Obesity Surgery Options: An Introduction
Obesity is an ever growing threat to the health of Australians and other citizens of developed nations worldwide. In 2005, the results from the 04-05 NHS (National Health Survey) showed that 40.5% of all men and 24.9% of all women in Australia were overweight. 16.4% of all Australian adults were classified as obese. Now, just 4 years later, those numbers have significantly increased, especially among children who show even higher percentages of being overweight and obese. Some of the contributing factors that have led Australia and other developed nations into this situation is low-priced, high-fat foods, a lack of physical activity, and in some cases, genetics may play a major role. Obesity can lead to some major medical concerns later in life such as type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other conditions.
The media has been covering the advances in surgical techniques to help people who are significantly overweight and these procedures have become very safe and very efficient at helping people lose a large amount of weight relatively quickly. These surgical procedures are not only state of the art, they are also very affordable.
Surgical Options For The Treatment Of Obesity
The media has made people aware of procedures such as gastric bypass but most surgeons who specialize in the treatment of obesity have been trained in multiple effective procedures. Australia is the home to some of the most well trained and experienced surgeons in the world and you can find many different options available. Some of the most frequently performed procedures are:
Gastric Bypass
This procedure consists of surgically removing a portion of the stomach and attaching the small intestine to the much smaller stomach pouch that is created during the removal. This pouch is usually very small and this enables you to feel full after a very small amount of food. The reduction in caloric intake will make you lose weight quickly. This is a permanent procedure.
The Lap Band (Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding)
Lap bands have boomed in popularity over the past 2 years because they offer all the benefits of the gastric bypass but they are not permanent. This procedure consists of inserting and securing a small flexible band around the upper section of your stomach. This enables you to feel full quickly just like the gastric bypass. The advantages are: It’s adjustable, the incision is very small, and it’s not a permanent removal of any stomach tissue.
BPD (Bilio Pancreatic Diversion)
The BPD removes a large portion of the stomach (about 2/3) and also a small section of the intestine. This is a safe procedure that is permanent and geared for people who are morbidly obese and have a very high Body Mass Index.
Tube Gastrectomy
The tube gastrectomy is fairly new and surgeons are being trained in this procedure at a very rapid rate. This procedure is also geared for those who are morbidly obese and is typically part 1 of a 2 part operation. This procedure favors sectioning off a large portion of the stomach but leaving the remainder as a tube instead of a pocket. This allows you to eat more than the other options and also absorb more nutrients. For those with a BMI over 60, this first step lets you gradually lose weight in preparation for the next step which leaves you with less of the initial stomach tube. The incision from this procedure is very small.
Any obesity surgery specialist will be able to give you advice about what procedure is right for you.
