The number of Americans who struggle to control their weight has steadily increased since 1960. Today, 60 million adults in the United States can be classified as obese. For those who have been unable to shed excess pounds through traditional means, obesity surgery offers a chance to achieve their weight loss goals. Gastric bypass and the LAP BAND procedure can help morbidly obese patients lose up to 90 percent of their excess body weight. Candidates for bariatric surgery must be 100 pounds overweight or have a BMI of at least 40. Obesity surgery is normally considered only after other weight loss methods have failed. For some insurance plans, you may be required to provide documentation of your previous weight loss attempts. People who have certain medical conditions such as Crohn's disease or chronic pancreatic problems are not good candidates for surgery.
While bariatric surgery does carry the risk of complications, patients who have gastric bypass or the LAP BAND procedure often greatly improve their physical health. Obesity is directly linked to over 30 medical conditions including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, infertility, low back pain, and sleep apnea. Losing just 10 percent of your excess body weight has been show to improve many of these conditions.
One of the most common myths regarding obesity surgery is that gastric bypass or the LAP BAND procedure will allow for rapid weight loss with minimal effort. Weight loss from obesity surgery is gradual and depends on a patient's diet and exercise program. Follow-up visits with your doctor are required until your weight is stabilized. Blood tests may also be necessary to monitor your progress.
