The recent debates about the best way to approach healthcare reform have really highlighted obesity and obesity related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer as the top preventable health problems in the US today.  Both parties agree that focusing on obesity cures and prevention will be an important part of bringing down the costs of healthcare.  It is estimated that every pound lost is equivalent to a $50/yr savings in healthcare costs.  An obese 40-year-old is equal in medical age to a 60-year-old normal weight person.  Weight loss surgery provides an aggressive approach to significant weight loss to improve health in persons who have tried and struggled with traditional diet and exercise programs.  For the health of our nation and to lower healthcare costs, it is my hope that the final healthcare reform bill will include provisions to improve access to treatments like weight loss surgery. 

– Dr. Darren Soong