What is Obesity

In order to determine whether a person’s weight is within a healthy range, their Body Mass Index (BMI) is measured. Individuals with a BMI greater than 30 are considered obese. Severe obesity, also known as morbid obesity can lead to dangerous health problems. The following are characteristics of morbid obesity:
Excess weight greater than 100 pounds
A BMI over 40
A BMI over 35 with obesity related conditions - BMI chart

Obesity may lead to:
Type 2 diabetes or cancer
Heart problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.
Breathing problems including sleep apnea
Back and joint pain
Depression and poor mental health

Who is Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery

Surgical Weight loss may not be appropriate for everyone. The following is a list of criteria for surgical weight loss candidates:

• Individuals with a BMI greater than 40 or greater than 35 with one or more weight related disorders.
• Those who have previously tried and failed supervised weight loss programs.
• Individuals between the ages of 21 and 65.
• People who do not have an ongoing alcohol or drug problem.
• Those with an appropriate risk level for general anesthesia.
  

Laparoscopy Banding

This is a restrictive procedure, which means that it limits the amount of food the stomach can hold. This is done by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach that is blocked off with an adjustable band. The tension of the band controls the pace at which the food leaves the pouch and flows through to the rest of the stomach. With this procedure digestion and absorption remain normal.

Gastric Bypass

This procedure is both restrictive and malabsorptive, which means it not only restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold but also decreases the absorption of food by the intestine. The majority of the stomach is sectioned off leaving only a small pouch to hold food. The small intestine is also shortened and reattached to the small stomach pouch.

Risks and Complications

Weight loss surgery poses some risk as do all surgeries. Risks and complications can include:

• Infection of the incision area.
• Leakage or blockage around the areas where the stomach and intestines were stapled or sewn. Further surgery can repair this problem.
• Pneumonia or other respiratory problems may develop.
• Bleeding at incision sites
  clotting in the legs or lungs.
• Injury to the spleen requiring removal.
• Incisional hernia
• Uncontrolled vomiting
• Complications due to anesthesia
• Death

It is important to keep in mind that Surgical Weight Loss is not a cosmetic procedure. It is intended to help patients lose about half of their excess weight in order to improve and prevent health problems. This surgery is irreversible and requires the patient to change their eating habits for the rest of their life. Results may vary, but typically the surgery will result in the following:

• About 2/3 of patients maintain at least 50% of their weight loss for 10 years or longer.
• Most patients see an improvement in their life expectancy.
• Weight related disorders such as sleep apnea and hypertension are reduced or eliminated.

Patients will see the physician about a week before surgery to assess whether they are well enough to undergo surgery. This assessment may involve blood tests, chest x-rays, an ECG and other exams. The physician may request that in order to prepare for surgery you need to: