February 20, 2017 – Most Used

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Anchor lead: Which type of obesity surgery is most common? Elizabeth Tracey reports

Obesity management is changing, a recent review in the New England Journal of Medicine reports. Kimberly Steele, a bariatric surgeon at Johns Hopkins, says such changes begin with the type of operation most people opt for.

Steele: A few years ago, 80% of our patients were having gastric bypass and the sleeve about 20%. Now the sleeve is taking over.  For what reasons? A lot to do with media, a lot to do with the concept that the sleeve is less invasive than the gastric bypass. The long term results of the sleeve are still now out. It’s yet to be seen what will come in the future with the sleeve. But right now, it seems to be the procedure of choice.   :30

Steele says the entire approach to obesity management is much more comprehensive in nature and also includes longer and more intensive follow up, to help ensure that weight loss persists over time. A team of providers including nutritionists and behavioral therapists are involved. At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.