Bariatric Surgery And The Fight Against Obesity

By Phyllis Schroeder


Obesity is a condition in which there is an accumulation of excess fat in the body, to the extent where it may significantly affect the health and day to day activities of the individual. It can lead to increased health problems and even reduced life expectancy. This means that obese individuals may encounter higher possibilities of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, etc.

According to the 2010 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, there are more than 2 in 3 adults in the US that are recognized as overweight or obese. The American Medical Association then categorized it as a chronic disease in 2013. Professionals understand how difficult it is for some patients to treat obesity with exercise and diet alone, and so the best decision for them would be to undergo surgery after all other options have been exhausted. New Jersey bariatric surgery requires that this be offered only when the patients have a BMI ranging from 35 to 40 without comorbidities or 30 to 35 if they have comorbidities.

In ancient times, and still in some parts of the globe, obesity has been the symbol for fertility and wealth. But this belief shifted in the modern world where it became stigmatized. After it was considered as a chronic disease, the European Court of Justice declared morbid obesity to be a disability. It would be deemed discriminatory if employers fire out obese individuals simply because they think these people cannot engage completely in their professional lives.

Weight gain results from energy imbalance or when the amount of calorie intake is greater than the amount used or burned through bodily activities. Factors like genes, eating habits, culture, geography, moods, lifestyle, and income can lead to energy imbalance and weight gain. Solutions however are more focused on eliminating excess food consumption and increasing physical activity.

Some people become obese due to a combination of factors such as genetic predisposition and an unhealthy lifestyle. An effective way to reducing excess weight is through bariatric surgery and is common in Englewood, NJ. For patients who have done everything they can to get rid of the excess fat, this solution would be the safest, fastest, and most painless way.

Surgery is still a very serious decision though. Patients need to be educated about the operation itself, its risks and benefits, and the treatment effects. They also have to be made aware of the changes they need to adjust to right after the operation.

The surgical procedure itself is done by reducing the size of the stomach with a detachable gastric band or a Lap Band. Another method is the gastric bypass or the removal of an area of the stomach. Or the doctor can reroute the small intestines to a small stomach pouch called Laparoscopic Roux en Y.

There is no specific practice being followed by everyone when it comes to maintaining the weight loss. After the bypass surgery, some individuals still feel that they have not achieved the goal that they want. Others even gained weight. The amount of fat regained may differ significantly on the level of obesity and type of operation.

For success to be achieved, patients must also commit to lifelong healthy eating and physical activity. They also need to change their habits and continue visiting for medical followup their whole lives. Healthcare professionals can help patients adjust to the physical and emotional changes so that the transformation will be more fulfilling and lasting.




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