HealthBreak | Missoula Bariatric Program

January 3, 2017

Obesity is a national epidemic, making people sicker than ever before. "We use the term, 'morbid obesity;' meaning the time weight starts affecting someone's health," explains Brad Pickhardt, MD FACS, a bariatric surgeon at Providence St. Patrick Hospital. "If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater - that's about 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight - and you don't yet have high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea, you're going to develop them at some point." Risk of having gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, urinary stress incontinence and cancer are all increased as a result of obesity, warns Dr. Pickhardt. "Life is going to get more and more miserable, and you will live 7-10 years less than someone of normal stature," he cautions. Fortunately, the Missoula, Montana weight loss surgery program at Providence Bariatric Services can help people get, and stay healthy. "Obesity is a life-long, life-threatening disease," says Dr. Pickhardt. "It's not just the surgery that makes a difference, it's the ongoing counseling and education from our bariatric staff, working with you, that makes it all work." To learn more, visit http://montana.providence.org/clinics/bariatric-services

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