Bariatric Surgery – An Overview
The health dangers of severe obesity have been well documented, but statistics also show that severely obese people have only a small chance of losing weight on conventional diets. Bariatric surgery is an option for some of these people. However, you should also know that having this weight loss surgery does not mean it is a guaranteed solution to obesity.
What types of people are good candidates for this procedure? Some surgeons accept patients in their 60’s and some will even operate on teens, but since this is considered to be a last-step treatment for obesity, it is used only when all other conventional methods such as dieting, or even an abdominoplasty treatment have failed. Candidates must have severe obesity-related health problems.
There are 3 different stages or classifications of obesity that use the Body Mass Index (BMI). Morbid obesity (BMI 40+), super-obesity (BMI 50+) and end-stage obesity (BMI 60+). Severe obesity is a chronic, frequently progressive, life threatening disease. Does this mean that undergoing surgery is more of a risk than the actual disease itself?
You may find yourself asking if the risks of Bariatric surgery outweigh the benefits. Most doctors say the benefits do outweigh the risks. If someone is 100 percent over their ideal weight, then they have a much higher mortality rate than someone who is within their normal weight. Surgery for any reason does have its risks, however even without the risk involved, some patients are unable to follow the after surgery, post-operative instructions regarding exercise and diet.
When asked if the result of this type of invasive surgery was worth the potential risks involved, most patients said yes. According to some studies there were possibly more psychological benefits rather than physical. Or as one doctor suggested, perhaps the physical benefits were that much better because of the psychological benefits.
Have you been considering Bariatric surgery as a way to deal with being overweight? Have you spoken with your doctor about the possibility of this type of procedure? If you are perhaps thinking about having it done, then you may want to do some in-depth research on the subject. Perhaps family or friends know the name of a doctor with whom you can speak about your questions and concerns. Write them down as you think of them prior to your appointment. As this is likely to be a life changing decision, be sure to get several opinions before you make the final decision.
By Weight Loss Surgery Editor
