For the morbidly obese, most of whom have tried the diet route without success, bariatric surgery may be the last best option. With the range of obesity related diseases and obesity itself on the rise, bariatric surgery and its quick weight loss may be the solution for a return to health for those who have tried and failed at the diet and exercise route.
Morbid obesity is defined by the National Institutes of Health as being 100 pounds or more above your ideal body weight. It also includes having a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater, or 35 or greater with a condition such as Diabetes 2, Heart Disease or Osteoarthritis, among others.
Patients with these conditions may benefit the most from bariatric surgery; the weight loss achieved as a result of the surgery can decrease the effects of these problems very quickly and give the patient the opportunity to resume a healthier lifestyle. Patients with Type 2 diabetes can see a resolution of the disease, often in very short order. Those patients with heart disease will take a great strain off of their hearts as their weight drops quickly and dramatically, blood pressure is often improved as well, leading to less medication. Patients suffering with osteoarthritis or joint pain will find relief from the pain, and able to return to life and work in a more productive and self confident mode.
Those patients suffering from acid reflux and sleep apnea also report a decrease in these ailments, which may be linked to more serious health issues. The cancer risk of morbid obesity is also reduced.
For many patients, bariatric surgery is a relief from suffering. Being unable to walk, or to comfortably do many of the normal daily activities of life holds many obese men and women back, their fear of public scrutiny or shame can keep them from seeking medical attention and from participating in exercise that they need.
While bariatric surgery has become safer and provides more options for the obese person, there are steps that must be taken in order to qualify for the surgery. It is important to find a doctor who you can trust, and one that is board certified. A Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence is one that has met the strict criteria established by the nonprofit Surgical Review Corporation and delivers the highest standards of bariatric surgical care. Speaking with a competent physician is the first step toward obtaining the necessary physical, psychological and insurance clearances you will need before you can schedule your surgery.
Contraindications for bariatric surgery include a history of substance abuse, emotional health issues or chronic pancreatitis, and severe heart or lung disease. In qualifying for bariatric surgery you will also be asked to follow specific guidelines for diet and exercise that are important to maximize the health benefits of the surgery.
All surgeries carry some risk, and bariatric surgery is no exception. Although it has been around for decades, it is only recently that bariatric surgery has become a viable and safer alternative for morbidly obese patients. Mortality and complication rates have fallen as doctors continue to perfect the procedure and as patients commit to better health before and after.
A mortality rate of 0.1% for lap banding and 0.5% for gastric bypass is commonly reported. Many of the complications are minor, but patients must be aware of the possible problems, both physical and psychological. This is a lifelong, dramatic change, so patient research and confidence plays a big part in the outcome. Tolerating only smaller portions, taking vitamins and a quick loss of weight may leave you overwhelmed. The more armed with knowledge you are about the after effects of the surgery, the better your outcome will be. Checking online support groups can help you to minimize fear and cope with the body changes you will feel after surgery.
If bariatric surgery is not for you, if you are unconvinced or skeptical, or just would prefer to lose weight on your own, there are many weight loss programs that, while not as quick as surgery, will provide the safe, consistent loss necessary for a long term goal. Programs like Weight Watchers require a commitment to eating less and exercising more, but offer the support of informational meetings and real world eating that many find success in. There are short term programs that offer a quick fix, but research has found them to be expensive and ineffective over the long term at keeping the weight off. Your best bet is to follow a well structured program or meet with a nutritionist that can help you devise a plan that works for you, and to add exercise as part of your daily routine for good health.