Bariatric Surgery And The Fight Against Obesity

By Phyllis Schroeder


Obesity is defined as a condition of having an excessive amounts of fat in the human body, to such extent that it may negatively affect the health of the individual and his daily activites. This leads to increased health abnormalities and decreased life expectancy. An obese individual may face greater chances of heart conditions, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

In the United States alone, more than 2 in 3 adults are considered to be obese according the 2010 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In 2013, the American Medical Association classified it as a chronic disease. Since severe obesity is difficult to treat with diet and exercise alone, surgery may be the best option for patients if they have exhausted all other solutions. The New Jersey bariatric surgery offers this to patients with BMI of 35 to 40 with no comorbidities or a BMI of 30 to 35 with significant comorbidities.

In ancient times, and still in some parts of the globe, obesity has been the symbol for fertility and wealth. But this belief shifted in the modern world where it became stigmatized. After it was considered as a chronic disease, the European Court of Justice declared morbid obesity to be a disability. It would be deemed discriminatory if employers fire out obese individuals simply because they think these people cannot engage completely in their professional lives.

Weight gain results from energy imbalance or when the amount of calorie intake is greater than the amount used or burned through bodily activities. Factors like genes, eating habits, culture, geography, moods, lifestyle, and income can lead to energy imbalance and weight gain. Solutions however are more focused on eliminating excess food consumption and increasing physical activity.

In some cases, this condition can be genetic and an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise will only make it worse. Bariatic surgery is an effective method to achieving long term weight loss especially in Englewood, NJ, where obesity is also prevalent. This gives patients the help they need in the most painless, fastest, and safest way.

Doctors always remind patients that surgery is a big and serious decision to make. They educate them about the surgery, the risks, the benefits, and the possible effects of the treatment. Physicians also instruct them on what to expect regarding post operative changes.

The surgical procedure itself is done by reducing the size of the stomach with a detachable gastric band or a Lap Band. Another method is the gastric bypass or the removal of an area of the stomach. Or the doctor can reroute the small intestines to a small stomach pouch called Laparoscopic Roux en Y.

Producing and maintaining weight loss has no definite practice. After an operation, some patients would feel that they still have not reached their desired goals, while some regained over time. The amount regained may vary widely depending on the level of obesity and the kind of surgery.

For success to be achieved, patients must also commit to lifelong healthy eating and physical activity. They also need to change their habits and continue visiting for medical followup their whole lives. Healthcare professionals can help patients adjust to the physical and emotional changes so that the transformation will be more fulfilling and lasting.




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