Bariatric Surgery

Clinically severe obesity is a disease of excess energy stores in the form of fat. Severe obesity is a complex, clinical disorder with many contributing causes and factors. The condition is often associated with a wide range of medical problems, including high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, and arthritis. Other contributing causes for the development of obesity include: Environmental, Cultural, Socioeconomic and Psychological influences.

For many patients who are severely overweight, surgical treatment is the only proven method that will help them achieve the long-term weight control required to improve their overall health and enable them to perform normal activities.

There are many medical conditions that are seen more commonly in people who suffer from obesity. These medical conditions are known as ‘co-morbid’ medical conditions of obesity. For many of these conditions, the risk is directly related to how overweight you are. Many of these co-morbid medical conditions resolve or vastly improve with weight loss following surgery.

How much weight you lose depends on a variety of factors including how overweight you are at the time of surgery, which procedure you choose, how active you are, and how successfully you are able to adopt the proper eating habits and diet. For committed patients who understand what is required in terms of diet, exercise, and follow-up care in our clinic, the weight loss and associated health benefits can be long lasting.

The decision to have bariatric surgery is a big one. To achieve the highest level of success and results that last a lifetime, there are some habits and activities that are recommended to do long term:

• Healthy Eating Habits- Follow the recommended bariatric diet including making good food choices and separating liquids and solids at mealtimes. Take recommended vitamin and mineral supplements long term.
• Activity and Exercise- Successful patients adopt an active lifestyle and exercise regularly.
• Follow-up by attending your scheduled appointments.
• Participate in the Support Group available to you.