Understanding Obesity - Saratoga Hospital
Effects of Obesity
The effects of obesity are serious. Researchers have proven through numerous studies that obesity is associated with an increased chance of developing many serious medical problems, not just diabetes or coronary heart disease.
Other diseases can include:
- Cancer
- Sleep apnea
- Erectile dysfunction
- Cognitive impairment
- Female infertility
- Arthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sudden cardiac death
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Fatty liver disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
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.
If you think bariatric surgery might be the answer for you, check with your insurance carrier to see if you qualify.
Bariatric Surgery & Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the top ten leading causes of U.S. deaths. Approximately 90 percent of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common form of diabetes, is attributable to excessive body fat.
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, worsening over time. This can require even more medication to keep blood sugar levels under control. However, lifestyle changes in addition to medical supervision and adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen can help keep blood sugar levels from reaching dangerous levels and can even cause remission in many individuals.
Since obesity is the primary cause for Type 2 diabetes, losing weight and following a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce your changes of the many health problems associated with the condition.
For people with severe obesity, bariatric surgery can make a significant impact upon a patient’s diabetic state by lowering blood sugar, reducing the dosage and type of medicine required, and improving diabetes-related health problems.
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 Type 2 diabetes, improving the quality of health and life for many years to come.
However, each patient’s individual risks for surgery should be evaluated in the context of the duration and severity of their diabetes as well as their other individual obesity-related health problems.
Register for an Informational Seminar
Our info sessions are held two times a month in the evening. The agenda includes a discussion about bariatric surgery and other weight loss options with medical director Dr. Dimitri Baranov, including time for Q & A. You will learn everything you need to know to get started on your weight loss journey, including what to expect, how surgery can help various chronic health conditions, what is involved in our program, success stories, and more.
These free virtual seminars make it easy to get all the details you need to know for the next step in your weight loss journey, including:
- Learning how bariatric surgery can help treat chronic health conditions
- Getting opportunities to ask questions
- Arranging a one-on-one consultation
(choose "bariatrics" in the menu)
