Your Decision For Bariatric Surgery
Two directions with treatments of morbid obesity
In either approach whether it would be medical or the surgical, the goals of treatment should be to achieve durable long-term weight loss, reduce co-morbidities, and to improve general quality of life.
There are multiple conservative approaches and angles to medical weight loss includes countless weight loss programs and support groups, various fad diets, exercise regimens and equipment, and even medications which has been linked to severe complications affecting other organ systems.
The efficacy of medical treatment alone has not proven to achieve significant long-term weight loss. In many studies, 95-97% of the general population will regain most or all the weight within 2-5 years after stopping treatment. Final average weight loss has been found to be relatively small approximately 10-40 lbs - usually not enough to achieve the improvement of all co-morbidities.
These programs are very difficult because just as a person tries to give up any other types of addiction, this person may become irritable, anxious, or depressed. Oftentimes, their pre-occupation with food will cause them to fail. Studies show that over 30% will drop out of programs associated with this conservative approach compiling the reasons why it is so difficult to maintain even marginally good results for the long term.
National Institute of Health Consensus on Obesity
NIH has recognized that conservative treatments for morbid obesity for the majority of the general population is futile, and surgery was the only approach that provides consistent, long term weight loss. The Criteria for which surgery is indicated are people with BMI of 35-39 with co-morbidity or BMI of at least 40 without co-morbidity.
In addition, documentation of ineffective dietary attempts and other conservative efforts have been made. Recognized that bariatric procedures as an option for the people who are carefully selecteded, motivated, and well-informed to insure safe surgical outcome.
Who is a Surgical Candidate?
People who meet the NIH Criteria, are between the ages of 18 and 60 years old (with rare exceptions), and are acceptable operative risks are potential candidates. In addition, these candidates must understand the operation, the surgical risks, and lifelong commitment to changes required after the surgery.
It MUST be understood that bariatric surgery is aggressive and should be considered the last resort and permanent. Many people who seek surgical intervention mistakenly believe that surgery is the “magic bullet” that will cure all with no effort on their part after the surgery. Bariatric surgery is NOT a cure, but is a tool that will help control morbid obesity and help manage co-morbidities for health reasons such as resolving hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea, but also decreasing risks of early death allowing people to live longer.
Who is a NOT Surgical Candidate?
Candidates who are active substance abusers, have untreated major psychiatric disorders, or those who are high operative risks are not suitable for bariatric surgery. Any persons who be defined as incapable of adhering to required post-operative diet, behavioral modifications, and close scheduled follow-ups are also not ideal for surgery. Women who may become pregnant within the first 24 months should maybe hold off surgery or pregnancy.
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