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News and Views looks at one option available in the fight against obesity.

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wrti/local-wrti-709235.mp3

Bariatric Surgery

Philadelphia, PA –

When other weight-loss options fail, some who suffer from obesity are finding success with bariatric surgery.

Nearly one in 50 adults in the United States is considered morbidly obese. In an effort to battle what some are calling an epidemic, more Americans are choosing bariatric surgery to address their weight problems.

WRTI's Jim Hilgen discusses this weight-loss option with Dr. John Meilahn, who has performed more than 700 procedures at Temple University Hospital. Dr. Meilahn points out that many medical issues caused by obesity are quickly reversed following bariatric surgery, and that the procedure can lead to significant changes in a patient's life.

The surgery, however, is not cheap. According to Dr. Phillip Shower of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, insurers are rarely paying the roughly $20,000 for the procedure, despite its potential benefits.

Listen to the podcast for the full story.