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Obesity, Surgery
and a Healthy Lifestyle WHAT IS OBESITY?
Fat tissue in our bodies
is necessary, however when there is too much body fat (when we consume more
calories than our body needs), the result is obesity. Obesity is a chronic
disease that is defined as having a body mass index of 30 or above, which is
about 30 pounds over the ideal body weight for your height. Obesity is a
disease, not a sign of a person being out of control and according to the
American Obesity Association; obesity is a serious medical disease that affects
nearly one third of the American population. Clinically severe obesity has
long-term effects and it increases ones risk of developing serious health
problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke,
gallbladder disease and certain cancers. Obesity can also be associated with
other medical conditions such as shortness of breath, sleep apnea, irregular
menstruation or infertility, gallbladder disease (gallstones), and
osteoarthritis. In addition to increased risk of health conditions, nearly
300,000 Americans die unnecessarily each year due to obesity-related health
problems and obese people die younger than normal-weight people. Obesity and
obesity-related conditions are causing healthcare costs to soar and costs reach
approximately 100 billion dollars each year. It is very clear that obesity is a
foremost healthcare issue for the United States.
Obesity also
affects us socially and psychologically. Many
people suffer social effects such as
self-consciousness and discomfort in social
situations, limitations in social activities
because of limited mobility, frustration, and
discrimination. Psychologically, obesity may
cause depression, despair, low self-esteem, and
negative body image. Morbid obesity prevents
many people from living their lives to the
fullest.
Morbid obesity
is a chronic condition that has been proven
difficult to treat through diet, exercise, and
even physician supervised weight loss
medications. Bariatric surgery is a treatment
for clinically severe obesity. Bariatric
surgery such as Gastric Bypass surgery or Lap
Band surgery may be the next step for people who
remain severely obese after trying non-surgical
approaches, or for people who have obesity
related health conditions.
GASTRIC
BYPASS
SURGERY
IS A
TREATMENT
FOR
MORBID
OBESITY
Gastric Bypass surgery is considered the most
effective method of weight loss and weight
maintenance of all surgical and medical
techniques available, according to the American
Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National
Institute of Health. Gastric Bypass surgery is
the “gold standard” of weight loss surgery and
is the most frequently performed weight loss
surgery in the United States. Gastric Bypass
surgery can help a morbidly obese patient lose
up to 80 percent of their excess body weight.
In order to qualify for
Gastric Bypass surgery, a person must be about 100 pounds overweight, or about
80 pounds overweight with a qualifying weight-related health condition. After
Gastric Bypass surgery, nearly 80 percent of patients with high blood pressure
no longer required medication and over 90 percent of people with non-insulin
dependant type II diabetes no longer required medication, either. A study of
500 patients in the year 2000 showed that 96 percent of certain obesity-related
health conditions, including back pain, sleep apnea, and depression) were
improved or resolved after surgery.
Gastric Bypass surgery
via the Roux-en-Y technique is considered the best surgical treatment for morbid
obesity. In this procedure, stapling creates a small 15 to 20 cc stomach
pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but it is stapled and
divided from the stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties
directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing some calorie
absorption. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the
duodenum for the purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with
the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the
Roux limb of the intestine, creating the “Y” shape that gives the technique its
name. The procedure reduces the functional portion of the patient’s stomach
causing the patient to feel full after eating only a small portion of food. It
also creates a small opening between the stomach and large intestine, allowing
the patient to feel full longer after each meal.
Gastric Bypass surgery
is a medical procedure that requires careful consideration. Surgery to produce
weight loss is a serious undertaking. Anyone thinking about undergoing this
type of operation should understand what it involves. Gastric Bypass is not a
miracle cure for obesity and success is possible only with maximum cooperation
and commitment to behavioral change and medical follow up. This cooperation and
commitment must be carried out for the rest of your life. Diet and exercise
remain essential to the treatment of obesity, even for patients who choose
weight loss surgery.
Life After Gastric Bypass Surgery
After Gastric Bypass surgery, you will slowly
and progressively change your diet from liquids,
to soft or pureed foods, to solid foods. The
rate of this progression is up to your surgeon
and it is very important to be very strict in
following the early post-operative diet. If you
try to advance your diet too quickly, you can
disrupt your staple line or stretch out your new
stomach pouch.
Once you have reached
the solid food stage, your diet will be drastically different than it was before
your Gastric Bypass surgery. Gastric Bypass surgery creates a small stomach
pouch so you will feel full after just a few bites. After Gastric Bypass
surgery, the food in the small stomach pouch empties very slowly into your
intestines so you feel full longer, even with just a few bites of food. If you
over-stuff your pouch you will cause significant discomfort, vomiting, or you
can stretch your pouch. It is very important to listen to your body and when it
reaches its new full-point, stop! After you have Gastric Bypass surgery, you
will have to adjust to your new portion sizes and dietary restrictions, however
it usually doesn’t take long to adapt to your new eating habits.
