Vital Health Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Finds Anxiety about Undergoing Anesthesia May Lead One in Four Patients to Postpone Surgery.
Lack of understanding and apprehension about anesthesia may lead as many as one in four patients to postpone surgery according to the Vital Health Report, a quarterly health survey of Americans released today by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).
For more than twenty years, New Jersey resident Tina McGrath has been struggling to manage her Diabetes.
"You always have to carry your equipment. You always have to remember your medications." Tina stated.
Tina is turning to surgery, a procedure her daughter hopes will dramatically change Tina's lifestyle.
On the day before her surgery, Tina anxiously says, "I can't wait until tomorrow. It's a whole new life."
"She will be able to live a healthier life and be able to do the things she wants to do." her daughter added.
Tina is having a Gastric Bypass Surgery. Her surgeon, Dr. Alexander Abkin, co-director of the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Saint Clare's Hospital in Dover, New Jersey.
"There is a very good chance we can cure Type 2 Diabetes. We believe it because the portion of the stomach and duodenum, where the insulin and other hormones responsible for Diabetes, is being bypassed." Dr. Abkin says when asked if curing diabetes is possible with Gastric Bypass Surgery alone.
Less than twenty four hours after surgery, blood sugar levels often drop in diabetic patients, before any weight loss.
"Hopefully it will be normal without any medication." Abkin added.
But in order to have Lap Band or Gastric Bypass Surgery in NJ, you have to have a high Body Mass Index, which is at least 35 or more. But what if you don't meet that qualification and still have diabetes?
"There are studies underway right now to prove and try to plead to the National Institutes of Health to change that classification." Abkin indicated.
On it's website, the American Diabetes Association posts a study that Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding resulted in both weight loss and remission of Type 2 Diabetes in up to 80 percent of cases. But it does caution that more research needs to be done before it can be called a "cure".
And with surgery comes risks, risks Tina was willing to embrace.
"I think it is fantastic that they can do this, and if you want to say that it is a cure for diabetes, I think it is absolutely wonderful." Tina says.
After surgery, Tina's sugar level is near normal, and it is expected she will no longer need her Diabetes medication.
When Houston rapper Paul Wall shot to stardom in 2005 with his debut The People's Champ, he didn't have much of a weight problem.
But, as he blew up and his schedule got busier, his unhealthy habits began to catch up with him and if you browse through pictures of the rapper over the last five years, you'll notice the fluctuation in weight.
People who are slated to undergo weight loss surgery are often required by their health insurance company to wait six months from the time of approval to the time of surgery. The wisdom behind the waiting period is that patients should use the time to try to adapt to new diet and exercise habits that will be essential to their long-term success.
Vital Health Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Finds Anxiety about Undergoing Anesthesia May Lead One in Four Patients to Postpone Surgery.
When Houston rapper Paul Wall shot to stardom in 2005 with his debut The People's Champ, he didn't have much of a weight problem.
