Weight-Loss Surgery
An Interview with Surgeon Dr. Vadim Gritsus

More than two million Americans are considered morbidly obese and suffer from a chronic condition that is difficult to treat through dietary changes and exercise alone.

“The public’s perception of those with clinical severe obesity is often harsh and groundless,” Vadim Gritsus, MD, said. “People with severe obesity often are associated with being weak-willed, self-indulgent, and unmotivated, when in reality, obesity in this group is usually related as much to genetics, hormones and biochemical interactions as it is to cultural habits and behavior.”

Although many people having weight-loss surgery do it to look trim, Dr. Gritsus said they should consider doing it to increase longevity and improve their quality of life. "If a person is morbidly obese, losing weight isn't just a cosmetic change; it's an essential lifesaving change that isn't likely to happen without bariatric surgery."

Obesity is a leading cause of death. One study found that the mortality rates for men and women who were 50 percent above their ideal weight were twice as high as their counterparts.

Two major types of bariatric surgery are performed today to promote weight loss: Adjustable Gastric Band which includes Lap Band and REALIZE band, and  Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB). People having the procedures performed today usually sustain substantial, long-term weight-loss through the restriction of food intake and the nutrients the body absorbs.

Although there are many weight loss procedures today, The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and Adjustable Gastric Band are the gold standard weight-loss procedures as of now.
The examples of new weight loss surgeries that are still considered investigational are: intragastric balloon, gastric sleeve procedure. 
 
The operations of Adjustable Gastric Band and Gastric Bypass close off parts of the stomach to make it smaller and to restrict food intake where food enters from the esophagus. In addition, during Gastric Bypass, a portion of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the rest of the stomach and the first two segments of the small intestine (those portions of the digestive tract that absorb excessive calories and nutrients).

Although the Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure restricts food intake and reduces the feeling of hunger, it does not interfere with the normal digestive process. During Gastric Bypass however, the digestive process changes.  Most people lose the ability to eat large amounts of food at one time, but Dr. Gritsus said patients continue to enjoy all types of food after surgery — they just eat smaller portions.

Dr. Gritsus believes that patients who embark on the weight loss process do best in a nurturing, supportive environment.  Dr. Gritsus and his staff are available any time to address any of the patients needs.

Dr. Vadim Gritsus is a surgeon with Advanced Laparoscopic training and expertise in bariatrics. Dr. Gritsus trained at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Morristown Memorial Hospital. Dr. Gritsus personally performed over 2500 weight loss procedures.

To meet with Dr. Gritsus, please join us during one of our free educational seminars