Along with the changes
in your diet, exercise is especially important after Gastric Bypass surgery. It
is important to keep as much muscle mass as you can while losing weight. The
more muscle you have, the more calories you use in a day, speeding up your
weight loss. In the early post-operative phase of Gastric Bypass surgery, many
people opt for low impact exercising, such as water aerobics or low impact
walking. To avoid unnecessary strain, you should begin slowly and gradually
increase your exercise regimen.
Recovery time after
Gastric Bypass surgery is a little different for everyone. The typical hospital
stay for Gastric Bypass surgery is from 1 to 3 nights. Your pain tolerance and
your job duties will help determine when you will be able to return to work.
Some people return to work after a week and some people require 6 weeks. Your
surgeon will discuss your return to strenuous physical activities and when those
activities will be allowed after Gastric Bypass surgery.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a general term for
gastrointestinal surgery for weight loss. For
people who continue to be severely obese after
traditional weight loss approaches, bariatric
surgery may be the next step. The two most
commonly preformed bariatric surgeries are the
Gastric Bypass surgery using the Roux-En-Y
method and the Lap Band system.
The Roux-En-Y Gastric
Bypass surgery is considered the most effective bariatric surgery being
preformed today. The procedure helps people reach their weight loss goals in
two ways, restriction and malabsorption. The restrictive part of the procedure
divides the upper portion of the patient’s stomach to create a new smaller
stomach pouch. The malabsorpative component of the surgery has to do with the
way the new stomach pouch is emptied. In order to create a place for the new
pouch to empty, the small intestine is divided just beyond the duodenum for the
purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed
stomach pouch. The other end is then connected into the side of the Roux limb
of the intestine, creating the “Y” shape that gives the technique its name.
Because part of the intestine on the Roux limb is bypassed, it reduces some of
the calorie absorption, which is the malabsorption component of the surgery.
The Lap Band system,
also known as adjustable gastric banding, uses restriction only. The Lap Band
system has an inflatable ring to control the amount of food that can be consumed
at one time. The band is placed near the top of the stomach, creating a small
stomach pouch and the band creates a narrow opening for the food to drain slowly
from the pouch. The result is that you feel full after a smaller amount of
food, and because that food drains slowly through the narrow opening to the rest
of the stomach, the feeling of fullness lasts longer. One advantage of the
surgery is that the inflatable ring, which determines the size of the opening to
the remainder of the stomach, is adjustable with a simple office procedure. The
Lap Band system is also a minimally invasive procedure and does not involve any
stapling or cutting of the stomach and it is fully reversible.
Commitment to a Healthy Lifestyle
Bariatric surgery should not be taken lightly
and it is not considered the “easy way out”. A
serious commitment is required with both the
Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass and the Lap Band
system. Diet changes and exercise programs must
be implemented in order for bariatric procedures
to be successful. It is also imperative that
you see your surgeon or physician for regularly
scheduled follow up care. Overall, the
effectiveness of bariatric surgery makes it an
excellent option for those who are ready to make
a serious commitment to losing their excess
weight and beginning a healthy lifestyle.
Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery
Obesity is a serious disease that affects
millions of Americans. Obesity leads to health
problems
and obese people die younger than normal-weight
people. Severe obesity is a chronic condition
that is difficult to treat through diet and
exercise alone. Bariatric weight loss surgery
is an option for people who are severely or
morbidly obese and cannot lose weight by
traditional means. As in other treatments for
obesity, the best results are achieved with
healthy eating habits and regular exercise.
One of the most
effective forms of weight loss surgery is the Gastric Bypass surgery. Gastric
Bypass surgery via the Roux-En-Y technique works by creating a new small stomach
pouch by dividing it from the main stomach by means of surgical staples. This
causes a decrease in the amount of food that is tolerated at each meal and a
feeling of fullness that lasts between meals. One of the common side effects of
the Gastric Bypass surgery is called dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome occurs
when foods that are high in sugar or fat empty into your intestine. The typical
symptoms associated with dumping syndrome are, cold sweats, dizziness, rapid
heartbeat, drowsiness, and nausea.
The Lap Band system is a
less invasive alternative to the Gastric Bypass surgery. The Lap Band system
does not involve any cutting or stapling of the stomach or intestines. With the
Lap Band system, an inflatable ring is placed near the upper portion of the
stomach. This ring controls the flow of food through the digestive tract. The
Lap Band system is also adjustable with a simple office procedure and the flow
of food can be reduced or increased depending on the patients individual needs.
