Dameron Hospital | Health Outlook | Fall 2020

Many think that people with obesity lack willpower and discipline when it comes to their eating and exercise habits; however, obesity is a chronic disease that requires a range of interventions and medical management. Obesity cannot be brushed aside as a cosmetic problem. It is, in fact, a medical condition with severe consequences to one’s health. In Cunningham’s case, there were other health factors involved, and she could not lose the weight on her own. She had to explore other options, or she would continue to jeopardize her health and well-being. A complete program with ongoing support Like many people, Cunningham originally had the flawed belief that having bariatric surgery was “taking the easy way out.” After exhausting all her dieting and exercise options and struggling with her other health conditions, she was finally convinced that she needed to consult her primary care physician for help. That’s when she was connected with Tarig Samarkandy, MD, lead bariatric surgeon and director of the Dameron Hospital Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Program. He made her feel at ease and prepared her for the next chapter of her life. “I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Samarkandy and his team! At first, I walked into my first appointment in tears, embarrassed to be there,” says Cunningham. “However, he and his team were so welcoming, encouraging and reassuring that I knew I was going to be in good hands.” Dameron Hospital’s Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Program provides comprehensive and personalized support for successful weight loss that changes lives — just like Cunningham’s. “I left that first appointment feeling so informed and much more confident that this was the right path for me to take,” she says. Dr. Samarkandy and the Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Program at Dameron Hospital provided Cunningham with the support and resources she needed to lose weight and get healthy. Services include weight-management education, behavior modification therapy, and the option of gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery. “We combine innovative surgical solutions and comprehensive support to help people like Cunningham successfully overcome their obesity and achieve their health and lifestyle goals,” says Dr. Samarkandy. “And now, we offer state-of-the-art, minimally invasive robotic surgery at Dameron Hospital that provides us enhanced surgical precision, dexterity and control, which translates into even quicker recovery for our bariatric patients.” What makes this program unique is the team-based approach to care that is confidential, compassionate, and tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyle. “My role as a surgeon is to provide patients with a tool to help them reduce their overall caloric intake,” says Dr. Samarkandy. “However, that is just one part of the solution. The rest of it has to do with helping patients with lifestyle changes and commitment to ensure their weight loss and health improvements are sustainable for the rest of their lives.” Cunningham was prepared to do her part. “I knew after talking with Dr. Samarkandy and his team that losing weight and keeping it off would require intense commitment and dedication,” she says. “From incorporating regular exercise Weight lost, joy found —Continued from Page 3 “I cannot express how happy I was with my surgery.” Tarig Samarkandy, MD 4  Health Outlook • Fall 2020 HEALTHY WEIGHT