Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

By Nina Mehrabani 

The short term benefits are what many people are most familiar with when they think of weight loss surgeries. These include the immediate drop in weight and the overall improvement of the general health of the patient. What some may not be aware of is that these health benefits are often reported for years after the surgery has taken place. In many patients who have their six-year follow up visit, the majority of them has lost at least 20 percent of their pre-surgery weight and has successfully kept it off. In addition to keeping the weight off, they also show drastic improvements in their blood pressure levels as well as their diabetes.

Bariatric surgery is most commonly suggested for patients who have a body mass index of at least 40. The number drops down to 35 if they are experiencing health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In addition to the patient's body mass index, they must also present with other weight related health problems to be considered for this type of procedure. There is also an additional list of criteria that potential patients must meet before they are referred to a surgeon to discuss the different types of bariatric surgeries they may choose from. The most common of these surgeries is the gastric bypass. This surgery involves a surgeon shrinking the patient's stomach my making the upper portion of the stomach approximately the size of a walnut and then connecting that area directly to the small intestine.

Some of the most common weight related health problems that can be alleviated by undergoing bariatric surgery include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, infertility and respiratory insufficiency. Each of these health problems can be dangerous enough on their own, but when a patient exhibits multiples of these health problems they are in dire need off making lifestyle changes. Bariatric surgery can help reduce the patient's existing high blood pressure and diabetes. It can also help improve the other conditions as well; this is why so many patients may choose to have bariatric surgery.

As with any type of surgical procedure there are always risks involved. If you are concerned about the risks associated with bariatric surgery, you should consult with your primary caregiver or the surgeon that you may have been referred to. They will answer any questions that you may have about the different types of procedures and the risks that are associated with each.

Weight Loss Surgery - One Solution to Obesity

By Anna Woodward    

If you have struggled with obesity, you may be considering having weight loss surgery performed to drop the pounds. Sometimes after considering the options, this is the best solution. Being at a smaller number of the scale does lower the risks of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, and many more. Other options to ponder for creating a slimmer body include medically supervised dieting and enlisting in a fitness boot camp for a period of time.

Surgical Intervention

Another name for weight loss surgery is a bariatric operation or gastric bypass. Various surgical techniques such as these have been performed on patients over the last five decades. Back in the 1950's, fewer than 15,000 of these operations were performed but today more than 200,000 patients have opted for this treatment. These operations work because they limit the absorption of calories and lessen the capacity of the stomach to hold as much food. Some operations use a band to bind the stomach while other methods involve removing a portion of this body part. In order to be an ideal candidate for these procedures, patients should have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.

Medically Supervised Dieting

Dieting by yourself can be an exercise in frustration. Most humans relate to food as a source of comfort. When life happens, even the strongest willed dieter can fall off their diet plan. Many dieters don't even know what they should or shouldn't eat to lose weight. By having a doctor, nurse, or clinician monitor your dieting, you have a much better chance of being successful. In addition to learning new eating habits, these programs often include counseling to become self aware about triggers that cause a person to overeat. Support groups can play a part in the successful dropping of pounds, as well.

Fitness Boot Camp

Another way to amp up your chances of becoming slender and toning up is to join a fitness boot camp for a period of months. By committing to a program that includes daily exercise, dieting and weigh-ins, after a season you can end up with new lifestyle habits and an attractive physique. Some boot camps are in exotic locales such as islands or along the ocean shores. Losing pounds doesn't have to be drudgery; it can be an adventure similar to a vacation.

If you are tired of yo-yo dieting and of being extremely overweight, there are solutions to try. It's important to talk to your doctor to decide the route to take that's best for you. Some options include weight loss surgery, medically supervised dieting, and enlisting in a fitness boot camp. Being slim and healthy can happen when you make a solid plan.

