Archive for the ‘Weight Loss Surgery’ Category

Losing weight can be difficult for many people, especially those who are considered morbidly obese. Morbidly obese patients are defined as those who weigh 100 pounds or more than their average weight or those who are twice their normal body weight. Weight loss surgery can be an effective way to lose the excess weight, but is often done as a last resort effort. This type of surgery can be very expensive and can be dangerous to some patients. It is recommended that those considering weight loss surgery look into non-surgical options before deciding on surgery for weight loss.

For those without insurance, weight loss surgery can cost well over $25,000. Most insurance companies are starting to recognize these surgeries as a preventative to other diseases and are beginning to pay. However, weight loss surgery is not a quick fix when it comes to losing weight. It may take the average patient anywhere from two to four years to lose the desired weight. In addition, these types of surgeries can be risky. Patients that suffer from several diseases and illnesses are not considered good candidate for the surgery.

Before a doctor determines whether a not a person qualifies for weight loss surgery, they make certain that the patient has made a sincere effort to lose the weight through other methods. Even if a patient does chose to have weight loss surgery, he or she will still need to make necessary changes in their diet, exercise and attitudes. It is important for patients to consider non-surgical weight loss treatments before having weight loss surgery.

Oftentimes, one form of weight loss management it not enough. It may take two or three different weight loss methods combined to help or make a difference. The most common way to lose weight non-surgically is to combine healthy eating with a daily regimen of exercise. Many times, a trained dietitian can help those who are overweight learn about making healthy eating choices. IN addition, a professional can help a person seeking weight loss help in preparing and shopping for the right kinds of foods. Portion control is also a good way to learn how to eat. Average portions are much smaller than many people think. Reducing the amount of calories can help with weight loss. Exercise is also a good way for people to lose weight. It takes a daily commitment to get out and exercise at least four to five times a week. Many gyms provide special trainers or classes that can aid a beginner in exercise. Walking can also help take off the pounds.

People who take daily vitamin supplements often experience weight loss as well. Replacing lost vitamins and minerals in the body can often help boost metabolism levels in the body. This can give a person increased energy to exercise and go about daily routines. Weight loss surgery is considered a last resort method of weight loss for those that are morbidly obese. It is important to understand how the body changes after surgery and how combining non-surgical methods such as diet, exercise and a positive attitude can aid in weight loss.

Many people consider weight loss surgery as a way to shed the excess pounds. Patients that qualify for this kind of surgery must qualify. The general guidelines are that a patient should weigh 100 pounds or more over their ideal weight. Weight loss surgery is often considered a last resort to losing many pounds. Patients can expect to lose the extra weight quite easily, but should expect some short-term side effects after surgery.

When patients have weight loss surgery, doctors usually stress to these patients, that this type of surgery is not a quick fix. In addition, the surgery cannot work alone. Patients must make a solid commitment to change their attitudes and habits. Weight loss surgery patients must change their eating habits after surgery. There are certain foods these patients must avoid and they must eat in much smaller portions. Exercise must also be added to augment the weight loss surgery. Patients should also change their attitudes towards eating and food.

Although weight loss surgery can help patients lose weight rather quickly, patients will experience some short-term side effects. These side effects can range from nausea and vomiting, to abdominal pain and what is called the “dumping syndrome”. Nausea is reported in almost all weight loss surgery patients. This is because during surgery, a smaller stomach pouch is made and only very small amounts of food can be eaten. When the wrong foods are eaten or just too much, the result can be nausea. It may take patients some time to learn how much food can be eaten at one time. It is important to control this because vomiting can lead to problems with the stomach after surgery. If the Lap-Band surgery is performed, excess vomiting can lead to the band slipping out of place.

Another problem following weight loss surgery is what is called the dumping syndrome. This can be caused when food is passed too quickly from the stomach to the intestines. The result can be severe abdominal cramping, sweating, nausea and diarrhea. In order to prevent this common problem following weight loss surgery, patients are encouraged to eat not more than one or two ounces at a time and to chew food thoroughly. In addition, fluids should not be taken with meals. This can make the food pass more quickly through the body. The dumping syndrome is often a normal part of these types of surgery and it something is usually not a long-term side effect. Constipation can also be a problem for some patients. This is because foods high in fiber are not recommended following surgery. This is often a short-term problem and can be easily corrected.

