Bariatric Weight Loss

Procedures can improve quality of life for those struggling with obesity

shutterstock | angellodeco

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According to the National Institutes for Health, 30% of American adults are considered overweight, and more than two of every five are categorized as obese.

Extra weight can lead to serious health consequences such as cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), type two diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon). These conditions can cause premature death and substantial disability.

Surgical bariatric weight loss procedures can help dangerously overweight individuals avoid these life-threatening diseases while extending and improving their quality of life. Bariatric weight loss patients also report feeling better physically and emotionally while enjoying their lives with more energy.

The two most common bariatric procedures recommended on a case-by-case basis are the laparoscopic gastric sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

The gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve procedures are often recommended for patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 to 40 who have had little success with diet and exercise. You can calculate your own BMI using a calculator on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at cdc.gov.

“With bariatric surgery, long term, you can expect to lose 75 to 80% of your excess body weight,” said Wesley A. Dailey, MD, who heads up NCH’s bariatric surgery team. “The biggest benefit is controlling risk factors and the complications of obesity—sometimes we reverse or cure some of them or get them under control to extend and improve quality of life. The greatest benefit of surgery over medical or less invasive treatments is the durable long-term effect.”

The most common of the two surgical options is the gastric sleeve procedure which removes 60% to 75% of the stomach to make it smaller, limiting the amount and type of foods consumed by the patient. The portion of the stomach removed is known to secrete hormones driving hunger- removing this also limits hunger and helps with insulin resistance.

“Over two years, you can expect to lose about 70% to 78% of excess weight by staying on the program,” said Dr. Dailey, adding that the gastric sleeve procedure can be performed in a shorter time with less surgery.

With the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, a small gastric pouch that holds only a small amount of food is separated from the rest of the stomach.

“The small intestine is cut, and a part is attached to the pouch,” explained Dr. Dailey. “Food enters the pouch and goes directly into the middle part of the small intestine, bypassing a good portion of the small intestine and limiting the time of digestion. (Patients) can expect to lose 75 to 82% of excess weight.”

For more information about the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, call NCH Bariatrics at 239.624.0390.

Pre-qualifications for weight loss surgery:

• BMI greater than 30 with at least one complication of obesity (type two diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

• BMI greater than 35 regardless of co-morbidities

• BMI greater than 30 with difficulty managing diabetes.

• BMI greater than 27.5 in individuals of Asian decent

• Between 18 and 65 years of age (older patients are considered on a case-by-case basis)

• Failed attempts at weight loss

• Obesity-related health complications

• No psychiatric contradictions

• Compliance with diet and exercise requirements (may require six months of medically guided weight loss)

• Gastric sleeve surgery:

• Patients can lose 70 to 78% of excess weight.

• Most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the US and internationally

• It takes a shorter time with less surgery and no rerouting of the intestines.

• Limits the type and amount of food you can eat.

• Hunger hormones are reduced, which aids in reversing insulin resistance.

• Typically, a one-night hospital stay is required.

• Non-reversible surgical option

• Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en Y gastric bypass):

• Lose 75-82 % of excess weight.

• Restricts the amount of food you can eat.

• Reduces the absorption of nutrients.

• Hospital stays of one to two nights.

• Non-reversible surgical option.