Centers for Obesity Related Illness (CORI) warns that obesity
poses serious dangers to men's health. The American Obesity
Association agrees that obesity increases the risk of developing
one or more serious medical conditions such as heart disease,
diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and certain cancers.
The week of June 13 is National Men's Health Week, and CORI
supports national and local efforts to inform the public of
ways to improve men's health, including reversing clinically
severe obesity.
"It is estimated that 66 percent of all men are either
overweight or obese," says Kerry Kole, D.O., F.A.C.O.S,
CORI bariatric surgeon. "If we're going to reverse this
trend, we must break the silence and raise public awareness
of the health and social challenges facing clinically severe
obese men. But, we've got to do a lot more than talk about
the problem. We've got to teach these men how to modify their
behavior and choose a healthier diet and become more physically
active. While surgical weight loss is not the best option
for everyone, it can be a lifesaving choice when diets fail.
For this select group, we need to make sure they are prepared
to make an informed and educated decision."
Dennis Tiede is an example of how obesity can take complete
control of a man's life. His story is different from most
in that he grew up relatively thin. His active lifestyle and
high metabolism in his youth kept him slim and trim. As he
approached his thirties, his metabolism slowed along with
his activity and he began to gain a few pounds. He managed
to control his weight until he shattered his ankle and was
unable to work. In six months he gained 130 pounds and developed
a host of medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood
pressure, acid reflux and Baker's cyst. Two years after the
accident he had ballooned to nearly 400 pounds.
"For the first time in my life I lost all hope. I didn't
like what was happening to my body and I was upset that I
couldn't work. When my doctor told me I was going to die unless
I lost the weight, I knew I had to do something drastic,"
exclaims Dennis. "I began researching non-surgical and
surgical weight loss options. When a relative, who was over
500 pounds, had weight
losss surgery, I became convinced that surgery was my
best option."
Two years after weight loss surgery Dennis has shed more
than 150 pounds!
"After my weight loss I became a healthy person again.
My diabetes and other health problems were cured almost immediately.
"
With a new lifestyle, Dennis has managed to keep the weight
off. "I walk at least two miles every day and I'm eating
a healthy diet." Dennis proudly admits that his golf
game has also improved since surgery. "Just last week
I shot an 82. I am amazed at how I can turn and pivot so much
more effectively!"
But it is the small, everyday things Dennis appreciates the
most. "Before surgery I had given up on life. I thought
I was going to die. Today, I have hope again. Every day is
sunny and 70. I have this incredible joy -- I'm free from
the embarrassment of obesity."
CORI sponsors free health and info sessions in conjunction
with area hospitals. Call 800-578-CORI (2674) or visit http://www.WeightLossSurgery.com
for program dates and locations.
|
