Obesity which has always been a major health concern all over the world. It has once been a disease of wealthier nations, but the embracing of an inactive lifestyle and high-calorie diets has seen the disease grow more widespread. Roughly a third of Americans are obese and it is not farfetched to see this happening in other parts of the world. It has been shown by studies that when severely obese, diet and exercise have proven not to be effective at losing and keeping off weight over the long term.
The only known routine of effective weight control in severe obesity is bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery has been noticed to be effective at producing weight loss in obese patients. The process involves constraining the size of the stomach so that less food is able to be eaten. Also the process involves changing the structure of the gut so that any food eaten is not absorbed in large quantities. Bariatric surgery has added the benefit of curing type two diabetes and taming other health conditions such as hypertension, arthritis and sleep apnea and as a final result may result in longer life span.
Though bariatric surgery has been proven to be effective, it is not a quick fix for everyone. Just like any major procedure, it has health risks and side effects embodied in its process.
Going through surgery to shed some weight is a severe decision. Whoever decides to go for surgery as a solution to their obesity should know fully what they are getting into. The answers you have for the following questions may help patients decide if bariatric surgery is right for them.
Is the patient:
Looking at the possibility of not been able to lose weight or gradually reducing weight using other methods over a long period of time?
Fully aware of all what the surgery entails and the treatment effects?
Having awareness of the health risks and health benefits the surgery is bound to cause?
Ready to do a
ll it takes to lose their weight and improve his or her health conditions?
Ready to adjust in their relationship with food; how he or she eats after the surgery?
Ready to be devoted to permanent healthy eating and physical activities, medical follow-up?
It should be made clear that there is no accurate method of weight loss including surgery. Research suggests that a higher percentage of patients regain some of their lost weights over time.
Rates of obesity among youth are growing alarmingly high. Though it is becoming evident that teens tend to lose weight after bariatric surgery, there are many questions that still arise about the long-term effects on teens' developing bodies and minds.
Conditions to Show That You Are Ready for Bariatric Surgery
Have extreme obesity (BMI > 40).
Be their adult height; for teens (usually at age 13 or older for girls and 15 or older for boys).
Have serious health problems linked to weight; (considered most in teens) such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea that may improve with bariatric surgery.
1.
Severe Obesity
You will be considered obese if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 40 kg/m2 or more. The index measures the ultimate weight range that a person should be with respect to their height. The regular range is considered anywhere between 19 - 25 kg/m2.
2.
Effort has Been Made to Lose Weight on Your Own
If after struggling for a long time trying to lose excess fat via diet and exercise, but it doesn’t seem to make your weight loss happen, bariatric surgery could be the right choice. So long you’ve made an effort to lose the weight, you should welcome other options.
3.
Suffering from Chronic Diseases
An obese patient already suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or sleep apnea, and your BMI is between 29 to 40 kg/m2, bariatric surgery may just be the option. Obesity worsens these types of conditions. Losing weight through surgery might diminish or even cure the problem of your chronic disease.
4.
Motivation to Get Healthy
Surgery can the method you need to help you weight, but it only goes so far. There is a need to be enthusiastic about the weight loss, and be fully motivated to achieve ideal health. You’ll need to be committed to following the advice of your physicians closely in order to continue carrying out changes in your lifestyle.
5.
No Underlying Psychological Issue
There are specific mental health conditions which might contribute to obesity, and therefore making it more challenging to sustain the benefits of bariatric surgery. Conditions which can be depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders.
6.
No Contraindications to Surgery
Medical conditions, like blood clots, liver disease and ulcers can increase the risks associated with bariatric surgery. These conditions may also be worsened by the surgery. Test should be carried out prior the surgery to determine your fitness for the test.
7.
Appropriate Age for the Surgery
Though there’s no specific age limit for bariatric surgery, it is advisable not to be performed on children lesser than 13 years and 65 years for adults.
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