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Overview
Obesity is a progressive, life-threatening condition that affects one out of every three Americans. It often leads to medical, psychological, social and economic consequences. Bariatric surgery treats obesity by causing significant weight loss.
Holy Name Medical Center, designated an MBSAQIP Accredited Comprehensive Center by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, offers a state-of-the-art comprehensive program for people undergoing bariatric surgery. It features highly skilled bariatric surgical specialists who assist patients every step of the way, as well as nutrition education and group support. The combination of surgery with lifestyle modifications can dramatically improve, if not completely resolve, many of the health conditions caused by obesity.
Overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using a person's weight and height to calculate the body mass index (BMI). Adults with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight and adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese.
Obesity may trigger a number of health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, stress urinary incontinence and depression. It can also impede mobility, leading to a less active lifestyle, which can further exacerbate other health problems.
The underlying causes of severe obesity are unknown. Many factors may contribute to the development of the condition, including inherited genes, nutrition choices, lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle.
Why Consider Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric Surgery has been shown to be effective in helping people with obesity achieve and maintain a healthier weight. It provides the longest period of sustained weight loss in patients for whom other methods have failed.
For people who remain obese after repeated regimens of dieting and exercising, bariatric surgery will help reduce the number of calories consumed. It is not a one-step solution, however. It must be accompanied with dietary and behavioral changes and medical follow-up.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-lasting treatment for obesity. The weight loss that results from the procedure can put type 2 diabetes into remission, reduce high cholesterol and hypertension, and treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnea. Some patients also see a reduction in migraines and alleviation of stress urinary incontinence.
