Recent research found that patients who have undergone weight loss surgery are three times less likely to require hospitalization for COVID-19

Delray Beach, FL – The start of a new year, combined with extra weight - dubbed by some as the Quarantine 15, brought on by the stresses of COVID-19, are leading more people to consider surgical weight loss. Their goal is to improve their chances to not require hospitalization if they contract COVID-19. Over the course of the pandemic, a recent Harvard Medical School study says close to 40% of people have gained weight compared to what they were the year before. These pandemic pounds can come from stress, lack of exercise, being stuck at home, and eating the wrong the foods.

According to the CDC, having obesity increases someone's risk of suffering more severe illness from COVID-19. Nearly 75% of adults older than 20 years in the U.S. meet the criteria for being overweight or obese. Recent research published in the Journal of Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases found that patients who have undergone weight loss surgery are three times less likely to require hospitalization for COVID-19.

“Our patients have always wanted to focus on improving their overall health, including things like diabetes and blood pressure, but now, more than ever, a healthy BMI is an important key for surviving COVID-19,” said Dr. Erica Podolsky, medical director of the Surgical Weight Loss Program. “Our team of experienced physicians and dieticians offer some of the most advanced and safest procedures for weight loss in South Florida, giving our patients a better chance to reduce this major COVID-19 risk factor.”

The Surgical Weight Loss Program at Delray Medical Center is designed to help people who are 80 or more pounds overweight, or have a BMI over 35, and looking to get back to a healthier place in their lives. The program specializes in non-surgical weight loss approaches, as well as laparoscopic bariatric surgeries including gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, adjustable lap band surgery, and revision or conversion bariatric surgery.

We use some of the latest and most advanced technology and techniques:

• Personalized care and support before and after surgery
• Personal (individualized) assistance with before surgery insurance and Medicare requirements
• Private patient rooms
• Private pay options
• Ongoing classes for long term weight loss success
• Monthly support group meetings with bariatric team
• Post-operative nutritional & aftercare support
• Access to experienced bariatric team

Some of the benefits of weight loss surgery include:

• Increased mobility
• Enhanced quality of life
• Lowers your blood pressure
• Lowers your cholesterol
• Decreases sleep apnea
• Decreases your acid reflux
• Decreases your chances for certain cancers

Located on the campus of Delray Medical Center, you can learn more about the Surgical Weight Loss Program here or call our Bariatric Program Coordinator, Diane Schofield at 561-495-3022.

• https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/10/did-we-really-gain-weight-during-the-pandemic/
• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550728920306195?via%3Dihub