There is expected to be a
significant reduction in
risks of heart disease,
pulmonary disease and
cancers. Morbid obesity can
reduce the lifespan as much
as 20% in a given patient,
depending on their age and
co morbid problems. There
is also a significantly
improved quality of life
and self-esteem in patients
who have undergone gastric
bypass procedure for weight
loss.
It is important to
understand that this
surgery is to be taken
serious. In general, the
risks to morbidly obese
patients are greater for
most surgeries and medical
interventions than are for
patients who are not
morbidly obese. The
incidence of the risks
mentioned above are very
low, however, are real and
should be considered when
making a decision as to
your candidacy for a
gastric bypass procedure.
It is important to
understand your role in the
gastric bypass surgery.
First and foremost, it is a
tool for weight loss and
for maintenance of weight
loss. It is not a magic
bullet and will not
guarantee results without
complete dedication by
yourself and by your
physician. Our practice
would expect you to commit
yourself to our program and
accept long-term follow-up,
and recognize that the
surgery has its
limitations. Following our
suggestions made by your
surgeon, nurse, and
dietitian will greatly
increase your success at
this procedure. It is
important to remember that
vitamin supplements are a
lifelong commitment as is
exercise and a sensible
diet.
It will require absolute
dedication and cooperation
from our patients. With
this dedication will come
unlimited benefits, the
most important being the
elimination or vast
improvement in your obesity
related medical problems.
-
Right after surgery,
most patients lose
weight quickly and
continue to lose for
18 to 24 months after
the procedure.
Although most patients
regain 5 to 10 percent
of the weight they
lost, many maintain a
long-term weight loss
of about 100 pounds.
Surgery improves most
obesity-related
conditions. For
example, in one study
blood sugar levels of
83 percent of obese
patients with diabetes
returned to normal
after surgery. Nearly
all patients whose
blood sugar levels did
not return to normal
were older or had
lived with diabetes
for a long time.
Many
individuals report having
developed a newfound sense
of well being after weight
loss surgery. People who
undergo weight loss surgery
can usually expect:
-
Improvement in or
elimination of
conditions associated
with morbid obesity,
including adult onset
diabetes,
hypertension, sleep
apnea and arthritis
and joint problems.
Improved ability to
engage in physical
activity
A
loss of 50 to 70
percent of that weight
above the ideal
body weight. This loss
usually occurs during
the 18 months
following surgery.
Maintenance of this
weight loss.
