Bariatric Surgery Can Be Safer Than Living With Obesity

[MsJacquiiC]

Bariatric weight-loss surgery may sound dangerous and complicated, but a Geisinger physician warns that the real danger may be a life of obesity.

In addition to eliminating medical complications, bariatric surgery can help patients feel more in control of their lives.

"There are risks associated with bariatric surgery, as there are with any surgical procedure, but the risks associated with the procedure may pale in comparison to the health complications that can be caused by obesity," said Christopher Still, D.O., director of the Geisinger Center for Nutrition and Weight Management.

Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss procedure that can help obese individuals significantly reduce their body weight and can improve a patient's overall health.

Obesity can lead to a variety of complications including sleep apnea, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart disease, all of which require medical attention, Dr. Still said, and patients who may be considering bariatric surgery are often burdened by one or more of these conditions.

"Some obesity-related conditions can be fatal, and others require chronic medication and treatment," Dr. Still said. "With the help of bariatric surgery, medical complications caused by obesity can be eliminated, and patients can enjoy a much healthier life."

To help alleviate a patient's fears before surgery, the bariatric team ensures that patients and their families are thoroughly informed and comfortable with the procedure. Prior to surgery, patients undergo medical, psychological and nutritional evaluations, plus they attend two patient support groups and three educational classes.

In addition to eliminating medical complications, bariatric surgery can help patients feel more in control of their lives. Many patients can perform daily tasks they were unable to accomplish before their weight loss, including driving, walking, exercising and yard work. Many times, bariatric surgery prompts patients to develop new, healthier habits, Dr. Still said.

"The benefits of bariatric surgery are much greater than simply losing a few pounds," Dr. Still said. "After surgery, patients are able to reclaim their health and their lives."

About Geisinger Health System Geisinger is a $2.1 billion integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development and implementation of innovative care models including advanced medical home and ProvenCare ("warranty") program. The system serves more than 2.3 million residents throughout 42 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.

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Bariatrics The branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. The term bariatrics was created around 1965, from the Greek root baro ("weight," as in barometer), suffix -iatr ("treatment," as in pediatrics), and suffix -ic ("pertaining to"). Besides the pharmacotherapy of obesity, it is concerned with obesity surgery.

Sleep Apnea A sleep disorder (a comorbidity often seen in obese patients) characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Each episode, called an apnea, lasts long enough so that one or more breaths are missed, and such episodes occur repeatedly throughout sleep. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram, or a "Sleep Study" which is often conducted by a pulmonologist. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is used mainly by patients for the treatment of sleep apnea at home.

Obesity Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal according to standard age, height, and weight tables, or by a complex formula known as the body mass index. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk. CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE JOURNEY BMI CALCULATOR!

Diabetes Mellitus A disease that occurs when the body is not able to use blood glucose (sugar). Blood sugar levels are controlled by insulin, a hormone in the body that helps move glucose from the blood to muscles and other tissues. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body does not respond to the insulin that is made. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921, but there is no cure.