Bariatric Surgery Can Be Considered to Keep Weight Off

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have had a BMI over 40 for the last 20 years, and I have not been able to lose weight or keep the weight off. My doctor prescribed Ozempic, which is helping, but as soon as I stop, all the weight creeps back on in a few weeks. I was always wary of surgery for weight loss, but recent studies seem to indicate better long-term health outcomes. What are your thoughts? -- S.O.

ANSWER: Medical or surgical treatment for weight loss is not right for every person who is overweight. Many people take medications in the class called glucagonlike peptide-1 agonists, which includes semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). But these medicines have the potential for harm, and an individual’s risks, especially conditions that can be affected by being severely overweight or obese, need to be carefully considered. Surgery has far more risks than medication and requires the most careful consideration before receiving a recommendation of bariatric surgery, of which there are many types.

I am much more likely to refer a patient to one of my colleagues in bariatric surgery when a patient is very obese and when there are clear medical issues that I can expect to get better with surgery. These medical issues can include diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Most of the time, these conditions can be well-managed without bariatric surgery, but sometimes management is very difficult. In this case, consideration of bariatric surgery is worthwhile. Bariatric surgery is never the first choice in weight management. A comprehensive lifestyle intervention -- with an individualized diet (ideally recommended by an expert such as a registered dietician or nutritionist), moderate exercise (with a goal of 150 minutes per week minimum), and regular meetings to help keep a person on track -- is the right place to start. It is effective for many people if they maintain the behaviorial changes.

I have been prescribing some of my patients with the GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications with good results, but as you mention, if you stop taking them, they stop working. Unless you make a dramatic change to your lifestyle that you can keep up, the weight will return.

Bariatric surgery does have very strong long-term weightloss data, as well as dramatic reductions in diabetes when used for the appropriate people.

***

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

Are

Are you interested in changing a tooth’s color or shape?

Porcelain Veneers are a great solution for you.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Division of General Dentistry Annual Division of General Dentistry Continuing Dental Education Conference on Porcelain Veneers

Where: Eastman Institute for Oral Health Division of General Dentistry Consultation, Exam, & Impressions are Free

Cost per tooth $450

Time Required: 1 visit • Exam & Impression (1 hour free) Veneers Procedure (a few appointments)

For more information call Stacie @ 585-273-4489 Stacie_Ellis@urmc.rochester.edu

Health Care Screenings For Men

BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 39

Infectious disease: The USNLM urges all individuals, including healthy young men, to be tested for hepatitis C at least once between the ages of 18 and 79. Doctors also may recommend additional screenings for sexually active young men, who may be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, and other infections.

WHAT CAUSES EATING DISORDERS?

Personality traits. Individuals with certain personality traits may be at risk for eating disorders. Excessive persistence and rigidity, impulsivity, neuroticism, harm avoidance, perfectionism,and obsessive thinking are traits often seen in people with eating disorders.

Online POLL

AMC Movie Theaters announced ticket prices will soon vary depending on where you choose to sit. What seat will you choose for your next movie?

• I'm willing to pay more to sit in the middle

• I'll take the side or back at regular price

• Give me the front row for the cheapest price

Poll ends 2-14-23

Poll ended 2-7-23

It's that time of year where millions of people tune in to watch the big game. With that many viewers, there’s more to this event than just football! In your opinion, what's the best thing about this annual tradition.

15.8% Great competitive football

26.3% The food and drinks

31.6% The commercials

10.5% Halftime entertainment

15.8% Getting together with friends

We love hearing from you! Vote and make your voice heard when you visit www.gvpennysaver.com!

Work

Pumping

Excavating

Trucking

Warner’s

How To Overcome Workout Fatigue

Stay hydrated. Hydrating during a workout helps replace the water and nutrients that are lost through sweat. Muscles that are not hydrated during a workout and throughout the rest of the day are susceptible to fatigue.

Pds Coins

Rare coins & currency, Gold/Silver bullion, buy and sell.

Private appointments/ house calls available. 585-289-7326

40 W. Main St., Shortsville, NY

Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10am-4:30pm, Sat. 9am-12pm

Facts And Figures About Autism

A 2021 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that approximately one in 44 children in the United States is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Fair Housing Statement

All real estate advertised in the Genesee Valley Penny Saver is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Fair Housing Enforcement Project Monroe County Legal Assistance Center

1 W. Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 325-2500 • www.lawny.org

We are retiring on February 5, 2023 and Parkside Pizza & Subs will be closed. We have enjoyed our time in Bloomfield providing you pizza, wings, subs and appetizers.

We wish to THANK all our wonderful customers for your patronage and support over the past 24 years. We’ll miss our employees, customers and Parkside friends.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and THANK YOU!