Weight loss and Weight reduction surgery

 

Bariatric surgery is a treatment option available for people suffering from obesity. Obesity is a recognised medical condition in which the body accumulates excess body fat and deposits it around the body. It can be graded by a person’s Body Mass Index, a measurement obtained by dividing a persons weight (w) by their height squared (h2). A healthy BMI is between 20-25, 25-30 overweight and  BMI’s above 30 being classed as obese.

The effects of obesity

Obesity is a recognised risk factor in many medical conditions. Obesity is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, as it can cause fatty plaques to build up within arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and other organs putting them at risk of damage. These plaques can also burst and block all blood flow, and is commonly seen in people who have heart attacks.

Obesity also plays a large part in Type 2 Diabetes. Our body regulates blood sugar with the hormone insulin. If blood sugar is too high then insulin is released to put it back into our cells. High blood sugar can cause damage to arteries, nerves and kidneys (you can read more in our endocrinology section). In diabetes the cells do not respond to insulin, and it can cause problems with sensation, eyesight and kidney function. Obesity worsens diabetes by increasing the body’s resistance to insulin, increasing blood sugar levels.

Obesity can also cause problems with wear and tear on a perons joints, causing osteoarthritis on the hips and knees. It can cause fatty liver disease and cause permanent damage to your liver, one of the bodys largest organs with over 300 different functions. Obese people can have difficulty with breathing, kidney damage, infertility. It has also been shown to lead to an increased risk in many cancer types. Finally patients with large body weight have increased risks when undergoing surgery, including anaesthetic risks and ventilation.

What you can do

Because of the risks we’ve talked about above, doctors always recommend people to pursue a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise. It has a large benefit on your general health, both physically and mentally.

We will always encourage people to start with lifestyle modifications and diet. Though the effects may not be apparent at first, this is the groundwork on which all other options are based. Whislt medical and surgical options are available, all of these depend on a person managing their diet as well to keep the benefits  Reducing sugar and fat intake is key, as is eating fruit and veg each day. In modern society focused on busy office work sat at a desk it can be difficult to find time to exercise. However even a small amount of exercise done every day can be enough to improve a person’s health over the year.

What we can help you with

Despite their best efforts people can find it difficult to lose weight, especially if they have a high BMI. In these cases a doctor can provide extra medical and surgical options to help loose weight and keep your weight low.  There are several types of weight loss surgery available, and these can be discussed with your primary care doctor.

Our doctors can provide you with a second opinion on whether bariatric surgery is right for you, and which type of bariatric surgery you should have. It is important to note that bariatric surgery has risks associated with it, like all surgeries, and these should be considered carefully by a person who wishes to undergo surgery. Our doctors will explain the different risks and benefits of the surgery and will recommend alternatives if they believe it is in your best interest to not have the surgery at this current time.

When does the Bariatric Surgeons' second opinion make sense?

1. The Bariatric surgeon's second opinion makes sense when your doctor doesn’t have the required specialist knowledge for your condition.
2. The Bariatric surgeon's second opinion makes sense when various doctors have given you different recommendations and you need help making a decision.
3. The Bariatric surgeon's second opinion makes sense when you haven’t received a clear diagnosis or therapy recommendation.
4. The Bariatric surgeon's second opinion makes sense when your doctor has recommended a major operation and you want to make sure that it’s the best way to help you.
5. The Bariatric surgeon's second opinion makes sense when you feel that you haven’t been given enough information about your planned treatment.
6. The Bariatric surgeon's second opinion makes sense when the suggested treatment promises no significant improvement to your condition.
7. The Bariatric surgeon's second opinion makes sense when you want to find out if there are other treatment options you can pursue.

 

What is Bariatric Surgery? 

Bariatric surgery is a process that causes weight loss by limiting the quantity of the food that a stomach can hold.  Usually, bariatric surgery is performed by two procedures, referred to as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.