Monday, September 8, 2008

weight loss surgery- Is it necessary?

Weight loss surgery is a life-altering decision — one of the most important decisions a person will ever make. With that in mind, i have pulled together the information you need about obesity, weight loss surgery, making the choice, life after surgery, and additional resources to help in the decision-making process.
Obesity is a state in which there is a generalised accumulation of excess fat in the body. Stages of overweight are medically defined by body mass index (BMI).BMI of 25 to30 is clinically classified as overweight.

What is Morbid or Severve Obesity ?
A person is considered "obese" when he or she weights 20 percent or more than his or her ideal body weight. At that point, the person's weight poses a real health risk. Obesity becomes "morbid" when it significantly increases the risk of one or more obesity-related health conditions or serious diseases (also known as co-morbidities). Morbid obesity sometimes called "clinically severe obesity" is defined as being 100 lbs. or more (40 kg or more ) over ideal body weight or having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher.Also, a patient with BMI of 35 of greater with one or more obesity related diseases is also classified as morbidly obese. So Morbid obesity is a serious health hazard leading to significant physical disability or even death.

Health Risks Of Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases, including :
Diabetes
High-risk pregnancy
High blood pressure
Breathing disorders
Heart disease
Infertility
Cancer in women : endometrial, gallbladder, cervical and uterine
Cancer in men : colorectal and prostate

In addition, obesity contributes to numerous other medical conditions, including
Obstructive sleep apnea
Stroke
Heartburn / reflux disease
Osteoarthritis and gout
Gallbladder stones
Psychological disorders
Depression
Incontinence
Low back pain
Fungal infections

Are You Eligible for Surgery ?
Bariatric surgery is a major operation, and should be considered only after non-surgical weight-loss methods have failed. If you're considering weight-loss surgery, you must make a serious, lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes. If you have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or more with illness related to excess weight, and have not been able to sustain weight loss through diet and exercise, you are a candidate for weight-loss surgery. Our center accepts candidates between the ages of 16 and 70, with some exceptions. Through our intensive non-surgical weight management program, we can help you lose weight by helping you change your eating habits, modify your behavior and increase your physical activity. All surgical procedures carry risks, even more so when a patient is obese. Different procedures involve different risks, and depending upon your individual circumstances, your risks may be higher or lower than average. Your surgeon will discuss potential risks of surgery with you so you can make an educated and informed decision.
In general the following criteria must usually be met before a person can be eligible for surgery.
Usually you should be at least 100 lbs. overweight, depending on height.Use our BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator as a guide.
Failure to lose weight by prior serious efforts.
Absence of medical problems that might make obesity surgery too hazardous.
Sincere motivation towards weight loss, including a willingness to make necessary changes in habits, following the instructions you will be given, and keeping appointments for follow up.
Age 15-70, although this may vary in individual cases.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other complications of obesity are additional reasons to undertake the surgery and are not reasons to withhold obesity surgery because of any extra risks, in most cases

Life After Surgery
Weight loss
All techniques show good to excellent results. Most operations generally achieve an average body weight loss of 70-80% after a year. Weight loss generally continues for all the procedures for 12-24 months after surgery.

Effect of Surgery on associated medical conditions
Weight reduction surgery has been reported to improve conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol in majority patients. Many patients report an improvement in mood and other aspects of psychosocial functioning after surgery. Because the laparoscopic approach is performed in a similar manner to the open approach, the long-term results appear to be similarly good.

Summary
Bariatic surgery or weight loss surgery is an effective alternative to treat severe or morbid obesity