Improvements in Weight Loss Surgery Makes Them Safer

By Nina Mehrabani    

Recent studies have shown that more than 200,000 people choose to undergo some type of weight loss surgery each year. These are individuals who have exhausted all other weight loss methods and have seen little to no results. This huge number also includes individuals who need to lose excess weight to help alleviate health problems that are known to be related to obesity. These health problems include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and many others. The patient and their physician may feel that undergoing weight loss surgery is the best option for them and the health problems that they may be experiencing.

Medical advances have made many of the different weight loss surgeries less invasive than they were in years past. This allows many patients to leave the hospital within one to two days after undergoing surgery. With the surgeries being less invasive, it also reduces the risk of complications arising in patients after they return home making these types of surgeries more popular to even the general population just looking to lose the extra baggage.

Weight loss surgeries require far less incisions and smaller incisions than in the past. The majority are performed through a laparoscopic procedure where only a few small incisions are made to gain access for laparoscopic camera and modified surgeon tools. These tiny incisions consist of no more than an inch to a two inch cut. For the patient, this means far less pain, less complications, and quicker recovery time.

Patients who have undergone a weight loss surgery reduce their risk of death over a period of seven years by 40% and cut their chance of experiencing some type of heart disease by 56%. These numbers provide surgeons validation and give the patients the comfort in knowing that the benefit of surgery greatly outweighs not having it performed. In addition to extending ones lifespan, patients also report an increased level energy and an improvement in their overall lives. They soon discover that they are now able to perform simple tasks and activities that they may have been difficult if not impossible previously. Many patients have shared that by undergoing a weight loss surgery has given them their life back.

Recent studies have also shown that bariatric surgery is also safe for teens. With the increasing sedentary lifestyles of our youth, we are seeing more and more issues with obesity in our teens. Although surgery is never a first option in weight control with anyone, especially teens, it does provide a viable option when all others have been exhausted. When considering this route for a teen, it is highly suggested you get a couple if not more opinions from qualified medical professionals. Qualified weight loss physicians and surgeons will be able to discuss with you your options and help weigh out the pros and cons of such a decision.

After undergoing surgery, patients are required to follow a specific diet plan per their surgeon. These diets are designed to meet their nutritional needs and medical needs in healing, as well as, teaching the patients how to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Once patients adopt these new healthy living eating habits they will be more successful in not gaining the weight back, harming the progress gained by the surgery, and feel an overall positive change in their lifestyle and health.

Weight Loss Surgery for Teens

Teen obesity is increasing dramatically. The number of dangerously overweight teens is increasing drastically, so do the popularity of weight loss surgery among young population.

Despite the fact that the cost of weight loss surgery is extremely expensive, and insurance companies do not often cover this procedure, more and more men women and teens who have not been able to maintain weight loss through dieting alone are now looking to get rid of their excessive body weight through surgery.

Today, a variety of surgical options to lose weight are available, with many of them offering best possible results. These procedures include lap band, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and mini gastric bypass.

The Facts for Families data sheet by American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) shows that the number of obese teens in the United States has grown to epidemic proportions in recent years, with 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of all children and adolescents considered obese.

The severely obese teens are at risk for serious medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and joint problems. The surging teenage obesity rate has contributed to the weight loss surgery trend around the world.

Does It Works for Teens?
Is weight loss surgery right option for teens? Many studies have billed the surgical ways to lose fat in teens as both safe and effective but many doctors still hesitate to recommend surgical intervention for teens.

While some experts caution that surgery isn't an option for most teenagers, suggesting that teens can achieve ideal weight with the help of changes in lifestyle and diet as well as physical activity and medical treatments, some others believe these non-surgical techniques do not work effectively in aiding weight reduction in the morbidly obese teenagers.

Since several studies have shown some of the benefits of bariatric surgery for morbidly obese adolescents, the weight loss surgery has found acceptance as an effective weight reduction strategy for teen population. However, the surgery is still very rare in this group.

A small percentage of teenagers are considering undergoing the surgery to aid them in their battle to lose a significant amount of their extra body fat.

