Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Heidi Smith, Contributor
Obesity is a preventable medical disease that is becoming more prevalent worldwide. It has the potential to shorten lifespans and is associated with a host of other potentially serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Obese individuals also may suffer from psychosocial effects, including social anxiety and depression.
For many, the problem is not one of calories in and calories out. No matter how many weight-loss programs or special diets they try, some people find it very difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Their condition is often a metabolic disorder that can be resolved through bariatric/metabolic surgery, according to Matthew Tufts, M.D., and Vincent Brown, M.D. – Southwest Florida surgeons who specialize in such procedures.
Both doctors are board-certified surgeons and are fellowship trained in metabolic/bariatric surgery, which they perform at ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda hospitals. Dr. Brown also has specialized training in robotically assisted surgery. The surgeons work with a multidisciplinary team including cardiologists, pulmonologists, psychologists, nutritionists/dieticians, physical therapists, and case managers – all with a common goal to improve the health of their patients.
“We see so many patients who are frustrated and even ashamed by their inability to maintain a healthy weight and enjoy a more active lifestyle,” Dr. Tufts related. “Our first priority is compassion. Patients need to know that we care about their well-being and understand the challenges of obesity, especially given today’s body-conscious culture. We have the tools and expertise to help.”
Said Dr. Brown, “What we do is not strictly about weight-loss. It’s about resolving a metabolic disorder and providing guidance to the patient for the long-term. While individual results may vary, our patients can achieve their goals of better health and a more active lifestyle.”
For patients seeking help with obesity, the doctors conduct a comprehensive examination including medical history; laboratory tests; physical, cardiovascular and psychological exams; and even a sleep study.
“When patients are chronically obese, they often have a host of other medical conditions,” Dr. Tufts explained. “The good news is that patients can see their conditions improve dramatically after metabolic/bariatric surgery, even before substantial weight loss occurs.”
Type 2 diabetes patients may no longer need insulin or medication, he said. Nonalcoholic fatty-liver disease can be halted or even reversed. Blood pressure medications can be reduced or even eliminated. Sleep improves. And for women, the surgery can resolve problems with conceiving and carrying a baby to term.
“If the patient is a good candidate for a surgical approach, we discuss the various procedures and help the patient determine the best option for their situation,” Dr. Brown said. “We use minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery that requires very small incisions. With this type of procedure, the patient is up and around right away. Recovery time is generally rapid, and hospital stays are usually short – one to two days.”
The surgery changes the way the body digests food and takes up nutrients, so maintaining a healthy weight requires lifelong behavioral and nutritional changes. Patients who undergo metabolic/bariatric surgery with Drs. Tufts and Brown receive lifestyle and nutritional counseling to manage their metabolism long-term.
“We understand how challenging weight loss is for patients, but we also know how satisfying the results can be,” said Dr. Brown. “We strive to connect with our patients, educate them on different options for weight loss, and help guide them through the process to ultimately reach their goal to live a better, healthier lifestyle.”
Added Dr. Tufts, “It’s a privilege to help patients on this journey with a procedure that can be so transformative and give so much back to the patient that obesity has taken away. One of the best parts of my day as a surgeon is rejoicing with patients who are experiencing dramatic improvements in their health and lifestyle.”
ShorePointBariatric.com
(941) 621-3835
