A recent study indicates that a large proportion of Americans are still
confused about what it means to have a healthy diet and regular exercise
routine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) roughly
two-thirds of Americans are over weight, and nearly one-third are obese.
The most recent research indicates that good health comes from a combination
of a balanced diet, regular exercise, losing weight and avoiding risk factors
such as smoking. Doctors have long-known that genetics and the elimination
or management of risk factors, such as excess weight and smoking, significantly
improve an individual's health.
Weight loss may be more elusive to some than others.
For severely overweight people, the most effective method to lose weight
may be bariatric (or gastric bypass) surgery. In fact, according to scientifically
published reports, in 95 percent of cases significant weight lost through
nonsurgical programs is regained within three to five years. While bariatric
surgery may set the stage for significant weight loss, it's important to
know that even surgical weight loss requires long-term lifestyle modification.
"There is no quick fix for obesity. It is a medical condition that requires
the treatment and supervision of a physician," said Laurence Tanaka, M.D.,
F.A.C.S., surgeon at Scripps Mercy Hospital and Pacific Bariatric Surgical
Medical Group (http://www.pbsmg.com). "Gastric bypass surgery is a viable
option for many obese individuals who are committed to a lifestyle change
for the improvement of their health."
At Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group and Scripps Mercy Hospital
in San Diego, thousands of patients have successfully regained their health,
life and sense of self.
Laparoscopic bariatric surgery, one of the surgical options available,
offers a shorter recovery time, with faster healing, less scarring and
less pain. A healthy diet, support groups and a customized exercise plan
help get patients on the path to losing weight and staying healthy for
life.
Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group, Inc. and Scripps Mercy Hospital
are nationally designated by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery
as a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. Pacific Bariatric Surgical
Medical Group, also known as Hillcrest Surgical Medical Group, Inc., has
an 80-year tradition of surgical excellence and leadership in San Diego
County. For more information, visit http://www.pbsmg.com.
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