Insurance Coverage for Bariatric Weight Loss
Surgery
Many insurance companies do allow cover
treatment of morbid obesity through surgical
means. However, your employer may have chosen
to exclude coverage for morbid obesity in order
to lower their premiums. This is true even if
losing weight could improve your overall health
and well-being. If you are considering
bariatric weight loss surgery, it is important
to find out the specific details of your
insurance policy.
Gastric Banding
Gastric banding, also known as the Lap Band
system, is a restrictive weight loss surgery
that restricts the amount of food a patient can
eat at one time. In the gastric banding
surgery, an inflatable ring is used to control
the amount of food that can be consumed at each
meal. The ring is placed near the top of the
stomach and restricts the flow of food to the
rest of the digestive tract. As a result,
fullness is achieved after a smaller amount of
food and the feeling of fullness lasts longer
because it passes slowly from the top of the
stomach into the rest of the digestive tract.
The gastric banding procedure is a minimally
invasive procedure and it does not involve any
dissection or stapling of the stomach. Gastric
banding is reversible and easily adjustable in
an office procedure.
Recovery time for
gastric banding is shorter than that of other surgeries. Gastric banding is
done laparoscopically, as are most other bariatric procedures, but because there
is no dissection of the stomach or intestines, it has a shorter recovery time.
Most patients are able to return to work within a week of gastric banding,
however more time should be allowed if there are any complications or if the
procedure is an open procedure.
Typical weight
loss with gastric banding is a little slower
than with a combined restrictive and
malabsorptive procedure such as Gastric Bypass
surgery. Expected weight loss with gastric
banding is 5 to 10 pounds a month during the
first year and a slightly slower weight loss
after that. It is important to remember that
although gastric banding has been very
successful for many people, it is not a
guarantee of success. Gastric banding is not a
miracle cure and those who achieve the greatest
success are completely committed to making
changes in diet and lifestyle, including
exercise. Research has shown that although
weight loss with gastric banding is less than
Gastric Bypass surgery during the first year,
the weight loss results are almost equal five
years after surgery. This shows that both
procedures are effective options for weight loss
and maintenance.
Gastric Bypass Doctor
Choosing the right gastric bypass doctor is
imperative to your successful surgery outcome.
Being morbidly obese carries its own health
risks and being morbidly obese and choosing to
undergo surgery can run greater risks to your
health. Choosing the right surgeon can help
reduce your risk.
When selecting your
doctor, experience is the most important factor. Always ask your gastric bypass
doctor how many surgeries they have personally preformed, what the outcomes have
been, and what their qualifications are. Having a doctor with little experience
in weight loss surgery can increase your risk of developing complications as
much as 400 percent. Complications can include, but are not limited to,
pulmonary embolism, bowel obstruction, leaks, internal injury, and infection.
Complications such as these may require additional surgery.
Reputation is also an
important factor. Patients usually talk about their experiences, whether good
or bad, so it is important to talk to as many people as possible before choosing
a gastric bypass doctor. When talking with previous Gastric Bypass patients,
ask about complications, bedside manner, follow up care, and overall
satisfaction with their doctor. Most doctors encourage you to talk to their
previous patients to make sure you are absolutely comfortable with your decision
to undergo Gastric Bypass surgery.
When you meet your
gastric bypass doctor, don’t hesitate to ask questions. A doctor should be
willing to answer any questions and explain it to you in a way you can clearly
understand. A doctor you feel comfortable with will is very important.
A comprehensive
bariatric program is an important part of the decision also. Choose a gastric
bypass doctor that has a structured bariatric program. The surgeon and the
support staff must be committed to meeting your needs and goals and
compassionate to help you with any struggles. Follow up care and access to
support group is key to the success of your surgery. A comprehensive program
will make sure you are fully informed about the surgery and will offer advice
and help direct you to make good lifestyle choices.
Gastric Bypass Information
Gastric Bypass surgery is becoming more and more
popular and more accepted. Tens of thousands of
people undergo Gastric Bypass surgery each year
and less people are afraid to speak out about
it. People are no longer ashamed of having
surgery, but are celebrating the fact that they
have improved their health and general sense of
well-being. This has helped generate awareness
of Gastric Bypass surgery, however it can be
difficult to sift out the facts from the fiction
while trying to educate oneself.
When conducting research
on Gastric Bypass surgery, it is important to consider the source. While the
Internet can be a great source of knowledge, remember that credible sites such
as hospital sponsored or doctor sponsored sites are better resources than
personal websites. There are many websites devoted to weight loss surgery and
you can research the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.
Previous Gastric Bypass
surgery patients offer personal perspective on surgery and its effects. Support
groups are a great resource for personal perspective and it is recommended to
attend support group both before and after surgery.