Surgical Options for Obese Teens
For those abnormally overweight teenagers who have just not been able to lose weight with doctor-approved diet and exercise plan alone, there is weight loss surgery to help them in their fight against the dreaded stomach bulge and enhance their lifestyle. However, the teenagers need to be both physically and emotionally mature before undergoing the operation.

Like adult obese patients, teens can opt any of the two types of weight loss surgery- Restrictive or combined Restrictive and Malabsorptive procedures.

Restrictive form of weight loss surgery is less invasive, limiting the intake of food by shrinking the size of the stomach. This type of surgery makes a patient feel full even after consuming very small amount of food. The restrictive weight loss surgery procedures include the gastric band, the gastric balloon, and the gastric sleeve.

The combined restrictive/malabsorptive procedures could be much more complicated weight loss surgery options for teenagers. The operations in this category, including the Roux-en-Y bypass (long limb or distal gastric bypass), reduce a person's food consumption capacity by reducing absorption of nutrients and calories by the digestive system.

Although in several studies weight loss surgery procedures proved safe and effective in treating obese teens, still it is vital that the prospective patients are closely evaluated to ensure suitability for the surgical intervention.

Family support and a strict dietary regimen for the rest of their lives after the surgery are very important to evade their risk of regaining the weight they lost.

Learn the 2 Main Weight Loss Surgery Techniques

By A Aaronson    

If you are interested in the option of weight loss surgery, you may be wondering how it works. There are two main techniques used by doctors who perform this kind of operation. Both should typically result in the reduction of several pounds, since they are usually performed on patients who need to lose at least 80 pounds. You should get to know the two main techniques when it comes to this type of treatment.

One type of weight loss surgery is considered a restrictive technique. This is because the goal is to shrink the stomach, which means it cannot hold much food after the operation. The result is that you can feel full much quicker than usual, making it easy to stop eating when you need to. During this procedure, part of your stomach is either closed off surgically or removed. After the operation, you should start losing a good amount of the extra pounds rather quickly, because you will be eating far fewer calories than usual. Of course, it may take you some time to get used to this since you might try to eat as much as before simply out of habit, resulting in a stomachache. But once you are used to your smaller stomach, you should be thinner and you may even save money on food.

The other main type of weight loss surgery involves the small intestine. More specifically, the doctor may reduce the size of the small intestine so that less food is absorbed into the body, leading to a reduction in the amount you weigh. Some doctors decide not to change the length of the small intestine, but instead reposition it so it connects to the stomach in a different area. Either way, the result should be the same, in that you do not absorb the calories of much of the food you eat.

Many doctors choose to combine these two methods to create an effective weight loss surgery technique that should suit many patients. In order to qualify, you typically have to have at least 100 pounds to lose if you are a male, and 80 or more pounds if you are a female. In other words, you need to be severely obese to qualify. Having a serious condition related to obesity, such as sleep apnea, may also qualify for you.

Your doctor should be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for any type of weight loss surgery. If you are, you and your surgeon will go over your options and expected outcome. At that point, you should ask any questions you need to make sure you understand the procedure.

Weight Loss Surgery Can Cure Sleep Apnea

  By Andrea Avery

One of the main reasons why some people opt to get weight loss surgery is to drop excess pounds, which is definitely understandable. However, many of them don't realize that these procedures can do much more than help them lose fat. Shedding those excess pounds can also do things like rid them of sleep apnea issues. Now, some may see this as a seemingly insignificant problem. However, there are many people who are dealing with this dilemma who would love to have some relief.

If you are currently dealing with this type of sleeping sickness, you may need to get weight loss surgery. Of course, if you aren't overweight this isn't an option for you. On the other hand, if you are, you may want to look into it. It could definitely change your life for the better in more ways than one. Just think about it.

One of the things that sleep apnea does is cause an interruption in people's sleep. Some people experience waking up with breathing trouble several times a night. This can cause them to be extremely tired in the morning and could even cause them to wake up later than usual.

Imagine someone who has this sleeping issue, trying to go to bed early every night so that they can wake up on time for work in the morning. Unfortunately, one night they end up having a particularly bad night and their sleep apnea issues start getting worse and their sleep is interrupted more than five times. Because of this break in their rest they end up waking up late for work.

Now, what if something like this occurred several times? They would not only be seen as the person who doesn't show up on time for work, but their job could also be in jeopardy as a result. To some, this may seem like a far-fetched scenario, but this can actually happen. The good news is that there is an answer and that is weight loss surgery.

By getting rid of sleep apnea this procedure can also prevent people from disturbing others in their sleep. Many people with this issue make loud snoring noises. Unless the person sleeping next to them goes to sleep first, he or she will most likely have trouble sleeping as well.

So, although weight loss surgery is a great way for people to lose weight, it also provides several other great benefits. This includes improving people's overall health as well as getting rid of annoying and chronic issues such as sleep apnea.

Bad Side Effects of Weight Loss Surgery

By Neelam Goswami    

Bariatric (weight loss) surgery is an effective weight loss procedure performed on people who are dangerously obese and have failed to lose pounds with a healthy diet and exercise.

Bariatric surgery is billed as the life-changing procedure that improves an individual's physical and mental health as well as appearance. According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS), major developments in the field of bariatric surgery, particularly laparoscopy, has made it the most effective treatment for morbidly obese patients.

There are a variety of weight loss surgeries, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and gastric banding, that aim to reduce the amount of food you can consume at a given time by reducing the stomach size or/and bypassing some of the small intestine so that fewer calories are absorbed into the bloodstream.

These weight loss surgeries have been seen as an increasingly attractive option for obese patients in recent years. But people who have had any kind of bariatric surgery could experience side effects that can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Common Side Effects

Nausea, Vomiting and Abdominal Discomfort

Eating too quickly, taking large bites, not chewing well enough, eating foods that are too dry or tough or consuming food in large quantity at one time can bring on abdominal discomfort in many people after weight loss surgery. Eating less than 'mindfully' can cause nausea, vomiting and other complications.

Dehydration, Constipation

Ingesting water inappropriately after bariatric surgery can lead to dehydration. It is essential to drink about 2 liters of liquid a day during the first few weeks after weight loss surgery. Consuming fluid in larger quantity could create complications as well. Constipation is another bariatric surgery complication that may occur due to lack of water consumption. So, be sure to maintain adequate fluid intake after bariatric surgery.

Dairy Food Intolerance 

There is also a possibility that you may develop intolerance to some foods, mainly to dairy food items like milk and milk products. Some patients struggle to digest cheese or ice cream, or any other gummy foods like bread, pasta, and rice as well as steak and pizza.

Hair loss or hair thinning, fatigue, dry skin, abdominal pain and mood swings are other bariatric surgery side effects.

Dangerous Side Effects

Dumping Syndrome

Many bariatric surgery patients can experience "dumping syndrome," which occurs as the result of rapid emptying of undigested stomach contents into the small intestine. This complication mostly happens following gastric bypass surgery. Although the condition itself is not considered a serious health concern, the associated symptoms can be extremely unpleasant. They include nausea, shaking, weakness, sweating, faintness, tiredness, nightmares, rapid heart rate, excessive hunger and stomach cramping after meals.

Malabsorption and Malnutrition

The potentially severe complications can include malabsorption, where body fails to absorb nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract effectively. The deficiency of calcium and iron in the body can cause anemia, diarrhea, and even bone disease. Nutritional deficiencies after the surgery can have an everlasting effect on your life. The NIH statistic shows that nearly 30% of bariatric surgery patients develop nutritional deficiencies like anemia or osteoporosis.

