Broward Health Bariatric Surgery Helps Patients Reduce Serious Conditions
Chi Zhang, M.D.,
August 2, 2022- Impressive weight loss and appearing trim in a bathing suit are coveted byproducts of bariatric surgery. But metabolic bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that improves health and eliminates comorbidities that accompany obesity — hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and diabetes, explained Chi Zhang, M.D., medical director of bariatric surgery at Broward Health Imperial Point and a member of the Broward Health Physician Group. “I tell patients, ‘If you’re off medications in six months, that is real success.”
People with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 and a comorbidity are eligible for bariatric procedures, as are those with a BMI over 40 without comorbidities. “We’ve treated patients with BMIs as high as 75; there is no maximum limit,” Dr. Zhang said. Age limits are a thing of the past. “Benefits of surgery extend over a decade and beyond, so anyone with a 10-year life expectancy is a candidate.”
Two Roads to Health
Two types of procedures are offered at Broward Health Imperial Point: gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. Both are permanent and reduce hunger. Gastric bypass produces more weight loss in the first year. With gastric sleeve, weight loss continues over two years.
When you lose weight quickly, you achieve your weight-loss goal fast. However, losing weight more slowly may reduce saggy skin and stretch marks. “Most patients opt for the gastric sleeve,” Dr. Zhang said.
Both laparoscopic procedures are minimally invasive and considered extremely safe. Robot instrumentation passes through a tiny 12-millimeter incision, providing surgeons with increased magnification, flexibility and maneuverability. “The robot offers stability, less pressure and very little trauma on the muscles and tissues of the abdominal wall. That often means less pain for patients,” Dr. Zhang said.
Procedures typically take 90 minutes, followed by an overnight hospital stay, and recovery is relatively quick. “Some patients with desk jobs return in a week; most wait two weeks. For physically demanding jobs, a month is best,” Dr. Zhang said.
Tools to Succeed
The comprehensive approach for the bariatric surgery program at Broward Health is what sets us apart, Dr. Zhang explained.
“We provide a full medical assessment, psychiatric evaluation, detailed explanations, surgery, follow-up and even support groups,” he said. “It’s all here. Patients form lasting relationships with us, and we provide the tools they need to succeed.”
Dr. Zhang said that success is reflected in the fact that nearly all Broward Health bariatric patients (90 to 95%) successfully maintain their weight loss.
Your Weight Loss Journey Begins Now
For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org/Bariatric.
