Weight Loss Surgery | Find Weight Loss Surgeons or Doctors

Weight loss surgery is a surgical therapy reserved for people who are seriously obese. Obesity is measured by a person’s body mass index, (BMI), which is calculated by a person’s height and weight. In order to be considered for weight loss surgery, a people must have a BMI ³ 40 or BMI ³ 35 with obesity related diseases (e.g. hypertension, type 2 diabetes). Additionally, they must be well informed and motivated, have been unsuccessful at other nonsurgical approaches, have a strong desire for weight loss, and be considered an acceptable operative risk.

Weight Loss Surgery is a treatment option suitable for some persons with obesity. You and your doctor must work together to determine if you would benefit from Weight Loss Surgery, which is a major operation that can change your life in many ways.

You must know about the risks and benefits of Weight Loss Surgery and the commitment you will have to make to lifestyle change and life-long follow-up with your medical team. You must also take into account the health risks of being severely obese, and the health benefits you can gain from Weight Loss Surgery.

According to the American Society for Weight Loss Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is one of the most frequently performed Weight Loss Surgery procedures in the United States. In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption. This is done in Weight Loss Surgery by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating the "Y" shape that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption.

Weight Loss Surgery Advantages
The average excess weight loss after the Weight Loss Surgery procedure is generally higher in a compliant patient than with purely restrictive procedures.
One year after Weight Loss Surgery, weight loss can average 77% of excess body weight.
Studies show that after 10 to 14 years, 50-60% of excess body weight loss has been maintained by some Weight Loss Surgery patients.
A 2000 study of 500 patients showed that 96% of certain associated health conditions studied (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression) were improved or resolved.

Weight Loss Surgery Risks
Because the duodenum is bypassed, poor absorption of iron and calcium can result in the lowering of total body iron and a predisposition to iron deficiency anemia. This is a particular concern for Weight Loss Surgery patients who experience chronic blood loss during excessive menstrual flow or bleeding hemorrhoids. Women, already at risk for osteoporosis that can occur after menopause, should be aware of the potential for heightened bone calcium loss.
Bypassing the duodenum has caused metabolic bone disease in some Weight Loss Surgery patients, resulting in bone pain, loss of height, humped back and fractures of the ribs and hip bones. All of the deficiencies mentioned above, however, can be managed through proper diet and vitamin supplements.
A chronic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. The Weight Loss Surgery problem can usually be managed with Vitamin B12 pills or injections.
A condition known as "dumping syndrome " can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious risk to your health, the Weight Loss Surgery results can be extremely unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating. Some Weight Loss Surgery patients are unable to eat any form of sweets after surgery.
In some cases, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced if the stomach pouch is stretched and/or if it is initially left larger than 15-30cc.
The bypassed portion of the stomach, duodenum and segments of the small intestine cannot be easily visualized using X-ray or endoscopy if problems such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy should occur.

You will want to know that your surgeon is experienced and qualified to perform the weight loss surgery. Many surgeons have taken special training and passed exams given by a national board of surgeons. Ask if your surgeon is "board certified" in surgery. Some weight loss surgeons also have the letters F.A.C.S. after their name. This means they are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and have passed another review by surgeons of their surgical practices.

Most of us have some criteria for making important decisions in life. But suppose that your weight loss surgery doctor recommends that you consider having an operation. How do you go about finding a qualified surgeon? If you or someone you know is considering elective surgery, you should be aware that there are some ways to objectively evaluate your surgeon. The American College of Surgeons—the largest international organization of surgeons in the world—recommends that you look for the following qualifications:

A good indication of a weight loss surgeons competence is certification by a surgical board that is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). In order for a physician to become board certified in weight loss surgery, he or she must complete the designated years of residency training in that specialty, and then demonstrate his or her knowledge by successfully completing a rigorous examination. When you choose a surgeon who is certified by an ABMS-approved board, you select a physician whose specialty is in surgery.

Before having weight loss surgery, ask your physician these questions:

What operation are you recommending?
Why do I need weight loss surgery?
Are there alternatives to surgery?
What are the benefits of having the operation?
What are the risks of having weight loss surgery?
What will happen if I don't have this operation?
Where can I get a second opinion?
What has been your experience in doing the operation? How many have you performed?
Where will the operation be done?
What kind of anesthesia will I need?
How long will it take me to recover from weight loss surgery?
How much will the operation cost?

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