CORDOVA, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Here in the Mid-South, aconsiderable part of our population is classified as either overweight or obese.Consequently, it’s no surprise that gastric bypass surgery is growing inpopularity as a way to fight the fat.
The surgery shrinks the stomach to prevent weight gain andkick-start weight loss. Medical experts say the benefits exceed the cost ofgoing under the knife.
We spoke to a local patient about his success story and hisdoctor.
“I ended up losing 97 pounds so far,” said Todd Johnson, a gastricbypass patient.
He tells Local 24 News that his surgery on April 16th was life-changing.
“I feel fantastic. Not only is my energy so much better, butalso, and I think as important, is just my flexibility and ability to move inways that my greater weight was not allowing me to do,” Johnson says.
On top of his new-found strength, Johnson says he no longer hashigh blood pressure or joint pain and his only negative “side effect” ishaving to buy some new clothes.
His doctor, Virginia Weaver says GP surgery has benefits beyondlosing weight.
She said, “This is not cosmetic surgery. This is aboutlife-saving changes and life-saving treatment for a patient.”
Candidates for the surgery must be around 100 poundsoverweight. Doctors measure your body mass index, or BMI, which must bevalued at 35 or higher.
Dr. Weaver has some advice for those who are unsure whether thesurgery might be the best option for them.
She says, “Just come see us. Talk to a medical specialist or asurgical specialist, which is what we have here in our office, about yourweight problems.”