Shannon Medical Center | Health Beat | Spring 2019

O besity is a rapidly increasing epidemic— more than one-third of the adult popula- tion in our country is obese.This serious condition leads to addi- tional health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disorders and stroke. If left untreated, obesity can be fatal. BARIATRIC SURGERY Bariatric surgery is a tool to help patients with their battle to regain control of their health. Sleeve gastrectomy, a type of bariatric surgery offered nationwide, is available via the Shannon Weight Loss Center. National standards are used to determine if a patient qualifies for surgery. “The goal of bariatric surgery is to reduce the patient’s calorie in- take,” says Kenny Jastrow III, MD, Shannon general surgeon. “It also curbs hunger and cravings.The sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure which narrows the size of the stomach.This causes you to consume fewer calories.” The greater impact, however, seems to be the effect the surgery has on gut hormones that impact hunger, satiety and blood sugar control. THE PROCESS Bariatric surgery is a permanent change to the body. Dr. Jastrow and his team must make sure patients are mentally and physically capable of tolerating the procedure. “We have a program in place with trained personnel to help our patients make sure they succeed before and after surgery,” says Dr. Jastrow. Prior to the operation, patients will have a tailored pre-op clear- ance plan. Toyha Harper, APRN, FNP, ensures that patients are knowledgeable about sleeve gas- trectomy, prepared for the surgery and understand the care surround- ing sleeve gastrectomy.The pre-op plan will include seeing a gastro- enterologist, dietitian, psychologist and possibly cardiologist.They are given a bariatric manual on their first visit which offers an in-depth look into the operation itself, pre- and postoperative care required, di- etary plans, medications, exercises, and food to avoid. Patients should expect to lose 60 to 70 percent of their excess body weight after the sleeve gastrectomy procedure. How quickly the weight is lost varies for each patient.They may be able to stop taking or cut back on medications as their weight reduces. Conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, ob- structive sleep apnea and diabetes may be controlled with weight loss. SUPPORT AFTER SURGERY Surgery is only one part of a pa- tient’s weight-loss journey.The doctors make sure the operation is a success from a surgical stand- point, and there is close follow-up after surgery. Our nurse practitioner sees patients often postoperatively. During these visits she ensures that patients are healing appro- priately, staying hydrated, losing weight and maintaining necessary nutrients. However, patients play a crucial role in having a successful outcome.They must continue to follow a diet and exercise regimen. ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP Additionally, a private support group is available and is moderated by Karen Hancock, RN, Bariatric Surgery Coordinator, Shannon Quality Resources. “This setting allows patients to connect with one another, ask questions, provide support, and share tips and success stories,” Hancock says. “The hope is for the group to decrease preoperative barriers and postoperative con- cerns in a supportive atmosphere.” IN-PERSON SUPPORT GROUP Patients may also benefit from in- person support group meetings. “These meetings are open to all bariatric surgery patients, no matter where they had surgery,” Hancock says. “We also welcome all patients who are working toward their surgery with Dr. Jastrow.” The in-person group will meet in the Legacy 1 room on the sec- ond floor of Shannon Medical Center, 120 E. Harris, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Meetings will have a guest speaker and question-and- answer session. Upcoming meetings: Monday, May 20; Monday, June 3; and Monday, July 1. Backaches be gone! About 8 out of 10 people will have a sore low back at some point in their life. Don’t be one of them. To help avert the ache, take these steps to keep your back healthy and strong. They put extra strain on your back. A nutritious diet and an active life- style can help you reach a healthy weight. When picking some- thing up, bend at your knees (not at your waist), and let your legs do the work for your back. Keep the object close to you, and don’t twist your body. Smoking reduces vital blood flow to the cushion- ing disks in the spine. This can increase the rate at which the disks deteriorate. Slouching puts undue strain on your spine. Regular exercise, including core- strengthening activities like ab- dominal crunches, helps your back stay limber and strong. This includes using a chair with good low- back support and ad- justing your computer monitor to be roughly even with your line of sight. When sitting for long periods, change positions often. Get up every so often to stretch and walk around. Sources: National Institutes of Health; North American Spine Society Shed any extra pounds. Lift smart. If you smoke, quit. Sit and stand up straight. Move more. Make your workstation back- friendly. Take back breaks. Lose it, for good For more information about the sleeve gastrectomy procedure, please call the Shannon Weight Loss Center at 325- 481-2344 or visit shannon health.com . Spring 2019 3 Weight loss