A combination of healthy eating and appropriate exercise is the preferred method for losing weight and excess body fat. This twin process will usually help almost anyone to stay fit and achieve the correct weight range. Unfortunately for some, other methods may be required. Long-term poor development of willpower, genetic disposition, disease and other factors may hinder the body's ability to reach and maintain the desired weight for optimal health. Due to these obstructive elements, some obese individuals may require outside assistance in order to increase their quality of life and decrease associated health risks. Fad diets rarely work, and the for those few that do, the initial results are not maintainable in the long-run. Some nutritional supplements and compounds can help to a degree but for many in this situation, weight loss surgery is often the only hope.
What is “considerably overweight”? There
There are many forms of surgery that have evolved, and all have their respective pros and cons. The most important criteria to consider are effectiveness, side effects, and of course risk. Most of the weight loss surgery techniques are effective in the sense that they do typically lead to a substantial weight loss. This weight loss often occurs due to restricted caloric intake- either because of eating less, or because the body is made to absorb less of the food that is eaten.
One of the earliest forms of weight loss surgery was the gastric bypass technique. In this operation, all or part of the stomach is removed and the digestive system reconnected. The surgery was originally extremely dangerous, and although it has advanced there are still substantial risks attached for the patient. It is no longer the method preferred by medical practitioners and surgeons. Patients who undergo the procedure have to take supplements for the rest of their lives and the risk of disease and nutritional deficiencies as a result of the bypass remains high.
Stomach stapling is a technique that has now been in existence for many years. Also initially dangerous, it has become much safer in during the past decade. Newer methods sometimes make laparoscopy possible. Here, a small hole is created through which the surgeon works. By using this technique, the patient is not “opened up”, thereby reducing risk of infection and lowering pain, and recovery time. There are risks of bleeding, though these risks are low. Patients may become ill if they attempt to eat more than the recommended amount. They may also suffer from nutritional deficiencies that can be life-long. Like the results of the gastric bypass, such deficiencies require the patient to supplement their nutrition by using prescribed vitamins and/or minerals. The effect of stomach stapling is to create a smaller stomach. This leads to a more rapid feeling of fullness and the patient therefore eats less and takes in fewer calories. The body then turns to stored fat for energy, resulting in less fat and lower weight.
A newer form of surgery involves installing an adjustable Lap Band around the stomach. The use of this Lap Band eliminates the need to puncture the stomach, which in turn leads to reduced complications and risks. Additionally, the physician is able to adjust the band and thereby regulate the effect as the patient loses weight. Generally safe, the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis. Many who opt for this procedure consider it a minor inconvenience as the band itself is not painful, but like any other medical procedure it is expensive. Increasingly, insurance companies will not cover the procedure.
The various procedures typically result in rapid weight loss, but as fat comes out of the adipose tissue many hormonal changes take place. Close, regular medical observation is crucial for the success of the procedure and the health of the patient.
There are dozens of names for the various procedures: Biliopancreatic Diversion, Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, Adjustable gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy (with or without Duodenal Switch), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and others. All are termed “bariatric surgery”.
Whichever procedure is considered by an individual, careful thought should be given to weighing the risks and the benefits. For many, a commitment to long-term dietary and lifestyle changes is a better option. For those who believe surgery is the best option, extensive consultation with an experienced physician is of ultimate importance.
