MSN Health & Fitness, 28th July 2010

A new study about bartiatric surgery done in the state of Michigan shows that there is a relatively low risk of serious complications after the procedure.

The report published in the July 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association showed the findings of Nancy Birkmeyer of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 15,275 patients took part in the research. They all underwent one of three common bariatric procedures between 2006 and 2009. The operations were performed by 62 surgeons at 25 hospitals in Michigan.

Seattle Times, 19th July 2010

A new weight-loss surgery technique is being developed by surgeons in North Carolina. The new technique, called vertical sleeve gastrectomy, requires only one incision and is operated through the belly button.

A new Spider surgical tool is required for this type of surgery. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy cuts the stomach down to 20% of its normal capacity. The name suggests the shape of the stomach that remains after the surgery.

How is it possible for the surgeon to operate through the belly button? The Spider tool contain working arms that unfold inside the patient so that the surgeon can access the areas he needs.

The Guardian, 15th July 2010

The new research shows how much joining a support group after the weight-loss surgery helps to lose and maintain weight. It is extremely important to remind the post-op patients about their routine: walking, eating fruit and veg, avoiding junk food.

250 women took part in the study. It showed that only four yearly group sessions plus phone reminders, helped them to lose weight after the surgery and maintain it. All women managed to lose 0.2 pounds of weight in average. Women who didn’t take part in the support groups, put on 1.8 pounds.

HealthNewsDigest.com, 7th July 2010

Weigh-loss is not easy nor quick. There are numerous factors that weight-loss depends on and that influence its success.

It’s especially difficult to come to the conclusion that one actually needs to lose weight. The very thought might not be that obvious for everyone. Once it’s done, though, everyone should invest in their well-being and make sure they lead a healthy life-style.