Anyone who has lived with obesity for any length of time will be well aware that the negative effects of carrying excessive weight are not limited to physical appearance. Overweight and obesity can impact upon every system in the body, leading to a host of health problems that limit quality of life and life expectancy. The social stigma carried by obesity can have a significant detrimental effect upon self-esteem and psychological wellbeing, whilst the physiological changes associated with the condition can lead to multiple life-threatening co-morbidities.

Laparoscopic gastric banding is a surgery that reduces the capacity of the stomach with the help of a silicone ring and an inflatable balloon that is fitted on the outside of the stomach. The balloon inflates with the injection of fluid through the injection port. This narrows the opening of the upper pouch, wherein the amount of food you eat is controlled while the emptying process of the stomach pouch is slowed.

If you are thinking about bariatric surgery and have doubts about whether it is right for you, you’re not alone. It’s a life-changing decision, and serious contemplation—particularly overcoming concerns and learning how to effectively cope with them—is part of the decision-making process for everyone. Bariatric surgery is a major procedure, and recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It’s normal and natural to fear surgery, anesthesia, or physical changes. Before you let these fears prevent you from having bariatric surgery, you may want to take a few moments to better understand the facts. Bariatric surgery is a lifelong change. Even considering it is a healthy step, because it gives you an opportunity to examine your health and your life.

Bariatric surgery requires a change in the way that you think about food, dieting and exercise. Although there are definite physiological changes that occur after surgery and that will help you lose weight, it is important that you realize the need to change your environment and some of your previous lifestyle choices. Although the operations change the way in which your body processes food, some of these changes are only temporary. It is important that you start life-affirming habits that will help you succeed.

The wonders of technology can be truly impressive and sometimes daunting. The idea of a robot operating on a human being (for example, on you) could certainly be considered intimidating. So when doctors say they would recommend a procedure using the da Vinci Surgery robotic system, does that sound like a robot is going to perform the operation? Actually the da Vinci system is an ‘Intuitive Surgical Endoscopic Instrument Control System.’ That means the da Vinci system is a combination of computers, electronics and machinery that provides a surgeon with an intuitive tool for seeing and controlling surgical instruments during an operation.

Welcome to the first step in your consideration of weight loss surgery with Dr. Belsley at Mt. Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital Center. We understand that you have a choice in your medical care and will do his best to answer your questions and ensure you a safe, personalized and individual experience throughout your weight loss. You must continue on your new path as it is one that you must walk for the rest of your life. Please keep in mind that bariatric surgery requires continuing positive lifestyle change and is not a substitute for dieting.