In addition, other side effects from weight loss surgery can include vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This can be caused from a reduced amount of food intake and less caloric intake. Anemia is also a common problem after surgery. Most of these can be corrected with daily supplements. Following weight loss surgery, a doctor will recommend types of foods and vitamins that should be taken on a daily basis.

Before potential weight loss surgery patients are approved for the surgery, they must qualify. The qualifications generally state that a person should weigh 100 pounds over their ideal body weight or should have a body mass index of 40 or more. Those that are 80 pounds overweight are often considered for the surgery if they have health related issues that are linked to obesity.

It is important for a doctor to assess each potential surgery patient individually because measuring obesity can be subjective. For example, when calculating the ideal weight or the body mass index, these often do not take into consideration muscle mass. Because muscle weighs more than fat, a very muscular person may rate high on the body mass index chart, but not be overweight. In addition, patients who suffer from illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure or sleep apnea, and are overweight can be considered as a good candidate for the surgery.

The body mass index is often used to calculate the risks of obesity. This is the most common form of body weight and obesity measurement. The body mass indeed is the body weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters. This can also be measured using pounds and inches. The body mass index does not actually measure body fat, but is generally accepted as an acceptable correlation to the degree of obesity. The index is used when determining obesity, but is not used as a measurement alone.

In 1998, the National Institute of Health adopted standards to help health care professionals measure obesity. These standards help doctors and professionals from all over the United States accurately measure obesity. The ideal body mass index rating for most people is considered 19 to 25. These are usually people of average height and weight. A person who is much taller can weight more, but not be overweight. That is why it is important for health care professionals to have a standard to go by when determining whether a person should or should not have weight loss surgery.

In order to qualify for weight loss surgery, a patient should be considered morbidly obese. Sometimes severely obese people are considered for this surgery if they present health issues. A patient with a body mass index of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Those with a body mass index of 30 to 34.9 are considered obese. A severely obese patient is one with a body mass index of 35 to 39.9. A morbidly obese patient will have a body mass index of 40 and over.

Another common measurement of obesity is the waist circumference test. This measurement is often used in conjunction with other measurements and methods. Along with the body mass index chart, this is usually an accurate measurement of obesity. A man with a waist greater than 40 and a woman with a waist great than 35 show an increase risk for obesity. Doctors often use combined methods to measure obesity.

by Charles Jones

Weight loss surgery can be highly beneficial in preventing the occurrence of diabetes. The long-lasting weight reduction procedure attained with the help of laparoscopic gastric banding can play a key role in the prevention and remission of type 2 diabetes in over weight people. Its a good news for millions of obese people whore on the verge of getting afflicted with the life threatening disease. Weight loss surgery is getting immensely popular nowadays due to their efficacy and weight loss benefits. The laparoscopic gastric banding surgery is a minimally invasive type of weight loss surgery which is also a wonderful option for preventing high blood pressure apart from diabetes. This form of weight loss surgery is a big blessing for millions of obese people.

These findings on the benefits of weight loss surgery are based on a study conducted on severely obese patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB) and those who refused the surgery. Separate studies were conducted to assess the effect on diabetes prevention and remission. It was found at the end of the study that those treated with LGB didnt develop type 2 diabetes.

The study also pointed towards the beneficial effect of LGB on high blood pressure. Thus weight loss achieved by the means of weight loss surgery can be useful in preventing diabetes and high blood pressure apart from curtailing excessive weight. Apart from surgeries, weight loss can be attained through a variety of means such as diet pills, dieting, fad diets, and exercise and by following a healthy and nutritious diet plan.

For making weight loss a long term affair, amalgamation of a proper diet plan and exercise is the best procedure. But in case youre looking for short term weight loss then diet pills will prove most suitable for you. Diet pills such as phentermine can help you shed those extra baggages within a short stint of time.

---

About the Author: Charles Jones is the author of the slimtalk.com, a website on weight loss drugs. For more information on weight drugs visit http://www.slimtalk.com

by Beverley Brooke

Generally, weight loss surgery such as the gastric bypass will cost between $20,000 to $30,000 – the clinics do make substantial profits, which is why some you see advertised offer free chauffeurs and even airplane flights to the city and clinic. As in all lines of business, some surgeries will do all it takes to coax you there, within the law of course.

If you’ve opted for weight loss surgery, the cost of such a procedure can be quite daunting. Many people simply cant afford the surgery without taking out huge loans which could end up crippling them financially. Is the surgery really worth the cost?

