Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery: Weighing the Options
by Robert O. Woodbury, M.D., FACS

Morbid obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, with a loss of 300,000 lives every year. People who are morbidly obese often experience profound social, economical, psychological and physical consequences. This complex chronic disease results in limited activity, shorter life expectancy and a greater risk of health problems. The National Institutes of Health recommend that morbidly obese patients consider weight loss surgery when repeated attempts at dieting have failed.

The risks associated with long-term morbid obesity outweigh the risks associated with weight loss surgery. Surgical options have increased dramatically as more and more research has resulted in new and more advanced techniques. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all procedure. Patient comfort, safety, successful recovery and adaptation to the loss of weight are important considerations as new surgical techniques and technologies are incorporated into medical practice.

Taking the First Step:
The first step is truly committing to a healthy and active life, getting educated on bariatric surgery, having a supportive primary physician, and then enrolling in a comprehensive program.

Read the rest of this article in our Healthy Insights Magazine