May 17, 2019 – Most people know that being overweight can make you
more likely to develop health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes
and heart disease. But being overweight can contribute to a variety of
other health problems you may not know about, including increased risk
for gallstones, osteoarthritis and even some forms of cancer.
For people who struggle with losing weight with traditional diet and exercise,
weight loss surgery can be an effective way to gain control of their health.
In fact, many people who undergo weight loss surgery report that symptoms
associated with diabetes and other diseases quickly resolve after their
procedures. Some are even able to discontinue their diabetes and blood
pressure medications entirely.
On Wednesday, May 22,
J. William Tsai, M.D., board-certified general surgeon at
Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Glynn General & Vascular Surgery, will present “Understanding Obesity: Are You at Risk?” at
the Golden Isles YMCA’s Lunch and Learn from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Lunch will be provided at no charge to attendees. The lecture will offer
important information on treatment options for obesity and additional
details to associated risks.
“Being overweight can impact your health in many ways and dramatically
lower your quality of life,” says Tsai. “Some people, no matter
how hard they try, struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Those are the
people who may be good candidates for bariatric surgery. Our goal with
the surgery, and the bariatric program patients participate in prior to
surgery, is to help patients take charge of their health.”
As most doctors and many patients who have had bariatric surgery can tell
you, losing weight and keeping it off requires hard work and dedication.
Surgery is not a magic cure, but rather a kick-start to a healthier lifestyle.
Still, many patients have found that weight loss surgery had an immediate
and dramatic impact on their health.
“Without bariatric surgery, the cards are stacked against people
who are trying to lose a lot of weight,” explains Tsai. “Obesity
is a disease and there’s nothing lazy about using a highly effective
treatment like bariatric surgery, in addition to the lifestyle changes
that accompany it, to treat that disease.”
The Lunch and Learn For Your Health series takes place at the Golden Isles
YMCA located at 144 Scranton Connector, Brunswick. Seating is limited
and pre-registration is required by calling the YMCA at 912-265-4100.
To learn more about bariatric surgery at Southeast Georgia Health System
or to schedule a consultation, call 912-265-5125 or visit
sghs.org/bariatrics.