As with all major decisions in a persons life, the benefits must be matched and compared with the cost, whether thats emotionally, physically or financially. With weight loss surgery costing so much, its critical that the reasons youre opting for the surgery are thought through extremely thorough, and in most cases discussed with your doctor.

If for example youre suffering from a number of ailments and conditions because of morbid obesity, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory problems etc, and with the immediate health concerns morbid obesity brings – possible early death, up to 7 times the risk of death from a heart attack and all the added problems that come with it just trying to operate in society alone, you may feel the cost simply isnt an issue, but you must work it into your current and future finances.

---

Article by Beverley Brooke, visit the section on the gastric bypass on her website for more information on weight loss surgery and the gastric bypass http://www.healthandfinesse.com/gastric-bypass.html

by Sue Taylor

Being overweight is difficult, and that is not just because people look down on larger individuals. It is also difficult to find attractive clothes, make large purchases, enjoy good health, play sports, and do all of the things so many others can do easily and with little effort. Fortunately, for those individuals who are overweight and cannot seem to find a way to lose the weight through dieting or exercise, then weight loss surgery might be a viable option. There are a wide variety of weight loss surgery options available as well, so individuals interested in these procedures must do their research, talk to their doctors, and think long and hard about the best procedure for them. Of course, individuals should weigh the risks and benefits and make the wisest choice regarding going ahead with weight loss surgery in the light of these results.

The Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

First of all, there are many benefits of weight loss surgery. The most basic of them being weight loss. Individuals who have any of the weight loss surgeries lose a significant amount of weight most of the time. Of course, there are some individuals who do not benefit from weight loss surgeries, but the majority of individuals do lose weight. When individuals lose weight there are many benefits including lower blood pressure, decreased risk for heart disease and diabetes, increased self esteem, self confidence and many other benefits as well. So, if you are considering any of the weight loss surgery options you now know the benefits that you will more than likely receive. However, weight loss surgery will not necessarily change the way others feel about you and this is not a good reason to go through with the surgery. Additionally, you should not rely on weight loss surgery to do all the work for you. Instead, you should go into the surgery with a plan for a healthy diet and exercise afterwards as well.

The Drawbacks of Weight Loss Surgery

Any time you have surgery there are drawbacks and risks you should keep in mind. While many times the risks are not high, sometimes they are, and should be considered accordingly. Infection, internal bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, anesthesia complications, ulcers, pulmonary problems, removal of spleen, and other complications may arise during or after your weight loss surgery. There are other complications as well that might apply to your personal situation and only your doctor can inform you of these. There is a risk of the surgery not going as planned, not being successful, or even not being performed due to problems encountered at the start of surgery. Death is even a risk when weight loss surgery is performed, although it is a slim risk for most individuals. Obviously, all of these risks should be carefully considered before choosing to undergo weight loss surgery.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

There are many types of weight loss surgery and the American Society of Bariatric Society notes two particular types of procedures that are used. One of these procedures is to decrease the amount of food an individual eats and the other type of procedure is to simply alter the way food is digested.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is a procedure that is also known as gastric bypass. Basically, gastric bypass surgery involves stapling the stomach smaller so that food enters slower and that the individual eats less. A gastric band is also used on the stomachs outlet to regulate the amount of food leaving the stomach.
Another type of bariatric surgery includes laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. This procedure uses a gastric band to partially close off the upper portion of the stomach. This allows the individual to feel full faster and eat less, thus losing weight. The gastric band is really helpful in this procedure.

Other types of malabsorptive procedures include the biliopancreatic diversion, extended gastric bypass, combined gastric bypass, as well as others. Each of these procedures have their own risks and benefits, some use gastric bands while others use a lap band, gastric band, or a mixture of procedures.

Deciding on the Procedure for You

Unless you are a doctor there is no way you can decide which procedure will be best for you. You might have a friend that was successful with one type of procedure and another who failed with a different one, however these success and failure rates with others are not necessarily the best information to base your decision on. You need to meet with your doctor, evaluate your health and past history as well as your expectations, and then your doctor will recommend the procedure that is best for you. Of course, you are welcome to get a second opinion or more if you want, but generally the surgeon knows what will be best for you. So, if you believe the benefits outweigh the risks go ahead and have gastric bypass or bariatric surgery and finally lose that weight. If the risks outweigh the benefits there are still many weight loss options out there you can try.