NIPHS

Although rare, but some patients may deal with a serious complication called Non-Insulinoma Pancreatogenous Hypoglycemia Syndrome or very low blood sugar levels. Bariatric patients with this complication may experience severe neurologic symptoms, including frequent episodes of confusion 
throughout the day, visual disturbances and seizures.

Suicide

A review of nearly 17,000 bariatric operations performed from 1995 to 2004 in Pennsylvania suggested that weight loss surgery patients can also be at greater risk of suicide.

Risk of Death

Some studies have associated the weight loss surgery with a higher-than-expected risk of death. According to the study results, not only the older patients, even the younger patients may die after the surgery.

Weight Loss Surgery

   By Andrew Okpetu    

Diet and medications may have little beneficial results in those with morbid obesity. Weight loss surgery may be a viable alternative for long-term weight reduction and improved health. Bariatric surgery is increasingly becoming popular especially gastric by-pass which is mostly suitable for those with a Body Mass Index of 40 and above or Morbid Obesity. It is important to note that this procedure is not for everyone and it is not an end itself. Consistent lifestyle modifications with lifelong adjustments are required even after gastric bypass surgery.

Bariatric surgery have been considered as an alternative therapy for more than 50 million Americans when dieting, exercise and other means of treatment have failed or not promising. Obesity rise correlates with increase in cases of Heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, cancers, depression, hypertension and other degenerative illnesses. Hence, those with a BMI greater than 35 with coexisting debilitative health conditions like Obstructive sleep apnea, arthropathies, diabetes etc may benefit from weight loss surgery.

Globally, these comorbid illnesses account for more than 2. 1 million deaths. There is a 22% reduction in life expectancy and qualitative life in a 25-year old morbidly obese man which approximates to almost 12 years of loss of life worsened by the fact that effective long-lasting dieting and exercise therapy for Morbid obesity is lacking.

Indications for Weight Loss Surgery

A Body Mass Index exceeding 40 or 35 in the presence of other comorbid or Obesity related conditions like: severe arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea especially when other common methods like dieting and exercise have failed. Though Gastric bypass surgery accounts for almost 61% of weight loss, it should be opted for as a last resort.

Co-morbidity: 177 morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent gastric bypass surgery between 1993 and 2003 were examined by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University. Almost 90 percent of the patients saw their blood sugar levels returned to normal while about 60 percent were still diabetes-free five to fifteen years after the weight reduction procedure. Those with fluctuating sugar levels were the patients who were insulin-dependent before the surgery. Concomitant usage of oral medications for diabetes control in 75 percent of these patients rendered them diabetes free compared to 30 percent who were insulin-dependent prior to surgery.

Age

The acceptable age range is 18-65 years. Patients less than 18 years must require urgent weight reduction because co-morbid life-threatening maladies related to morbid obesity. Most patients above 65 years have co-morbid health conditions related to morbid with the likelihood of negative impact on the quality of life and life expectancy. The benefit or expectation of improved quality of life or life expectancy should outweigh the risk of surgery.

Family History

Weight loss surgery is indicated for those patients who are at risk "high risk for obesity-associated morbidity or mortality" according to the NIH report.

Bariatric operation will prevent the progression or generation of these comorbid conditions eventually sparing these patients the comorbidity and mortality.

Comorbid Health conditions related to Obesity

• Hypertension
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Hypercholesterolaemia
• Hypertriglyceridaemia
• Metabolic syndrome
• Coronary artery disease
• Gall stones
• Urinary stress incontinence
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Depression
• Infertility
• Dysmenorrhea
• Osteoarthritis
• Deep veinous thrombosis
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Gall bladder cancer

In summary, the guidelines for weight loss surgery are confined within:

1. Age
2. Body mass index
3. Inability of conventional weight loss programs to achieve sustainable weight loss
4. Occurence of co-morbid health maladies to morbid obesity
5. Presence of family history of co-morbidities connected to morbid obesity.

