Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

by

Dr. Kevin Huguet, MD

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in our society, and it is also becoming a global concern. Numerous news features, medical reports and studies have recently increased our awareness of the widespread phenomenon of obesity, and the health problems that are associated with it. Obesity-related health issues are abundant, ranging from diabetes to high blood pressure to heart disease, not to mention the psychological aspect of emotional difficulties that can result from a negative self-perception. Overall, the plethora of negative effects on the human body and the mind as a result of obesity are overwhelming and can be devastating. According to the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), an individual is considered severely or morbidly obese at 50-100 percent above his or her ideal body weight. That also includes those who are over 100 pounds of his or her ideal body weight.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 9 million Americans are considered to be morbidly obese. There are many factors in the cause of obesity. Genetics or hereditary causes; caloric intake that far exceeds the physical activity necessary to burn off excess; environmental causes (quality and quantity of food available in conjunction with a sedentary lifestyle); and physical and mental illnesses are some of the main culprits. Most of the time when an individual considered morbidly obese seeks help, the physician initially recommended that he or she try conventional weight loss methods. Usually various combinations of diets and increased physical activity eventually leading to consistent exercise are given a try. Diet drinks or diet pills are also tried by many, often times with negligible results. When it comes to the use of conventional weight loss methods for those considered to be morbidly obese, the failure rate is pretty high, and these folks need help beyond what they might be able to accomplish on their own. At this point, bariatric weight loss surgery and consultation with bariatric surgeons may be considered as an option. The Bariatric Surgery Solution Bariatric or weight loss surgery has proven to be a very viable and effective solution for obese individuals who choose this option.In fact, the NIH now recommends bariatric surgery for the morbidly obese, and for those whose obesity has led to diabetes or other medical conditions.

The three most commonly-used types of weight loss surgeries are: 1. Gastric Bypass Surgery, where the smaller, upper part of the stomach is stapled, thus separating it from the rest of the stomach. The small intestine is rerouted and connected to the smaller stomach pouch resulting in a reduction of the amount of food that an individual can consume. 2. Lap-Band Surgery, where a silicon rubber band is placed around the top of an individual s stomach, thus creating a smaller stomach pouch. The result of this surgery is a slower flow of food through the stomach, and the feeling of being full very quickly. 3. Gastric Sleeve Surgery, where a relatively large portion of the stomach is removed and the open edges are reattached, thus permanently reducing the size of the stomach. The benefits of bariatric surgery not only result in weight loss, but also in improvement with various health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, respiratory deficiencies, and more. Bariatric doctors are continually improving techniques, and have made great advancements in the field of bariatric weight loss surgery. Great strides have also been taken in decreasing the possibility of complications after bariatric surgery. As mentioned, weight reduction surgery also helps to improve the psychological outlook of many formerly obese individuals. It boosts their confidence and improves their overall quality of life.

Dr. Kevin Huguet, MD, of

Bay Surgical Specialists

, a group practice of board-certified surgeons specializing in general surgery, vascular surgery,

laparoscopic surgery

, and breast surgery. Visit

Bariatric Surgery

for more details.

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