Severe obesity is a
chronic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise
alone. Bariatric surgery is an option for people who are severely obese
and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious
obesity-related health problems. The operation promotes weight loss and
reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by restricting food intake and, in
some operations, interrupting the digestive process to prevent the
absorption of some calories and nutrients. Recent studies suggest that
bariatric surgery may even have a favorable impact on mortality (death)
rates in severely obese patients. The best results are achieved when
bariatric surgery is followed with healthy eating behaviors and regular
physical activity.
You
may be a candidate for surgery if you are an adult with:
- A body mass
index (BMI) of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80
pounds for women) or
a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and a serious
obesity-related health problem
such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or severe sleep apnea
(when breathing stops for short periods during sleep).
- Acceptable
operative risks.
- An ability to
participate in treatment and long-term follow-up.
- An understanding
of the operation and the lifestyle changes you will need to make.
Source: Weight-control Information Network, Department of Health and Human Services
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Date Added: 2009-04-20 Views : 184