---

About the Author: Sue Taylor is the webmaster of several weight loss surgery sites and has picked up a wealth of balanced information which anyone considering undertaking this type of surgery should be aware of. See http://www.lapbandnews.info and http://www.gastricbandsite.info for further information.

by John Mancini

We as a society are faced with an ever-growing health issue, this is chronic obesity. This condition is recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a health issue which is treatable by surgery. One of the best surgeries that are available is the Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. However, a great number of would be patients do not know exactly what the procedure involves.

1. The Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is, by far, the most commonly performed surgery in America today. Many in the bariatric industry have even called it the Gold standard. The reason for this is because this surgery combines a restrictive surgery with a malabsorption procedure, the result is quicker weight loss with less risk of vitamin deficiencies.

2. The Laparoscopic bypass surgery is performed by making a small pouch from the top section of the existing stomach. The rest of the stomach is then stapled shut, it is not removed from the body, but it is no longer used either (this is the restrictive portion of the surgery). The pouch holds approximately a quarter of volume as the complete stomach did; this is one of the ways weight loss is achieved.

3. When the smaller pouch stomach is created, it is directly connected to the middle portion of the small intestine. By doing this, the digestive process moves past, the point where calories are absorbed (the malabsorption part of the procedure). With the calorie absorption severely limited, the weight loss method is completed. However, the part of the small intestine that is bypassed to stop calorie absorption is also the part that absorbs need nutrients such as vitamin B12 and calcium. If these deficiencies become too much of an issue, supplements will be prescribed.

4. The weight loss that many patients experience can be as much as one to two pounds a week. While this is the intended outcome of the surgery, it may surprise a great many of the patients who experience this amount of weight loss. Many times, another surgery must be performed to remove the excess skin that is left over from the weight loss.

5. There are risks involved with the Laparoscopic bypass surgery, while they generally are not major, you should still seek the advice and knowledge of your surgeon before you decide if this procedure is right for you and your personal situation. These risks can include death, vomiting, diarrhea, repeat surgeries and infection.

---

About the Author: John Mancini has been writing about Gastric Bypass online and offline for a long time. Visit http://gastric-bypass-online.info or http://gastric-bypass-net.info to read more about matters like gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic surgery.

by Anthony Bedore

For the growing number of obese individuals, weight loss surgery is a reality that must at some point become a real consideration and alternative. Today, in the United States, obesity is quickly becoming our nations number one health issue. The staggering affect of obesity on the rest of our health is unequaled. This is due to the fact that when our bodies our obese, every part of the body is affected. Not just the limbs, not just the heart, but every organ, tissue and cell.

There are many advances being made in the treatment of obesity, and the option that most people look to solve the initial obesity dilemma is surgery. Once your body reaches a certain weight, youre no longer able to exercise; performing simple hygiene tasks often becomes impossible. Exercise and mobility are not options for bringing about weight loss. The only other alternative available is through surgical procedures that cause the body to take in less food. The procedures actually prohibit the ingestion of large quantities of food. You simply wont be able to eat. This causes the body to begin to feed on itself. Using up the stored fat, in order to keep body processes functioning. This is a drastic way to induce weight loss, but for many it has become the only option.

But is this safe? Does this allow our bodies to safely lose weight and come back to normal levels of body mass? Sometimes it is safe, and sometimes a persons body just cannot adjust. The medical profession continues to work diligently to ensure that all weight loss surgery patients are safe from deathly side effects, but it does happen. No surgery is fool proof, every time you must submit to surgery, of any kind, there are risks. The risks associated with weight loss surgery are often less dangerous than the risk associated with continued obesity, especially for persons who have reached the morbid obesity levels (More than 100 pounds over the recommended body weight).

The traditional options available today are minimally invasive surgeries that directly restrict the bodys ability to take in food or slow the food absorption rate. Both surgeries are minimally invasive, meaning there is no need for major incisions, and most of the surgery is completed using laparoscopic technique. If the United States continues to see obesity rates climb, these surgeries and other techniques under development will become more commonplace for our generation.

There are many benefits from morbidly obese people have weight loss surgery. It is estimated that being obese affects a quarter of all Americans and is the second leading cause of death. Obesity causes a host of health issues and many times patients are affected by more than one of these complications. Many obese people have tried losing weight using behavior modification, diets, exercise and medications. These methods do not always work for them and it can be depressing and frustrating. Weight loss surgery is often a last resort and can help these patients lose weight over a period.

