their cardiovascular health, and a corresponding decrease in the risk of heart disease and weight-related health problems such as diabetes. Studies have shown a 30 to 40 percent decrease in the chances of heart attacks or strokes post-op. This cardioprotective effect of surgery is unmatched with any other single intervention. For those living with diabetes, bariatric surgery allows for better glucose control and often eliminates the need for anti-diabetic medications altogether.
Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Most patients have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or over with associated medical problems (most commonly hypertension, diabetes, abnormal lipids or sleep apnea), or with BMI of 40 or over, even without comorbidities. Patients who don’t meet the criteria for bariatric surgery, or who elect not to have surgery, can take advantage of our non-surgical options.
Learn more at bariatrics.stonybrookmedicine.edu or call Catherine M. Tuppo, PT, Coordinator, Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center, at (631) 444-BARI (2274).
Our Free Seminars below will be conducted via online webinar only until further notice. Please click here to register.
FREE SEMINAR
Change Your Weight, Change Your Health, Change Your Life
First Monday of each month, 5 to 6 pm
Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center
23 South Howell Avenue, Suite D, Centereach, NY 11720
Call (631) 444-BARI (2274) to register.