Using Surgery For Obesity Control

Surgery should be the final option in your struggle against obesity. If you have tried everything else and your health is at risk because of excess weight, you should consider surgery.

Millions of people all over the world, and especially in Western society, are prone to obesity. A person is obese when he or she weighs more than 20% above ideal body weight, or 100 pounds above ideal body weight.

Obesity or weight loss surgery can be performed in a number of ways and is a drastic measure to help the patient alter his or her eating habits by changing the way their bodies digest and absorb food.

In restrictive surgery a part of the stomach is removed, preventing the patient from overeating, as overeating will result in severe discomfort, cramps, or nausea. An adjustable band may also be placed around a part of the stomach as a temporary measure. Statistics show that about 33% of people undergoing restrictive surgery will achieve normal body weight, while about 80% of people will have some weight loss but not enough to overcome obesity.

In mal-absorptive surgery the small intestine is shortened. The intake of food is not restricted, but the passage of the food through your digestive system is much quicker. That prevents the calories to be absorbed by your body, and the result is loss of weight. There are no statistics available on the success rate of this type of surgery. It is usually done in conjunction with restrictive surgery.

Your physician will be able to advise you on the pros and cons of each type of surgery for obesity and will suggest either or both types of surgery, depending on his assessment of your condition and your health. Side effects associated with each type of surgery will be pointed out to you as well as the risks involved.

Although drastic, obesity surgery is effective. It does make it easier for the obese person to lose the excess weight and achieve normal body weight. If you think this option is for you, speak to your physician about the procedures and the costs involved and go ahead with it. Your health is important to you and you are the person that should manage it.