Weight Loss Surgery

What is Obesity?

Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. Unfortunately, many people struggle with excess pounds which ultimately lead to many deliberating health conditions. For many, the weight has been a life-long struggle. For others, the weight has gradually been gained over a long period of time and has reached a point where additional weight gain can have catastrophic consequences. If you are more than 100 pounds over your ideal body weight and/or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 40, then you are considered to be obese. With excess weight, the likelihood of developing serious and significant health issues increases, often severely compromising an individual’s quality of life and general health.

Surgery may be a solution to your weight problem.

How Can Weight Loss Surgery Help?

Weight loss surgery is a medical procedure in which part of the stomach is restricted in order to facilitate weight loss. This means the stomach is no longer able to accommodate overeating, causing patients to feel fuller and better control their hunger.

Surgery Results

With the surgery, most patients will lose up to 78 percent of their excess weight. Factors that contribute to a patient’s weight loss include age, general health, level of exercise, behaviors and motivations, and adherence to nutritional goals. The results will vary per patient, but overall weight loss surgery has succeeded in turning around the lives of people across the country. 

Surgery Benefits

Patients who have had the surgery report that they sleep better, have fewer orthopedic problems such as back and knee pain, improve blood chemistry such as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, cholesterol and triglycerides and more. In addition to overall health improvements, patients benefit from an improved quality of life such as being better able to participate in family outings and events, social and emotional improvements, and overall ability to live a more active life.

Who is a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

An evaluation is required for every patient, the general guidelines are considered:

• Being 100 pounds overweight with a BMI of 40 or above
• BMI of 35 or more with two or more major health concerns
• Non-smoker, no substance and/or alcohol abuse
• 18 to 60 years of age
• Appropriate motivations and commitment to follow post-surgery guidelines

About Weight Loss Surgery

Each patient will have a physician consultation, a complete physical and an evaluation of their medical history. Blood tests and risk factor assessments will also be completed.  Candidates for weight loss surgery will complete pre-surgery educational training for a full understanding of the procedure, the patient role and risk factors. The surgery will require inpatient surgery, followed by 3 to 7 days recovery. After the surgery, patients will receive ongoing medical care throughout the weight loss program.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Roux-en-Y Bypass – the most common type of gastric bypass surgery.

The stomach is made smaller by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach using surgical staples or a plastic band. The smaller stomach is connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. This procedure can be done by making a large incision in the abdomen or by making a small incision and using small instruments and a camera, also known as the laparoscopic approach.

Lap Band – This procedure uses a plastic inflatable band around the top of the stomach to limit how much food you can eat at any one time.  The Lap Band is a minimal invasive procedure because there is no cutting, stapling or stomach rerouting involved.  This procedure is the only adjustable weight loss surgery available in the United States.

Free informational seminars about weight loss surgery are available. To attend the next seminar or to schedule an appointment, call Conway Medical Center at 843.347.8108.