General Information
Health Problems Related to Severe Obesity
People with clinically severe obesity are at great medical risk of
disability or death.
Three Hundred Thousand Americans die prematurely each year of
obesity-related complications.
Some examples of co-morbid Conditions:
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High blood pressure
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Hypercholesterolemia
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Sleep apnea and other breathing difficulties
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Back or joint disorders (osteoarthritis)
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Problems with skin irritation, (dermatitis)
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Abnormal menstruations
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Depression or other mental issues
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Certain cancers
Definition of Morbid Obesity
Obesity (overweight) is measured by a formula called body mass index (BMI).
It is a calculation of your weight in relation to your height.
A BMI of 40 or more reflects morbid obesity.
OBESITY SURGERY
For nearly all people with clinically severe obesity, surgery is the
standard of care.
Obesity Surgery also called bariatric surgery may help you reach a healthier
weight.
Qualifying for Surgery
You need to have either a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI 0f 35 with one or more
serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high
cholesterol …
Bariatric Team
Along with your surgeon, the bariatric team may include:
- a mental health professional
- a registered dietitian
- a case manager
- a weight management specialist
- your primary care physician; other health care specialists as needed:
pulmonary specialist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, gastro-enterologist …
- and a dedicated OR and ICU personnel including surgeons assistants,
specialized nurses, technicians, anesthetists and anesthesiologists
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
 Description
of the procedure
A small stomach pouch is created with sutures or staples. The new stomach
pouch holds less than a cup of food. A section of the small intestine is
attached to the pouch. The shortened intestine absorbs less food than
before.
Risks and Expectations
As with any surgery, obesity surgery has certain risks.
Most weight is lost steadily during the first year and a half after surgery
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
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Significant sustained weight loss
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Partial or complete reversal of the diabetes
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Lowering of the blood pressure
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Normalization of the serum Cholesterol
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Relief from sleep apnea and acid reflux
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Less osteoarthritis pain and increased mobility
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Improved mood and self-esteem.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Diet Changes
A special diet will help your stomach heal after your surgery. At first you
will just be giving a low sugar clear fluids diet. Your diet will then be
increased progressively to full liquid, soft and to regular as instructed by
your surgeon and with the guidance of a specially trained dietician
Long term Management
An exercise program should be added to your new lifestyle for optimal
benefit in losing the excess weight and in building muscles
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