Obesity rates are on the rise in American populations, putting millions at risk of developing serious health problems. According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2006, only two states had a prevalence of obesity of less than 20 percent.
While obesity is a major health problem on its own, if it persists for an extended period of time, it can cause other health complications, including:
asthma... Read more >
For people more than 100 pounds overweight, bariatric weight loss surgery may be a way to return to a healthy body weight. While patients can choose between different types of bariatric surgery, all types modify the body’s digestive system to help patients lose weight.
Understanding Types of Bariatric Surgery
Advancements in medical technologies and techniques have spawned several types of bariatric surgery... Read more >
For some, especially those 100 pounds or more overweight, bariatric surgery is often the only way to lose weight and regain health. The choice usually comes down to the risk between continuing to be morbidly obese versus having major surgery. Anyone considering bariatric weight loss surgery should be aware of all possible risks and complications.
Keep in mind that patients will be more or less at risk of... Read more >
Bariatric surgery dramatically changes patients' digestive systems to limit the amount of calories they can absorb (or food they can ingest) to help them lose weight. As a result, those who have undergone bariatric surgery will not be able to digest food in the same way they could before having the procedure. Because their bodies will have significantly different food needs, bariatric surgery patients will have to... Read more >
Bariatric surgery is not doctors' first choice for treating obesity. Not only is it a major surgery associated with serious risks, but people who have bariatric surgery have to make major changes in their lifestyles after recovering from surgery.
Nonetheless, for some, bariatric surgery is the most viable option for weight loss and improved health.
Good Candidates for Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric... Read more >
People who have bariatric surgery have usually tried other weight loss methods and have been unable to lose and keep off weight over time. Even though this procedure can work, choosing bariatric surgery should not be taken lightly.
As you make the choice as to whether you will undergo bariatric surgery, consider:
the cost of surgery
the lifestyle and dietary changes you will have to make after... Read more >
Bariatric surgery helps clinically obese patients lose significant amounts of weight in a relatively short time period. While bariatric surgery effectively helps patients lose weight, they may have to get further surgeries to deal with some of the results of the surgery, including sagging skin.
Unfortunately, skin that expands when a person gains weight often fails to tighten up after the weight is lost... Read more >
Morbid obesity can be a challenging condition to treat, and many patients find that bariatric surgery is their only option for reaching a healthy weight. The two most common types of bariatric surgery include gastric bypass surgery and LAP-BAND surgery.
When deciding whether to have bariatric surgery, one of the main factors you will have to consider is the cost of this procedure. Be sure that you fully... Read more >
Contemplating bariatric surgery can be a scary proposition. The procedure requires massive lifestyle changes, and the list of possible complications and side effects is long. To reduce your risk of experiencing these daunting side effects, find a bariatric surgeon who is experienced and knowledgeable about the latest research.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Surgeon
When choosing a bariatric surgeon... Read more >
While bariatric surgery may be the best weight loss option for some patients, not all insurance providers will cover this procedure. In other cases, patients in need of bariatric surgery may not have insurance at all. Regardless of the reason, if you are left with the burden of paying for your bariatric surgery, keep in mind that you have some options for financial help: a bariatric surgery discount card can help... Read more >
Weight Loss Through Surgery
Bariatric Surgery.Info (2008). More Statistics on Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery. Retrieved April 20, 2008, from the Bariatric Surgery Web site.
Center for Disease Control (2007). U.S. Obesity Trends 1985–2006. Retrieved April 21, 2008, from the Center for Disease Control Web site.
Collins, Anne (2007). Introduction to Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery. Retrieved... Read more >