Obesity is the modern epidemic of the 21st century. Since the mid-1980s, the collective weight of American society has continued to increase. Obesity is now the second leading cause of death in our country. In addition, conditions associated with obesity such as diabetes, heart disease, NASH, and sleep apnea are becoming increasingly prevalent. Today, 8% of all adults suffer from Adult Onset Diabetes or Type II Diabetes. It is projected that by the year 2030, more than 25% of all adults will have diabetes. There is a direct relationship between the development of diabetes and obesity as 90% of patients with diabetes have at least Class I obesity (>50 lbs overweight). To date, the only truly successful strategy to address this problem for individuals is Bariatric Surgery.
Metabolic/ Diabetes Surgery is recomended by the American Diabetes Association as a primary treatment for patients with Diabetes; whether newly diagnosed or chronic. It has been argued that basing the decision to offer surgery based upon the amount of obesity one has rather than the diagnosis of diabetes is arbitrary and misguided. Metabolic/ Diabetes Surgery is also recomended for patients with a BMI between 30 and 35 if their diabetes is poorly controlled.
Dr. Chiasson started the Weight Loss Surgery Program at Northwest Medical Center in 2003. Since then the program has flourished and was the first in Southern Arizona to receive Center of Excellence accreditation status by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The program represents the oldest and most successful weight loss program in Tucson. Dr. Chiasson’s practice was recently awarded the 2019 Tucson Readers Choice Award for Best Bariatric Surgical practice. {add badge]