Home About Us Advertise with Us Disclaimer FAQ's Contact Us
Posted on February 5, 2008 in Latest News
Surgical weight loss, or bariatric surgery, may be an option for severely obese patients who fail to maintain weight loss after trying medical weight loss strategies such as modifications in diet, behavior and exercise, and medically supervised weight loss regimens. Bariatric surgery is also known as clinical obesity.
Clinically severe or morbid obesity is defined as a body mass index [weight (kg)/height in m2) )] greater than 35 with significant medical problems, or more than 100 pounds over the ideal body weight. Severe obesity carries a six- to 12-fold increase in overall mortality when compared to non-obese individuals.
Such individuals are at increased risk of illness from hypertension, lipid disorders, type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory problems and certain cancers.
How surgery helps
Most patients experience significant improvement or resolution of weight-related medical problems following bariatric surgery.Other benefits include improved body image and self-esteem, more energy, and return to normal activities including employment.Bariatric surgery should be considered when the medical benefits of weight loss outweigh the risk of complications related to surgery.
Comprehensive pre-surgical assessment and post-surgical follow-up including behavior modification and nutrition counseling are critical for sustained weight loss. Working with referring physicians, our therapists and dietitians teach patients to eat properly and use the stapled stomach to assist weight loss.
All patients undergo psychological screening and nutrition counseling to help identify uncontrolled depression, psychosis, eating disorders, a history of substance abuse and any other emotional issues that might interfere with the patient’s ability to comply with post-surgical instructions.
» Filed Under Latest News
