Bariatric Surgery And The Fight Against Obesity

By Phyllis Schroeder


Obesity is a condition in which there is an accumulation of excess fat in the body, to the extent where it may significantly affect the health and day to day activities of the individual. It can lead to increased health problems and even reduced life expectancy. This means that obese individuals may encounter higher possibilities of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, etc.

According to the 2010 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, there are more than 2 in 3 adults in the US that are recognized as overweight or obese. The American Medical Association then categorized it as a chronic disease in 2013. Professionals understand how difficult it is for some patients to treat obesity with exercise and diet alone, and so the best decision for them would be to undergo surgery after all other options have been exhausted. New Jersey bariatric surgery requires that this be offered only when the patients have a BMI ranging from 35 to 40 without comorbidities or 30 to 35 if they have 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.

Patients need to understand that surgery is a serious matter. They need to be properly informed about the operation, its benefits and risks, and the effects of treatment. They need to be aware of the post operative effects so they can adjust well.

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.

In the end, there is no definite method, even surgery, to produce and maintain weight loss. Some patients after the operation feel that the amount lost did not meet their goals, while others regained over some time. The amount of regained weight may differ by the degree of obesity and type of surgery.

Success can be attained if the patients commit seriously to a healthier lifestyle. By eating right, exercising more often, and regularly submitting themselves to medical checkup their entire lives. They have caring and responsible healthcare professionals who can help them adjust so their transformation would remain successful and lasting.




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