When diet, exercise, behavioral modification, and prescription drug therapies have failed, morbid obesity surgery can help patients maintain a healthy body weight. Morbid obesity surgery aids weight loss by limiting food intake, suppressing appetite, and slowing digestion. However, patients must still eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly if they wish to gain the maximum benefit from the procedure.Gastric bypass is probably the most well known type of morbid obesity surgery. It is generally performed on patients who suffer from diabetes, hypertension, or other obesity-related health problems. Most patients are at least 100 pounds overweight and have a BMI of 40 or more. Doctors who perform this type of morbid obesity surgery generally require that patients be able to produce documentation showing that they have been unsuccessful losing weight through other methods.
The LAP BAND procedure is a newer type of morbid obesity surgery. It was approved by the FDA in 2001. This type of morbid obesity surgery is less invasive than gastric bypass and requires a shorter hospital stay. Another benefit to the LAP BAND procedure is that the band can be adjusted to fit the patient's individual weight loss needs.
While gastric bypass produces a more rapid weight loss during the first year, both types of morbid obesity surgery result in a similar long-term weight loss. The type of morbid obesity surgery that will work best for you is dependent upon your physical health, medical history, and weight loss goals. Consulting a qualified bariatric surgeon is the best way to determine if surgery is the best morbid obesity treatment for you.
