Losing weight and keeping it off can be a difficult, lifelong journey. Statistics tell part of the story: if you put ten average Michigan residents in a room, four will be overweight (BMI 25-30) and another three will be obese (BMI >30).
Perhaps you’ve tried many years of exercise routines, countless diet and nutrition programs, pharmacological interventions, and therapy. You’ve likely experienced periods of weight loss, sometimes for months or years, but have never quite achieved long-term, sustainable and significant weight loss.
The new bariatric program at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc is designed to give patients the tools to lose weight and regain their lives. Led by bariatric surgeon, Vasanth Stalin, MD, the Genesys program will offer the latest minimally-invasive weight loss surgeries. Matched with the exceptional surgical and nursing staff at Genesys, Dr. Stalin is focused on unparalleled safety, effectiveness, innovation and patient satisfaction.
“Weight management is an important issue nationally and in Michigan,” explains Dr. Stalin. “People are looking for comprehensive, evidence-based solutions. We’re changing lives and helping people live healthier, longer lives.”
Dr. Stalin is an experienced and highly trained bariatric surgeon who was instrumental in the development of the bariatric program at St. Mary’s of Michigan. He helped the program earn accreditation with the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. While at St. Mary’s, he led the program to achieve the Blue Distinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has completed a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic to expand his expertise in various forms of bariatric surgery.
Dr. Stalin also earned specialty certification in obesity medicine, which demonstrates his thorough understanding of weight management, particularly in terms of the genetic, biologic, environmental, social and behavioral factors that contribute to obesity. He is one of only a few in the state to be certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Surgical Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss by restricting food intake and interrupting the digestive process. Dr. Stalin’s expertise allows him to provide the advanced surgical solution that fits the exact needs of each patient. You may be eligible if you are:
- More than 100 pounds overweight
- Body mass index (BMI) higher than 35
- Suffering from weight-related health problems
- Unsuccessful in losing weight by traditional, non-surgical methods
Benefits to Surgery
Today, bariatric surgery is helping thousands of individuals live healthier, longer lives. Although it depends on the patient and procedure, many will not only lose a significant amount of weight after bariatric surgery, it can also reduce the many health risks associated with obesity.
Following surgery, the average bariatric patient loses and keeps off 50-75 percent of excess body weight. Many of the health risks associated with obesity – heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, cancer and diabetes – are reduced by as much as 95-100 percent.
People considering weight loss surgery need to know there is no quick fix when it comes to losing weight. “Bariatric surgery is only a tool and it requires willpower and a commitment to making significant lifestyle changes,” explains Dr. Stalin. “Surgery speeds up weight loss, but it isn’t the ‘easy’ option. It requires people to be extremely dedicated to lifestyle changes, which include eating techniques and exercise,” he adds.
Reclaiming Your Health
The goal of the new bariatric program at Genesys is to improve the health and quality of life for every patient. If you’re thinking about taking the next step, we are here for you. You can lose weight and get more out of life.
Dr. Stalin and the team at Genesys will soon offer free educational seminars to inform those interested in the weight loss options. To learn more about the Genesys Bariatric Program, call 810.606.7669.
Although it depends on the patient and procedure, many will not only lose a significant amount of weight after bariatric surgery, it can also reduce the many health risks associated with obesity.
