With claims from doctors that there are no scars, a fast surgery and instant weight loss, why not? But let's cover some of the basics first, before we make an appointment at the local doctor's office:
- The surgery started many years ago on cancer patients with severe ulcers. Where the doctors removed large parts of the stomach or intestine to help control the cancer patient's ulcers. The doctors noticed that the cancer patients began to loose weight after the surgery, and weight loss surgery was born.
- Obesity surgery involves manipulating the stomach or/and small intestine in some way.
- There are two types of surgery used currently for weight loss: malabsorption and restrictive surgery.
- Malabsorption surgery shortens the length of the small intestine therefore limiting the amount of food that is digested or absorbed.
- Restrictive surgery involves making the stomach smaller. In restrictive surgery a section of your stomach is removed or closed off therefore limiting the amount of food it can hold which also causes you to feel full.
Photo courtesy of: PennMedicine.org
The University of Rochester's Medical Center states that in order to have bariatic surgery you must meet these qualifications:
- BMI (body mass index is determined by your height and weight) of 40
- BMI of 35-39.9 with one of the following obesity related health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea.
- Absence of any psychiatric disorders
- Absence of any eating disorders
- No active substance abuse
- 21 years of age and older
- History of obesity of at least 5 years or greater
- Documented failed attempts at conventional weight loss programs
- Ability to follow pre-operative and post operative dietary, exercise and behavioral recommendations
To calculate your body mass index visit the University of Rochester's website: URMC.Rochester.edu
Keep in mind like most surgeries there is the possibility of many side effects, for a list of side effect consult your physician or WebMD.
Aside from physical side effects keep in mind the emotional effects of this surgery. Sure you feel fuller and you will begin to drop the pounds if all goes as the ads state. However the underlined behavior not being mentioned is dealing with the emotional patterns that began your weight gain nightmare. So if you decide to take advantage of this new advancement in medical technology, just don't forget about inner emotional self. The self that you buried deep underneath those extra pounds. Remember that your butt may look better for now, however that phases out after some time when the underlined emotions that created all that fat in the first place begin to resurface. Whatever your choice may be, best wishes in a new happy and positive you!
For more information on weight loss surgery, here is a brief list of informative websites:
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