Whatâs new in Weight Loss Surgery?
By: Ioannis Raftopoulos, MD, PhD, FACSCategory: Ioannis Raftopoulos, MD, PhD, FACS
The problem of obesity is without question one of a national importance that soon may take over tobacco as the number one cause of preventable deaths. Unfortunately non-surgical treatments of obesity generally donât work and weight loss is not substantial in 97% of patients using these methods. Over the last few years Weight Loss surgery (WLS) or Bariatric surgery has steadily recognized as the only effective method of significant and long-lasting weight loss. The great demand has led to a rapid growth in the field of WLS and as a result, there is a lot of information available in the media, as well as online, which can be confusing, or misleading for the interested WLS candidate. In addition, it is my observation that at present many patients are âreceivingâ? an operation but not the thorough pre- and postoperative education, guidance and follow-up that are keys to a long-term success after WLS.
WLS Lifestyles magazine has offered me the opportunity to have a regular column in the magazine, which on a quarterly basis will briefly âtouch and commentâ? on some of the most recent developments in the field in an effort to keep post-WLS patients updated with new innovations in complication/side-effect management and weight loss maintenance and provide valid and accurate information to WLS surgery candidates that will assist them on making appropriate informed decisions.
We believe that the column in the magazine will do a great job to increase the awareness of âwhat is out thereâ?, but it will not be eventually enough due to space constraints, indirect nature of communication and the relative infrequency of those columns appearing on a quarterly basis. WLS Lifestyles magazine recently introduced a website that I think it provides an ideal and perfect âmarriageâ? with the column allowing us to discuss in more detail and depth any new innovations and developments in the field of WLS presented at the column and also to educate patients regarding several preoperative issues and appropriate postoperative follow-up management. Obviously it goes beyond saying that questions are welcomed.
Although nowadays you can find online more information about a person than he/she is aware of, I would like to briefly introduce myself. I am presently the Medical Director of the Bariatric Center of Excellence at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, CT. Prior to that I was an Assistant Professor of Surgery and attending staff surgeon at the Division of Minimally Invasive, Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. I have completed a General Surgery residency in Chicago and a Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery in Pittsburgh. I have been named a Bariatric Surgeon of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Besides my clinical work I have a strong interest in research. My scientific work includes 70 peer reviewed publications, over 50 presentations in national and international meetings, and active participation as primary investigator or co-investigator in research grants. Besides WLS, my clinical interests include Laparoscopic Colon surgery, Anti-reflux surgery and repair of abdominal wall hernias.
Looking forward to answering your questions, as well as âmeeting and socializingâ? with you in the web.
Ioannis Raftopoulos, MD, PhD, FACS
Medical Director, Bariatric Center at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Surgery
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
Department of Surgery
114 Woodland Street
Hartford, CT 06105
Tel: 860-714-7128
Fax: 860-714-8096