Weight Loss Surgery

 By Marcus Peterson    

Surgeries that involved the removal of sections of the stomach and intestine of patients provided the first inkling towards the potential of surgical weight loss. Post-surgery, it was noticed that in many cases patients could not regain their pre-surgery weight. This led to further studies into the matter, and surgeons came out with a conclusion that, with similar modifications to the process mentioned above, surgery could be used to deal with morbid obesity. Procedures, over the last decade, have been vastly improved for better results and lower risks.

Morbid obesity (being 100 lbs. above the ideal weight or having a Body Mass Index of 40 or more) can significantly heighten the risk of obesity-related conditions or serious diseases (also known as co-morbidities). Morbid obesity is linked to the following illnesses: Type2 Diabetes, menstrual irregularities, urinary stress incontinence, high blood pressure, depression, infertility, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis and gastro esophageal reflux. In most cases of morbid obesity, surgery can often be the best solution.

The American Society for Bariatric surgery outlines two approaches to weight loss surgery. The first involves restrictive procedures, which reduce the amount of food a person can eat at one time by creating a new, smaller stomach pouch. This gives an early feeling of fullness and thus, leads to lesser intake. The second approach is a Malabsorptive procedure. This process involves the bypass of a portion of the small intestine thereby affecting the absorption of food. Gastric bypass and Duodenal Switch are two types of malabsorption procedures. Gastric Bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller, which forces the patient to reduce the amount of calories consumed and in duodenal switch the small intestine is re-routed to effect malabsorption (here also the stomach is cut vertically).

Weight loss surgery, though beneficial, has some inherent risks and a patient for the same should be aware by gaining information from his bariatic surgeon and also his physician.

The Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery for You

     By Jacob Q Davis

While some people are able to experience effective weight loss through dietary supplements, fat loss programs, and cardio and strength training exercises, there are a lot of people who do not share the same fate. These are the people who, no matter what they do, cannot seemingly melt away fats as easily and quickly as the others. Further, they are also prone to numerous health-related risks, such as cardiovascular diseases, due to their obesity. In these cases, it is a more viable option to choose weight loss surgery.

Weight loss surgery is one of the most effective ways to lose weight, but it is considered as a last option for fat loss and is only appropriate for certain individuals. Unless you are not weighting a hundred pounds more than your ideal body weight or having a BMI of higher than 35, then weight loss surgery is not the best option for you. You must also be over 18 years of age and you must have fully comprehended the necessary risks that accompany the surgery. A weight loss surgery is a one-time big decision so it is important that you understand the possible risks that you are going through.

Further, depending on your medical condition, there are a lot of weight loss surgery programs suitable for your case. There are five famous fat loss surgery programs available today: the gastric bypass, gastric binding, sleeve gastrectomy, bariatic surgery, and laparoscopic gastric bypass. The first one includes shrinking the size of your stomach so that there will be a lesser space to fill when eating.

Second, gastric bypass includes rearranging your gastrointestinal anatomy by attaching your stomach to the small intestine and rerouting it by using surgical staplers. Gastric binding, on the other hand, does not involve rearrangement but the surgery implants a silicone device on the upper portion of your stomach. This is an adjustable band that can be modified by adding or removing saline solution, which controls the opening of the stomach and the amount of food intake. Sleeve gastrectomy also do not involve rearrangement but it consists of removing a portion of your stomach in order to create a narrow tube or sleeve, using surgical staplers similarly used for bypass surgery. For less-invasive surgeries that only necessitates operating outside the body, a laparoscopic gastric bypass is performed.

These surgeries are proven to result in weight loss for many people. Even in the first few months, drastic fat loss can be observed in the patient. Aside from losing weight, they may also provide health-related benefits for those who have type II diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, and asthma. After surgery, almost half of the patients who have undergone the procedure have stopped their medication and experienced overall health improvement including joint pains, lower back pains, and heart disease. Nevertheless, it is still recommended that after the surgery, your changed lifestyle must be accompanied by healthy eating and constant exercise program for more better results.