COVID-19 and Obesity

As we have all been at home dealing with this pandemic, our NYBG providers have been closely looking at data emerging from around the world regarding the risk of severe Covid-19 illness in our patients.

Data from China, Seattle, New York, and France showed that patients with a BMI over 40 were much more likely to be hospitalized for Covid-19, more likely to be admitted to ICU, and more likely to be intubated. This progression also means a higher mortality rate for our patients. Together, these studies clearly show that obesity is a major risk factor for the development of severe Covid-19 disease. This risk appears to be independent of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease.

Risk Factors Associated with Obesity

Scientists are only now beginning to understand why this risk exists. One-way obesity increases risk is its effect on pulmonary function. Obesity is associated with decreased lung volumes and weaker respiratory muscles that are important in fighting Covid-19 disease. Obesity increases abdominal pressure when supine which makes ventilation more difficult. Obesity has been shown to be a pro-inflammatory disease, and elevated cytokines in the blood may predispose obese patients to a more severe immune reaction to the disease. Finally, obesity is also associated with diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, all of which increase the risk of developing pneumonia.

The good news is that successful weight loss surgery reverses the pulmonary and metabolic changes associated with obesity and lowers your risk of severe illness substantially.

At the New York Bariatric Group, we have worked to create a One Day workup where you can get all required clearances in our office in one day. Many insurance companies in New York have eliminated requirements for medical weight loss programs which means we can get you to surgery in 1-2 months from your initial consultation.

Given the concerns expressed about a possible second wave of the Covid-19 virus in the fall, now is the time to get started.

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Obesity & COVID-19

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I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

COVID-19 and Obesity

Risk Factors Associated with Obesity

Schedule A Consultation

Obesity & COVID-19

Resources

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

Robert

Lost 76lbs

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

Samantha

Lost 92lbs

I feel like a completely different person.

Eileen

Lost 99lbs

It saved my life.

Brittany

Lost 126lbs

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

Desiree

Lost 157lbs

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

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