HONOLULU (KHON2) — Obesity is a mounting health crisis globally and is linked to various chronic conditions. For those battling obesity, bariatric surgery has emerged as a beacon of hope.
Bariatric surgery is a group of procedures that helps to obtain sustained and significant weight loss in patients.
“Oftentimes, these patients have tried other methods such as diet, exercise and even medications to try to obtain weight loss,” said Dr. Reid Sakamoto, minimally invasive bariatric surgeon at The Queen’s Health Systems. “However, sometimes these don’t work for them anymore. Bariatric surgery is typically the next step we can offer patients to help achieve their goals.”
Patients who qualify for bariatric surgery include those with a body mass index of over 40.
“Or have a body mass index of over 35, with significant obesity-related co-morbidities. This includes hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis,” Sakamoto said.
Patients who have had complications with previous bariatric surgeries such as reflux, difficulty swallowing or weight regaining are also candidates for the surgery.
“Our clinic employs a multi-disciplinary team approach to evaluate for bariatric surgery. We use dieticians, psychologists and surgeons to help identify patients who will benefit from bariatric surgery,” Sakamoto said.
According to Sakamoto, obesity changes the physiology of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the connection between the esophagus and the stomach. Often, it also leads to anatomical changes in these areas.
“The typical interventions that we use for reflux disease oftentimes are not helpful in patients with obesity because of high rates of failure and recurrence. These patients may benefit from bariatric surgery,” Sakamoto said.
The Queen’s Comprehensive Weight Loss Management program ensures patients are well prepared and have exhausted other options before bariatric surgery is considered.
To learn more about the program, visit Queens.org or call (808) 691-7546.