Weight-Loss Surgery For Moderately Obese
Chicago Tribune, 10 January 2010
Weight–loss surgery is generally reserved only for morbidly obese patients with their BMI of 40 (or 35 if they suffer from obesity-related diseases). Overweight and obese patients with BMI lower than 40 are refused the surgery, as they are not obese enough.
This situation is changing now and even less obese patients have got the possibility of undergoing the surgery in order to lose weight.
The procedures nowadays differ from the ones performed years ago. But still, they help to prevent medical issues connected with obesity. Nutritionists highlight, though, that the procedures have to be followed by a healthy diet and exercise.
Nowadays surgeries are much shorter than they used to be and they are also incisionless. That makes them attractive especially for moderately overweight adults and teenagers as well as normal-weight patients with diabetes.
Patients undergoing weight-loss procedures tend to lose 50% or even more of their body weight. And what’s even more important – they are able to maintain that weight for at least 10 years after the surgery. Another good news is that the surgery cures type 2 diabetes in most cases, as well as helps with sleep apnea and heart diseases.
Patients have to be, however, aware that some complications can arise, as it might be the case in every surgery. Some patients can experience vomiting or defecation. Other problems may involve ulcers, wound problems, hemorrhage, deep-vein thrombosis, heart attacks and strokes. Studies show that these risks happen to 2.4 to 0.1% of the patients.
Experts are still searching for the ways to minimize the risks even more.
“Investigators are working on ways to make these operations more effective, safer, less invasive and lower-cost,” said Dr. Philip Schauer, director of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.
