New Year, New You with Dr. Liu
By Danny Liu, MD, Mercy Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery and Breast Surgery
Losing weight and improving health is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. Pursuing bariatric surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly, but it can be life changing. Below are some important points that can help you decide if this procedure can help you.
Who should consider bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, includes different surgical procedures performed on the stomach and intestines to induce weight loss. A person may benefit from bariatric surgery if they are suffering from morbid obesity and obesity-related medical conditions. An individual is considered morbidly obese if he or she is 100 pounds over his/her ideal body weight, has a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or more coupled with obesity-related health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
What is the process of receiving bariatric surgery?
A good candidate for bariatric surgery should be ready to commit to the lifestyle and dietary changes necessary to ensure long-term success. The process starts with attending a monthly introduction seminar in person, or by watching the information video on our website mercy.net/newyearliu. If interested, patients will submit their medical history and set up a consultation. After an appointment with a bariatric surgeon, the patient will start working with a dietician and psychologist and any other necessary specialists to get ready for surgery.
Bariatric surgeries are performed with minimally invasive techniques to decrease recovery time and minimize pain and complications. Most patients will spend 1-2 nights in the hospital after surgery, then return to normal activities after a couple of weeks.
Why should I undergo bariatric surgery?
Not only is bariatric surgery truly life changing, it is potentially lifesaving, as morbid obesity has an increased risk of early death. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery can achieve significant weight loss, leading to a dramatic improvement in their quality of life. It also decreases joint pain and eliminates limitations associated with being morbidly obese. The Bariatric Program at Mercy is focused on taking a comprehensive approach to help individuals achieve successful long-term weight loss. Another differentiating factor is our commitment to our patients in the after-care we provide. We are committed to our patients’ long-term weight loss success, and we truly care about their success. Bariatric surgery can be intimidating. Learn what a few patients say about this life-changing surgery:
Kathy Newkirk – Talent Development Specialist
Dr. Liu and his staff are professional, kind, compassionate and caring. They literally saved my life. My only regret is that I wish I had done this years ago. I wasted my youth on obesity!
I was put on low-fat milk at 6 months because I was gaining too much weight when I was a baby, or so I am told. I had lost the same 100 pounds four times and was on the way to regaining it yet again. In desperation, I attended one of Dr. Liu’s seminars. Immediately, I went home and shared what I had learned with my husband, who was not at all on board with any type of surgical intervention. I continued to diet for another month or two and finally called to make an appointment. My husband, in protest, agreed to go with me. I weighed in that day at 332 pounds. Dr. Liu’s approach was, “If you knew your wife had a tumor that would take her life and I could remove that tumor, would you let me do it?” My husband said, “Of course.” Dr. Liu’s response was, “Your wife is morbidly obese, and it will eventually kill her. I can do a procedure to help her and most likely save her life. Won’t you let me do it?” My husband was on board.
I have lost about 125 pounds. I am not “tied to the scales” and don’t weigh often. My joy isn’t in a number! My joy is in the fact that I can walk and not be winded; it is in the fact that I can tie my shoes; it is in the fact that I can eat and for the first time in my entire life, be full. Today, I am still a happy person, just one with so much more energy, and I can do anything I put my mind to. My body no longer stops me!
JT Amos – Executive Chef
I would absolutely recommend bariatric surgery to anyone. It changed my life!
At 332 pounds, I would always order the biggest meal, so I could feel full at the end of it. Since I am an executive chef, it’s all about a relationship with food. I’ve always been a very physical person, and I never let my weight get in the way, but I would always suffer the next day. I would be in so much pain, and my legs would hurt. Now I can do two or three days in a row and not really hurt. I can play with my 5-year-old daughter. We go ride roller coasters. We go do things! I chose Mercy for bariatric surgery because I wanted someone to be with me for a lifetime.
When I talk to my other bariatric friends, I find that they’re doing the surgery, but they are feeling like they are rushed. With Dr. Liu, you’re not. He and his team set forth a path, and then they help you to follow it through to the end.
For more information about bariatric surgery with Mercy, please call 417.556.2915 or visit mercy.net/newyearliu.