Gastric Bypass Operation
If you are considering the Gastric Bypass
operation, it is important to get the correct
information. There are many myths associated
with the Gastric Bypass operation. One of the
most often heard is that surgery is the “easy
way out”. The Gastric Bypass operation requires
just as much, if not more, commitment than
dieting. There must be a commitment to changing
your lifestyle. The operation is a tool, and if
not used properly it can fail. For those that
continue the same diet they had before surgery,
such as fried foods, sweets, and soda, the
surgery will not be successful.
Many people think that
the Gastric Bypass operation is a “miracle cure” and that the weight just melts
off without any effort. Unfortunately, that is not true. The speed of one’s
weight loss varies. While the most rapid weight loss occurs in the first 6
months following surgery, for some it can be a much slower pace. It is a
lifelong commitment to changing your pre-surgery lifestyle that will make you
successful.
Another myth about the
Gastric Bypass operation is that it prevents proper nutrition. Although gastric
bypass patients do have to take vitamin supplements, if the surgeon’s advice is
followed, their health improves without compromising their nutrition.
Gastric Bypass Procedure
Clinically severe obesity has long-term effects
and it increases ones risk of developing serious
health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high
blood pressure, heart disease, stroke,
gallbladder disease and certain cancers.
Obesity can also be associated with other
medical conditions such as shortness of breath,
sleep apnea, irregular menstruation or
infertility, gallbladder disease (gallstones),
and osteoarthritis. The Gastric Bypass
procedure is an option for people who are 100 or
more pounds overweight, or at least 80 pounds
overweight with a serious medical condition.
The Gastric Bypass
procedure is considered the best surgical treatment for morbid obesity. In this
procedure, stapling creates a small 15 to 20 cc stomach pouch. The remainder of
the stomach is not removed, but it is stapled and divided from the stomach
pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower
portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing some calorie absorption. This is done by
dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose of
bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach
pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the
intestine, creating the “Y” shape that gives the technique its name. The
Gastric Bypass procedure reduces the functional portion of the patient’s stomach
causing the patient to feel full after eating only a small portion of food. It
also creates a small opening between the stomach and large intestine, allowing
the patient to feel full longer after each meal.
The Gastric Bypass
procedure has helped people lose up to 90 percent of their excess body weight
and improve their overall health conditions.
Gastric Bypass Result
Gastric bypass results can be quite remarkable!
The weight loss can vary, however patients can
lose up to 90 percent of their excess body
weight. Many health conditions improve or
resolve as a result of the weight loss.
It is difficult to give
an average weight loss per month because it varies from person to person. A
person who is 200 pounds above their ideal body weight will typically lose
faster than someone who is 100 pounds over their ideal body weight. Patients
who follow the dietary and exercise guidelines given by their surgeon will be
the most successful. Those people who do not make the dietary changes may never
see a significant weight loss and those people who only follow the dietary
guidelines for a short time may regain some of the weight that was lost.
Gastric Bypass Risks
There are health risks associated with being
morbidly obese and any surgery is more risky for
a morbidly obese person. There is research to
show that 1 out of every 300 patients can die as
a result of Gastric Bypass surgery, however your
risk is greater to continue being morbidly obese
without any treatment. Other risks associated
with gastric bypass surgery can include blood
clots, pulmonary embolism, bowel obstruction,
internal injury, wound infections, or
nutritional deficiencies. While there are risks
associated with gastric bypass surgery, many
people believe that it is worth the risk in
order to live a longer, healthier life.
Gastric Bypass Success Story
There are many gastric bypass success stories
out there and it is very effective in helping
many people lose up to 90 percent of their
excess body weight. It can be difficult for
people to believe the results of the surgery,
especially after failing many traditional weight
loss methods in the past. But if used properly,
this weight loss tool can improve health and
well-well being and increase life expectancy.
Increase Your Odds of Success
Success with the Gastric Bypass surgery can be
yours if you are committed to your victory over
your weight loss battle. Commitment has to come
in the form of dietary changes, exercise
changes, and vitamin supplementation.
To increase your odds of
success, dietary changes are necessary. Without changing the pre-operative diet
of sweets, fried foods, and high calorie foods with little nutritional value
like potato chips, this surgery will not be as successful as you may
anticipate. You must begin to listen to your body and stop eating when full and
you must follow the nutritional guidelines laid out for you by your surgeon.
Exercise plays a major
role in your success with Gastric Bypass surgery. It is important to begin
slowly with walking or water aerobics. These activities are not strenuous and
have low impact on your joints. After a set period of time that will be
recommended by your surgeon, you can begin to lift weights, play sports, or
engage in more strenuous forms of exercise.
To become a gastric
bypass success story, you must also follow your surgeon’s recommendations
regarding vitamin supplementation. After Gastric Bypass surgery, the absorption
of nutrients from food is inhibited. A multivitamin, iron, calcium, and B-12
will be important to your well-being after surgery.
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