Surgery for Obesity

Today 97 million Americans, more than one-third of the adult population, are overweight or obese. An estimated 5 to 10 million of those are considered morbidly obese — 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight. They suffer from a disease called “morbid obesity.” Contrary to common misperception, obesity is not merely a cosmetic or social issue; it is a disease that causes many health problems and can even result in death. The latest research also shows that obesity is strongly linked to other chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, and breast, prostate and colon cancer.

People with severe obesity attempt numerous conservative approaches to weight loss including countless diet programs, exercise regimes and medications. These modalities give only short-term results. It almost doesn’t matter which conservative treatment is chosen: exercise programs, expensive cans of liquid food, hypnosis, acupuncture, etc., most people probably will lose weight - just to gain it all back. This sets up a cycle of losing and gaining. At the end of the cycle, the person actually weighs more after each period of weight gain than when the diet was undertaken. It is the opinion of most experts in this field that surgery is the only effective way to help control obesity long term for most morbidly obese patients.
(American Society of Bariatric Surgeons)

The field of bariatric surgery has experienced significant development in recent years, and there is steady evidence that surgery is the most effective long-term solution for severe obesity. Nonetheless, it is only effective when combined with a consistent willingness to make positive lifestyle changes. Remember, surgery can help you diet but it is not going to do all the work for you. You can beat any surgery and regain all the lost weight if you try hard enough. Finally, but most importantly, obesity surgery is a serious surgical procedure. There are risks associated with any of these procedures and there are potential complications that can result in minor to serious health problems, and possibly the need for further surgery.

More Info:
What is Morbid Obesity?
Causes of Morbid Obesity
Health Threats of Morbid Obesity
Obesity Related Health Conditions
Am I Morbidly Obese?
FAQ

 

 

 


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