Obesity is a major problem in our country. According to the CDC, Colorado is the only state in the U.S. with an obesity rate under 20%. Thirty three states have a rate greater than 25%, and nine have an obesity rate over 30%.
This is important because obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, cancer and diabetes, all of which are life threatening.
Many people turn to laparoscopic gastric band surgery (lap band) for “treatment”. So, what happens if this “treatment” is actually dangerous? That might just be the case, according to a study in the Archives of Surgery. This study found that:
“The bands eroded in almost 1 in 3 patients. Sixty percent had undergone additional surgery, including 17 percent who went on to have gastric bypass.”
The researchers went on to state that the lap band “appears to result in relatively poor long term outcomes.”
Even more disturbing are the comments from the lead Doctor in the study. Dr. Jacques Himpens of The European School of Laparoscopic Surgery and St. Pierre Hospital in Brussels stated that “the results are worse than we expected.” He also warned patients to be aware of the signs of band erosion and infection.
So, here is another example of a surgical alternative being extremely dangerous. This begs the question….what are the other options?
Well, fortunately, obesity is a disease of lifestyle and choice. Ouch. I know that sounds harsh. But, the fact of the matter is that obesity can only be controlled by making PERMANENT lifestyle changes. This means changes in the way you eat, even the way you look at food, and making a conscious decision to make exercise a priority in your life. This might seem like a tough task, but consider the alternative: Sickness and even death.
Losing weight and getting healthy isn’t easy. Consider that if you are overweight, it took years to get that way, and you can’t reverse it overnight.
In my clinic, I take what is essentially a “3-pronged” approach to helping patients lose weight. This involves detoxification, diet and exercise. By diet, I don’t mean “fad” dieting. I am talking about teaching a patient how to eat right for the rest of their life.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired because of your weight, please contact me through my website at www.boggschiro.com.
In Health,
Dr. Daniel Boggs
