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Bariatric (weight loss) surgery is recognized by the medical community as the only effective long-term weight loss method for those who are severely obese (approximately 100 lbs overweight) and for those who have repeatedly failed to lose weight by other means. Typically, patients who undergo bariatric surgery lose an estimated 75% of their excess body weight, which, in turn, favorably affects their health and well-being. Morbid obesity affects approximately 4 million adults in the United States; morbid obesity is defined as being 100 lbs overweight or having a body mass index (BMI) of 40kg. This type of obesity is very dangerous to one’s health because it leads to so many medical conditions and increases your chances of dying prematurely. Most people who suffer from morbid obesity have struggled their entire lives with weight, and many reach the point where they simply give up trying to lose the weight. Health Concerns Associated with Obesity There are many medical risk factors associated with being morbidly obese including: · Hypertension (high blood pressure) · Diabetes · Hypertriglyerceridemia · Hyperinsulinemia · Arthritis · GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) · Gallstones · Fatty liver · Sleep apnea · Infertility · Depression · Anxiety · Substance Abuse · Complications with pregnancy · Increase in certain types of cancers (uterine, breast, prostate, colon) Bariatric surgery is the only proven method of achieving long-term weight control in the obese and greatly impacts the health and longevity of the obese. There are several different types of bariatric surgery, but the laparoscopic approach is the most preferred because of these advantages: · Shorter stay in the hospital · Quicker return to normal activities · Less pain and discomfort The benefits of successful bariatric surgery are significant because dramatic weight loss will change someone’s life quite substantially. Everyone loses weight in the first few weeks and months following this type of surgery, and the initial weight loss is rapid and dramatic. During the first few weeks and months after surgery, the stomach pouch created gradually increases in size to about 5-6 ounces. Bariatric surgical patients can expect to lose up to 65- 75% of excess weight by one year and additional weight loss in the second year. Usually weight loss stabilizes at this point, on the basis of three healthy and moderate meals a day and avoidance of calorie-containing beverages. Benefits of bariatric surgery include: · Weight loss · Lower blood pressure · Lower cholesterol and triglycerides · Improvement in diabetes · Better sleep · Less depression and anxiety · Improvement in GERD · Improved social and psychological function
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