More on Obesity: The Surgical Solution

Written by Nicholas Bertha D.O., F.A.C.S.

Obesity is at a level never before witnessed in the history of the human race. Adults and children are affected. All races and all cultures are affected. Most people know a friend, colleague, or family member who has actually had surgery to deal with their obesity. The procedures themselves and the requirements for eligibility are almost never well understood.

Obesity surgery is called “Bariatric Surgery”. Individuals qualify for surgery when their weight reaches the point where they are unlikely to be capable of losing their weight through diet and exercise. Ideal weight is a specific term defined by an index of height and weight. It is cataloged in tables by life insurance companies. Excess weight is determined by the same measures against the existing tables of ideal weight. When the current weight is 75 to 100 lbs greater than the Ideal weight, people qualify for surgery. Most people have NO IDEA what their ideal weight should be. This number is available in the table below. Furthermore, most people when they find out what their ideal weight is supposed to be will argue that the statistics are not correct.

Statistics don’t lie. Obesity carries the risk of early death-period.

Bariatric surgery can reverse this risk. Gastric banding, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are all currently performed with minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Each leads to dramatic weight loss, and to medical benefit. Diabetes which is not insulin dependent, often RESOLVES. Sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other medical conditions rapidly improve, or often resolve completely. The procedures are SAFE. Each bariatric operation has been compared to other surgery procedures and have been found to pose no greater risk than colon, prostate or laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. They have also been measured against doing nothing. Data shows that the death rate is significantly higher in people who do not choose to proceed with surgery than in those who do. The average patient extends their life by 7 to 10 years after bariatric surgery. Most insurers in New Jersey currently cover bariatric surgery.

If you would like to learn more about the life changing effects of the procedures, contact your doctor. Free information seminars are given monthly at Holy Name Medical Center. You know the costs of doing nothing. Bring a friend-Save a life.