Bariatric surgery is for people who want an active and healthy lifestyle, but have a history of chronic obesity. Candidates for weight loss surgery must have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or a BMI greater than 35 with other weight related diseases resulting from their obesity.Body Mass Index (BMI) is an approximate measure of body fat based on height and weight.
Bariatric surgery is for people who want an active and healthy lifestyle, but have a history of chronic obesity. Candidates for weight loss surgery must have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or a BMI greater than 35 with other weight related diseases resulting from their obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) is an approximate measure of body fat based on height and weight. As a person's BMI goes higher, the risk for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and certain cancers increase. In fact, the risk of death increases with the increase in BMI. Morbid obesity is the state of having a BMI greater than 40.
People who are morbidly obese are encouraged to exhaust all non-surgical efforts at losing weight through diet and exercise before considering bariatric surgery. It is intended only for those who have put consistent effort into losing weight without success as that same effort must continue after surgery.
All surgical procedures have certain risks, complications and benefits. The ultimate result from weight loss surgery is dependent on how much education the patient receives from their surgeon, the surgeon's experience and the patient's commitment to diet & establishing an exercise routine.
There are three surgeries that are performed most often for weight loss. Here's a general overview of the three approaches:
Lap Band Surgery is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a band is placed around the upper most part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into two portions, one small upper and one larger lower portion. Because the amount of food that passes through the band is regulated, patients feel full faster.
Gastric Bypass Surgery is restrictive in that it divides the stomach into two portions, one small upper and one larger lower stomach, using stapling. Gastric bypass, however, is also malabsorptive because the surgeon connects the small intestine to the upper stomach, bypassing the large intestine. Food travels from the upper stomach straight into the small intestine. As a result, the body absorbs fewer calories.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, or Gastric Sleeve Surgery, is a procedure in which the stomach is reduced to about 15% of its original size by surgically removing the larger portion of the stomach. There is no bypass of the intestines involved. This procedure provides rapid weight loss and is a great alternative for patients with higher BMI's.
Bariatric surgery is definitely a lifestyle change and not a "quick fix" to weight loss. Patients work closely with health professionals after surgery to maintain compliance with diet and exercise instructions. Failure to follow recommendations can result in serious complications and weight gain. A strong support system plays a crucial role in the success of losing weight following bariatric surgery. This is particularly true during the days, weeks and months immediately following surgery, when physical, mental and emotional adjustments are being made.
If you're ready to make lifelong changes to live an active and healthy lifestyle, have a history of chronic obesity and a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or a BMI greater than 35 with other weight related diseases, you might be an excellent candidate for bariatric surgery.
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