On June 12th at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Chemung County Legislator Rodney J. Strange underwent Bariatric Surgery consisting of a full gastric bypass.
Dr. Subramaniam Sadhasivam was his chief surgeon and Dr. Brent Samter was the anestesiologist. The operation, done laparoscopicly, took approximately 5 hours and when finished was a complete success.
A gastric bypass operation alters the normal flow of food through the stomach and intestines. A very small pouch is created which is attached to a loop of the small intestine (the Roux limb). The pouch can only hold 4 to 6 ounces at one time. The Roux limb, in turn, is connected to the remainder of the intestines as a Y connection. These changes make you feel full after eating only a small amount of food and most patients lose their sense of hunger for most of the day. Some food is not completely digested resulting in mild malabsorption.
After deciding to have this surgery, Strange underwent 5 months of consultation, testing, and counseling. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease in May 2009. At that time he had his right kidney removed. Strange hopes that the affects of this surgery over time will cure his diabetes and lower his blood pressure to normal levels. This surgery is a tool for significant weight loss. Patients usually lose 50% and up to 70% of their excess body weight by the end of three years.
“I decided to have this surgery for many reasons:
I wanted to honor the doctors and surgeons that saved my life in 2009 and make all their hard work and time spent healing me be worthwhile.
Successful weight loss and program follow through will eliminate my diabetes, lower my blood pressure, and prevent further damage to my remaining kidney. I should be able to stop taking most, if not all, of my medication over time.
I will be able to live a more active and fulfilling life. I will be a healthier person and an even better legislator for the people of the 15th legislative district.
I would like to thank everyone involved in this jouney so far and ask that you stay tuned over the next several months and years to see the amazing opportunity that you have given me and the new life I am going to lead thanks to all of you!”