Chris Christie Weight Loss Surgery Loses 40 Pounds in
Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey has undergone weight loss surgery, saying it has nothing to do with his 2016 presidential ambitions. The father of four underwent the laparoscopic “Lap-Band” operation. The procedure uses an inflatable silicone band to restrict food intake.
The operation is less invasive than gastric bypass, which involves stapling off a large portion of the stomach. However, the operation may be difficult to reverse.
Weight loss surgery
Governor Chris Christie, a Republican, has lost 40 pounds since undergoing lap band surgery in February. He says he decided to have the procedure after hearing that obesity can reduce life expectancy. He reportedly consulted with New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, who has had gastric bypass surgery and advised him to consider the procedure.
Lap band surgery uses an inflatable silicone ring that sits around the stomach to reduce hunger and food intake. It can also be used in conjunction with other surgical procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
The operation restricts how much a person can eat, and it can be performed with minimal downtime. It is also effective in controlling diabetes and other health conditions associated with obesity. A study has found that patients who undergo bariatric surgery are more likely to succeed in their weight loss efforts. They have a higher chance of preventing serious complications, such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a treatment for people who are morbidly obese and have health problems associated with excess weight. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Patients may need to take heparin and a blood-thinning drug before the procedure. Patients should also stop smoking several months before surgery. They should avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, and drink plenty of water. The surgery usually takes several hours.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is the most reliable treatment for long-term, sustainable weight loss and related health concerns. It restricts the amount of food you can eat by stapling off part of your stomach, then routing food past most of your small intestine to prevent absorption of calories and nutrients.
Although Christie refuses to divulge how many pounds he has lost since his February surgery, his body looks much more trim and healthy. Political pundits speculate the Governor’s stepped-up effort to shed weight could presage a run for president in 2016.
Gastric banding
During the procedure, an adjustable band is wrapped around the top of the stomach to create a small pouch. This limits the amount of food that can enter the stomach, so patients feel full more quickly. The surgery is done laparoscopically through small holes made in the abdomen. The band can be tightened or loosened by injecting or aspirating sterile salt water saline from an access port placed under the skin of the abdomen.
Christie, 50, publicly acknowledged he had lap band surgery in February but denied that it was an attempt to get ahead of his weight problem. The governor, who has struggled with obesity for decades, also brushed off suggestions that his surgery was part of his preparation for a possible presidential run in 2016.
Dr. Jaime Ponce, who performs gastric banding, says that patients who have this treatment lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week. They typically lose two-thirds of their excess body weight within two years.
Sleeve gastrectomy
Governor Chris Christie has been losing weight since undergoing lap band surgery in February 2013. The procedure is a less drastic alternative to gastric bypass. It involves wrapping an adjustable silicone band around the stomach to restrict food intake. The sleeve stomach then forces patients to eat smaller meals, making them feel full quickly.
In recent appearances, Christie has emphasized the importance of keeping healthy. His slimmer frame has even prompted speculation about a presidential run in 2016. But Christie insists that his motivation is the same as those of other Americans who turn to Weight Watchers, shakes and fasts: He wants to be around to see his grandchildren grow up.
Those interested in bariatric surgery should discuss their options with a doctor. There are several procedures available, including sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right one for you will depend on your medical history, weight and lifestyle.
