About Bariatric Surgery - Page Two

Problems Related to Morbid Obesity - obese patients have a higher risk of developing many diseases:

Heart and blood vessels - hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure and varicose veins
Hormonal - diabetes, abnormal menstrual periods, infertility, abnormal hair growth
Pulmonary - obstructive sleep apnea, hypoventilation syndrome, asthma
Arthritis - usually of the knees and hips and chronic back pain
Gastrointestinal - heartburn, fatty liver, gallstones, hernia
Urological - urinary incontinence * Psychological - chronic depression, anxiety and substance abuse
Cancer - increased incidence of cancer of the uterus, colon, breast and prostate
Death - there is a 12-times reduction in life expectancy seen in morbidly obese patients

History and Examination:

Patients seek help for the obesity for either cosmetic reasons or because they suffer from one or more associated illnesses and have been told that their illness would improve by loss of weight
Every person who is considered for bariatric surgery needs to be thoroughly evaluated. Bariatric surgery involves a long-term commitment because the patient has to make long-term changes in physical and dietary habits
Eating and physical habits of the patient are reviewed. Most patients have already tried diet and/or exercise programs.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is usually calculated - other associated illnesses are evaluated as necessary.
Your Bariatric team may include (besides the surgeon and your family doctor) an endocrinologist, a dietician and a respirologist. Bariatric teams frequently have support groups of patients to help understand lifestyle changes patients have to make.

Indications for Surgery:

Bariatric surgery is indicated for patients who are morbidly obese, BMI greater than 40, or for patients with a BMI greater than 35 if they have associated medical problems. If you would like to calculate your BMI go here.
Patients with a BMI of less than 35 are usually treated with a weight reduction diet, a program of increased physical activity, approved weight loss medication and counselling to modify behaviour.
Remember that this is major surgery and great thought and care should be given before deciding this is your best option.

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