Weight Loss Surgery Is A Tool, Not A Cure: A Bariatric Surgeon’s Perspective
August 4, 2017Obesity is a chronic problem in America. Today, more than 127 million Americans, 64 percent of the population, are overweight. Of these, 65 million are obese, and 10 million are morbidly obese.
Obesity is also more than just carrying around extra weight. It’s a complex, far-reaching disease that is typically accompanied by life-affecting co-morbidities from diabetes and cancer to reproductive dysfunctions and chronic pain or joint diseases. The complications of being obese go beyond medical problems and include orthopedic issues, physical limitations, psychological illnesses, social stigmas and economic costs.
The goal of a bariatric surgeon is to help a patient live a longer, healthier life. But surgery isn’t a cure by itself.
The weight loss journey is a partnership that begins with a thorough review of the different types of surgeries, as it’s important to evaluate the pros and cons, benefits and risks, of each based on a number of factors, including safety and efficacy of treating and/or resolving co-morbidity factors.
Understanding The Co-Morbidities From Obesity
A co-morbidity is the presence of two chronic diseases in a patient. In this case, obesity, plus one of 20 obesity-related diseases. A startling truth is that the top five leading causes of death are directly related to obesity.
Heart disease
The number one cause of death among men and women, resulting in 1-in-4 deaths, the key risk factors for heart disease are directly attributed to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and linked to medical conditions and lifestyle choices, including obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity.
Cancer
Cancer is the second most common cause of death among adults in the U.S. Excess body fat produces hormones that have been proven to raise the risk of several diseases, including cancer. As a case in point, fat cells produce estrogen, which is a significant risk factor in the development of breast cancer.
Stroke
As the third leading cause of death, stroke, like heart disease, is directly attributed to weight. In fact, obesity is the primary risk factor for stroke among men and women of all ages and races. Excess fatty tissue causes inflammation, which can lead to difficulty in blood flow and an increased risk of blockage.
Diabetes
Being overweight or obese is the best predictor of type 2 diabetes. In fact, 90 percent of people living with type 2 diabetes are overweight or have obesity. Why? Because excess weight challenges peoples’ bodies to use insulin to control blood sugar levels. The exponential increase of diabetes cases among Americans directly correlates to the growing prevalence of obesity.
Pneumonia
Obesity is a cause of several respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, which is the fifth leading cause of death. Specifically, aspiration pneumonia is caused by the shorter and more narrowed airways, where stomach contents can move into the lungs and cause infection.
To Combat Obesity, Weight Loss Surgery Is A Tool
Surgery is a serious weight-loss option to consider when various attempts of diet and exercise have not helped a patient shed excess weight or resolve co-morbidities.
It’s important to note that when it comes to the weight loss surgery procedures, one size does not fit all!
A board-certified bariatric surgeon will guide a patient toward the best medical option that will not only help them achieve their weight loss goals but also positively impact co-morbidities. While all procedures should reduce weight, different co-morbid conditions are uniquely affected by the different methods.
The five most common weight loss procedures are Adjustable Gastric Banding, Roux-en-Y (RNY) Gastric Bypass, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch and ORBERA® Weight Loss Balloon. Each one comes with its own benefits and complications, especially when it comes to tackling medical challenges of co-morbidities.
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| Ensuring success |
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| Potential specific complications |
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| Healing Co-morbidities |
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| How it Works |
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| Average weight loss |
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| Ensuring success |
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| Potential specific complications |
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| Healing Co-morbidities |
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| How it Works |
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| Average weight loss |
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| Ensuring success |
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| Potential specific complications |
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| Healing Co-morbidities |
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| How it Works |
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| Average weight loss |
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| Ensuring success |
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| Potential specific complications |
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| Healing Co-morbidities |
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Using Surgery As A Tool And Working Toward A Goal Together
Moving forward with bariatric surgery can be an exciting time in a potential patient’s life. With the goal of living longer and being happier, every bariatric procedure has the potential to allow a patient to succeed initially. However, maintaining success, especially over the long-term is a team effort.
Undergoing surgery or a medical procedure is not only a commitment to altering your body’s function, but also a commitment to a long-term bariatric lifestyle education and support program.
The first five years are critical to lifelong success as it gives physicians a chance to help patients to monitor progress; closely monitor the status of co-morbid diseases; establish lasting healthy habits; tackle post-surgical issues, such as handling newfound self-esteem; and more.
As potential patients begin to explore the right board-certified practices and potential surgeries, it’s vital to consider the team of professionals who will guide them every step of the way, both celebrating successes and overcome the challenges.
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Robert Schuster is a board-certified bariatric surgeon practicing at Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Phoenix, and Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona. Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management provides a comprehensive program to help individuals achieve healthy, long-term weight loss.Read more articles from Dr. Robert Schuster! |
