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.

In the United States alone, more than 2 in 3 adults are considered to be obese according the 2010 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In 2013, the American Medical Association classified it as a chronic disease. Since severe obesity is difficult to treat with diet and exercise alone, surgery may be the best option for patients if they have exhausted all other solutions. The New Jersey bariatric surgery offers this to patients with BMI of 35 to 40 with no comorbidities or a BMI of 30 to 35 with significant 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 happens when there is energy imbalance or the calorie taken in is higher than the amount being burned. There are also factors such as genetic makeup, culture, eating habit, mood, geography, income, and lifestyle that can cause energy imbalance leading to weight gain. The most common solution would be to eliminate excessive food intake and increase bodily activities.

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.

Doctors always remind patients that surgery is a big and serious decision to make. They educate them about the surgery, the risks, the benefits, and the possible effects of the treatment. Physicians also instruct them on what to expect regarding post operative changes.

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 is achievable if the affected individuals commit to a life of healthy living. They need to prioritize their health by eating right, doing proper exercises, and routinely do a medical checkup all their lives. They can certainly depend on their healthcare experts to assist them into adjusting to the changes so the transformation would be more rewarding and lasting.




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