Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Dr. Christopher Finley specializes in the surgical subspecialties of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery. Dr. Christopher Finley brings fellowship-level minimally invasive, bariatric, and weight loss medicine to Charlotte County. We caught up with Dr. Finley to find out more about the obesity epidemic and bariatric surgery.
“Humans are not well designed to carry an excessive amount of body fat, which is why obesity can lead to several medical problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and increased risk for several forms of cancer.” Dr. Finley explained. “Family history and genetics play a significant part in developing obesity, which can make weight loss even more difficult.
“The food industry is also to blame by producing an increasing amount of highly processed, nutrient-depleted products with confusing nutritional guidelines. It’s no wonder the majority of all diets fail to sustain long-term weight loss.
“The vast majority of what we do in medicine and surgery is manage the problems that arise from health problems without ever fixing the root cause of disease. This is very much like figuring out different ways of putting a bucket underneath a leaky roof rather than just patching the leak.
“Bariatric surgery has been shown, time and time again to be the most effective way to cure obesity and obesity-related diseases. Patients undergoing weight loss surgery not only lose the majority of their excess body weight but also keep the weight off for good. More importantly, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and all other obesity-related diseases resolve or are significantly reduced.
“Obesity Control is profoundly misunderstood by the medical community. Many believe it’s a calories in, calories out process, but it’s driven by hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance that keeps people from losing weight. This makes it difficult to achieve weight loss and keep it off. That’s why we no longer do lap-band procedures. It’s not a simple math formula. Metabolic syndrome and hormonal affects how a person regulates their own hormones, which is the key to weight loss.”
What sets Bayfront Health Port Charlotte’s
Bariatric Department apart?
“We’ve set up resources at Bayfront that mirror some of the premier facilities that I’ve trained at, which have the highest level of successful bariatric procedures and weight loss for patients. These are world-renown, high-volume, elite facilities. At Bayfront, our staff and protocols were put in place to create the same high level of quality to allow our patients to receive the best care with optimal outcomes.
“We perform advanced laparoscopic surgeries and keep them as minimally invasive as possible for our patients, and it’s a comprehensive program that teaches and trains them to overcome obesity with customized steps.”
Dr. Finley is Board Certified in General Surgery by the AOBS Fellowship Certified by the ASMBS in Bariatrics and Minimally Invasive Surgery.
At Bayfront Health Port Charlotte, we understand how challenging weight loss can be. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one third of American adults are morbidly obese, increasing their risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, and keeping them from an active and happy life.
We also know that it’s never too late to take control. Our dedicated bariatric program offers proven solutions and compassionate support when traditional options haven’t worked. Like other men and women, we have helped, we are here to help you enjoy your own life-changing success.
Our bariatric surgery program includes a specially trained team of professionals who will work closely with you and your primary care physician to create a personalized plan that promotes your physical and emotional well-being.
Of course, our support doesn’t end when your procedure does. Weight loss surgery is a lifelong commitment, and you can find peace of mind knowing that comprehensive follow-up care is always close to home. We offer education and support to encourage and empower you through every step of your journey.
If you or a loved one have any health concerns related to obesity, please consult Bayfront Health to discuss a tailored weight loss plan that’s right for you. A comprehensive private and free consultation is your first step to take action and get you to a healthy goal weight and to keep you there.
Bayfront Health Port Charlotte
For more information, please visit
BayfrontCharlotteWeightLoss.com
2500 Harbor Blvd
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(941)-766-4564