Weight loss surgery is not a quick way to lose weight. It is true that most patients do experience rapid weight loss in the beginning. This is usually due to less caloric intake and liquid or soft food that are recommended for the first few weeks after surgery. After that time, the weight loss slows down. Having weight loss surgery also takes work. The surgery does not work alone. Patients undergoing this type of surgery must be prepared to make other changes as well. Weight loss surgery patients should be able to make wise decisions when it comes to eating and incorporate exercise into their daily routine. In addition, patients that have undergone weight loss surgery should also be prepared to make modifications in their behavior, by changing their attitudes towards food and themselves.

Despite the commitment that weight loss surgery takes on the part of the patient, there are many benefits of this type of surgery. Losing a considerable amount of weight can help a person look and feel better. Losing weight can reduce the risks of developing life threatening diseases and illnesses that are often associated with being obese.

A person who is twice their body mass index or a hundred or more pounds overweight, are considered morbidly obese. These are usually the people that weight loss surgery helps the most. When an obese person loses weight, their whole outlook on life can change. They may not feel ashamed or depressed about their looks and their weight. Oftentimes, those who have lost weight feel more confident in their abilities at home and at work. This can lead to drastic changes in their lives.

In addition, those who have the weight loss surgery and lose a lot of weight are healthier. This is the biggest benefit of this type of surgery. Obesity can cause arthritis and joint problems, hypertension, heart related diseases, strokes, respiratory problems and sleep apnea, cancer and type 2 diabetes. With weight loss, these problems can be reduced, and sometimes eliminated. In addition, weight gain can be expensive. When those who are overweight suffer from related illnesses, they may spend more time at the doctor’s office and more money on prescription medications that treat obesity related illnesses. Weight loss surgery is a good option for those who are morbidly obese and are struggling to shed the extra pounds. A consultation with a doctor can determine whether a person is a good candidate for this surgery.

by Kirsten Hawkins

Surgery is the most severe of the recommended treatments for obesity. Bariatric surgery is reserved for cases of severe obesity that have been resistant to all other methods of weight loss and weight control. There are two basic types of bariatric surgery (also known as gastrointestinal surgery), each with a different purpose. The risks for both are similar, as are the prospective results and outcome.

The first type of bariatric weight loss surgery is restrictive. It includes the well-known stomach stapling. The purpose of restrictive surgery is to restrict the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. Doctors create a small pouch at the top of the stomach that holds about one ounce of food, with a small opening at the bottom to hold food in the pouch and cause a feeling of fullness. After the surgery, a patient can eat no more than 3/4 cup to a cup of well-chewed bland food at a time without becoming nauseous. The intent of the surgery is to reduce the amount of food eaten by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten at once. Variations of restrictive surgery include lap banding, in which the pouch is created by wrapping a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. Since there is no need to cut into the stomach or intestine, the complication rate is lower than in standard restrictive surgery, and the recovery period is shorter.

The second type of bariatric surgery for weight loss is the malabsorptive variety. These are the more common type of surgery for treatment of obesity. The most well-known of the procedures is the gastric bypass. The purpose of gastric bypass and other types of bypass surgery is to prevent the effective absorption of nutrients from food eaten by bypassing most of the intestine in the foods path through the body. The malabsorption results in significant weight loss and a reduction of appetite. The possible side effects of gastric bypass surgery include:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Stomach ulcers
• Foul-smelling stools and flatulence
• Risk of nutritional and micro-nutritional deficiencies
• Dumping syndrome – symptoms include faintness, fainting, nausea, sweating and diarrhea after eating

Patients seeking bariatric surgery are evaluated by a medical professional for suitability for the surgery. Candidates include those who are at least 80-100 pounds overweight, and who have shown little success with traditional weight loss methods. In addition, patients who have other physical problems which require weight loss may be candidates. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you must realize several things:

1. The risks of surgery are serious.
2. You will require lifelong medical supervision after the surgery
3. You will still need to make lifestyle and dietary changes.
4. Many health insurance plans will not cover it.

Be sure that you choose a surgeon experienced in bariatric techniques, and that you will be provided with full physical and emotional support before, during and after the surgery.

---

About the Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.popular-diets.com/ for more great nutrition, well-being, and vitamin tips as well as reviews and comments on popular diets.