The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 25, Number 2 | Page 32

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | February 2019
Ask the Physician
I went through a very stressful period in my life five years ago and I ate a lot to help me cope with
everything and just get through. Things have evened out in my life and now it’s a lot easier, but—I
currently weigh 340 pounds at 5’11” tall and now have diabetes. I’ve tried A LOT of diets and do exercise
a little (when I can—it’s hard to move this size body around!), but just can’t get my weight to go down.
My doctor says my weight, which caused my diabetes, is making it even worse, and that my heart is
showing signs of stress (now I also have Atrial Fibrillation). I’m really desperate for some way to help me
lose weight!
Harvey G., Matawan
Harvey, Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s Bariatric Program was created for patients just like you. People who are
severely overweight—with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40—are automatically candidates for weight loss surgery
like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and duodenal switch surgical procedures, as part of an overall program focusing on
nutrition, healthy living, and exercise. Based on your weight and height, your BMI is 47.4. This factor—combined with
your diabetes and cardiac arrhythmia—definitely qualifies you for consideration of weight loss surgery.
Here is a link to calculate your BMI: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/BMI/bmicalc.htm Deborah has
partnered with the surgical weight loss experts at Garden State Bariatrics and Wellness Center to bring this service to
the hospital. Don’t be discouraged—there’s hope! Give me a call and I’m sure I can come up with a plan that works
for you.
For more information on Deborah’s Bariatric Program: 609.893.1200, x4727.
Michael L. Bilof, MD
Medical Director, Bariatric Services Program at Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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