Bluepoint Surgical Group Transforms Retired Firefighter's Life With Weight Loss Surgery

FAIRFAX, VA--(Marketwired - Sep 25, 2013) - For obese individuals looking to lose large amounts of weight, diet and exercise alone are often insufficient means when it comes to successful long-term weight loss. Those who are considered morbidly obese (usually weighing about 80-100 pounds over the ideal body weight for a person's size) require a solution that addresses the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity, which is why many eventually consider bariatric surgery. Recently, Glen, a retired Alexandria firefighter and patient from Bluepoint Surgical Group, underwent sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve surgery), a weight loss treatment that permanently reduces the size of the stomach by 60 to 80 percent.

"I had always struggled with my weight over the years but it had really gotten out of hand," says Glen. "I had tried every diet and exercise program available. I was always active and thought that I could lose the weight by normal modes, but none worked."

In laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, the bariatric surgeon uses staples to divide the stomach along its vertical length. When the excess stomach is removed, a smaller-sized stomach remains, creating a slender pouch in the shape of a "banana," "tube," or "sleeve." The benefit of the gastric sleeve procedure is its ability to limit the amount of food a person ingests at any given time, without sacrificing or interfering with the normal absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Like other prospective bariatric surgery patients, Glen's weight loss surgery began with conducting research. "My original thoughts were that this seemed like a very drastic method for weight loss, and that it was a permanent way to keep the weight off," he says. "This scared me initially because it was going to require a commitment that was lifelong and I had both seen and heard of failures, so I had some very deep reservations."

But, In March 2011 Glen attended an informational obesity treatment seminar held by Bluepoint Surgical Group where he first met Dr. Denis J. Halmi. The seminars, which are free to attend, are led by a Bluepoint surgeon and are held once to twice a month throughout the year at Washington, DC and several Northern Virginia locations, including Fairfax, Woodbridge, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. According to Bluepoint, the seminars present the public with an opportunity to learn about some of the weight loss treatments offered, such as LAP-BAND® System surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

"The point that made the difference was the support that was offered before, during, and after the procedure," says Glen regarding his decision to choose Bluepoint. "It did not stop after the wound was healed, but rather there was a long-term commitment to me as a patient and as a person. The staff and the willingness to help me as a person, and not just another number, impressed me."

As part of Bluepoint's comprehensive treatment approach, patients are offered nutrition and exercise programs. In the bariatric nutrition program, patients attend medically advised classes and meetings pre- and post-operatively in which they are educated on how to lead a healthy lifestyle and make the necessary behavior changes.

"The biggest success is the learning -- or should I say re-learning -- of how to take care of myself," says Glen. "I have learned that I eat because I have to, not because I want to. I have learned a lot about food, and the importance of the types of foods that I should eat, as well as not eat. These behaviors have helped me to understand how to maintain my weight and intake."

Prior to surgery, Glen weighed nearly 350 pounds. Now an avid exerciser, Glen has lost more than 160 pounds, ran five 5Ks, and has a structured, regimented workout gym routine. His success, he claims, is due in large part to the continuing support offered from Bluepoint.

"I learned a lot through the whole process," says Glen. "Through all of the efforts of the staff at Bluepoint, I have learned to take care of myself so that the reasons that I did this will come true. The staff has provided a support structure like none that I have seen from any doctor's office. From the dieticians, to the insurance folks, to the doctors -- any time there was an issue it was easy to call and ask."

About Bluepoint Surgical Group
Recognized as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Bluepoint Surgical Group consists of a team of surgeons, registered dieticians, counselors, and fitness professionals who help individuals who are severely obese. The doctors of Bluepoint Surgical Group have a special focus on bariatric and laparoscopic surgical techniques, and hold numerous distinctions in the medical field. In addition to offering minimally invasive, comprehensive weight loss surgery programs, the practice also offers colorectal surgery, treatments for hernias and gallbladder conditions, and non-surgical weight loss options. The center treats patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, and many other areas. The surgeons at Bluepoint Surgical Group are available for interview upon request.

For more information about Bluepoint Surgical Group, visit bluepointgroup.com or facebook.com/bluepointgroup.

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