Is being overweight affecting your health and overall quality of life? For several people,the answer is yes. Obesity is a disease that affects more than one-third of people in the United States. It is the second leading cause of preventable death.
The contributing factors that can lead to obesity include metabolic, pre-existing health conditions, eating disorders, environment and genetics.
Overcoming obesity can be difficult. You may have tried several weight loss treatments or methods that include diet and exercise to lose weight, but were unsuccessful. Bariatric (weight loss) surgery is an option that has proven to be effective in producing significant weight loss.
One of the most commonly performed types of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass surgery. The procedure requires a surgeon to divide the stomach into two parts (one small and one large). The surgeon may use staples or vertical banding to create a small pouch from the upper part of the stomach.
The small pouch is then directly attached to the small intestine bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. This limits the amount of food that can be eaten and reduces the fat and calories that can be absorbed. The larger part of the stomach will remain intact to produce digestive juices. This surgery is usually performed laparoscopically.
The benefits of having this procedure may include:
•Accelerated weight loss
•Improvement in quality of life
•Improvement in obesity- related medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol
There are several accepted medical criteria that will determine if you are a candidate for surgery. You may be eligible if:
•You have a body mass index (BMI) over 40
•Are 100 lbs. or more over your ideal body weight
•Are experiencing disabling pain in weight-bearing joints
•You have a BMI of 35 along with obesity-related disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea or degenerative joint disease.
•Your efforts to lose weight through diet and exercise have been unsuccessful
If you meet these requirements and are considering moving forward with bypass surgery, there a few things you can expect after the procedure:
•You may experience pain at the incision site; however, your medical team will be available to help you in keeping your pain under control.
•There is a possibility that you may experience discomfort from the gas used during laparoscopic surgery.
•You will be asked to walk on the day of your surgery as frequently as possible. This will promote circulation and prevent blood from clotting.
•To prevent possible complications such as pneumonia, you may be asked to take deep breaths and breathe into an instrument called an incentive spirometer and cough frequently.
•You will be given ice chips and water to sip, if these are not rejected by the body, you will be placed on a clear liquid diet. Gradually you will be able to ingest solid foods.
•Prior to discharge, the surgeon, nurse or discharge coordinator will instruct you to follow a specific diet.
When combined with eating a healthy diet and exercise, gastric bypass surgery can offer long-term weight loss success. It is important to keep in mind that each case is unique to the individual and it is suggested that you consult a bariatric surgeon for an assessment.
Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a unique and multidisciplinary program that involves a complete mind, body and wellness approach to weight loss surgery. For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-670-8908
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.