The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey obtained in 2009-2010 indicated that 17% of the young population has been obese. There is a rising prevalence of obesity across states and medical costs are on the rise that may reach up to $147 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare costs for obese individuals are estimated to be almost $1,429 higher than those with a normal weight. The US Department of Health and Human Services also indicated that about 35.7% of the US adult population were obese in 2010.
When all other forms of weight loss regimens fail, your last resort is to undergo a surgical procedure. A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007, gastric bypass patients were able to reduce their risks from serious and fatal diseases like cardiovascular conditions of about 40% as compared to those who did not undergo the procedure. These patients were finally off medications and experienced significant improvement from comorbid conditions that occur with obesity like asthma and sleep apnea. While surgical procedures are not without any complications, the benefits overcome the risks owing to the improved standards and protocol observed in conducting the invasive procedure in addition to the modern surgical technology. Actually, there are many diversified drugs that can lead to weight loss. Recently FDA approved that right Sildenafil Citrate dosage can forward to lose weight and can be an antidepressant. Anyway there is some risk ingesting it without prescription. It is better not to overdose it and consult the doctor.
The weight loss surgery rising fame
Since 1950’s, weight loss surgeries have been performed and with the modern surgical technologies these days, doctors are giving high approval in prescribing surgery as the last resort to manage obesity. The Journal of the American Medical Association, in its study in 2004 showed that Bariatric surgery significantly reduced the risks to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. About 86% of obese individuals found significant relief from sleep apnea after a successful Bariatric surgical procedure. The growing approval rate about the surgery is mainly due to improved clinical and research studies on the safety and effectiveness of going through the procedure.
The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
The new breakthrough in weight loss surgery is the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery which is performed to provide a permanent solution in controlling the quantity of food intake. The procedure also aims to reduce the action of the hunger stimulating hormone. In an actual surgery made to Gina Henderson, who has a long term problem with being overweight that threatens her health according to her doctor, she lost 100 pounds after six months post surgery. She calls her surgery as life saving for her health is already beginning to deteriorate due to being overweight. She was off her medication and is able to regain a healthy cholesterol and blood pressure. She never finds herself slipping back to her unhealthy diet because the procedure helped her control her urge to eat.
Pros: The procedure cuts the stomach leaving a smaller area to restrict or limit the portion of food it can accommodate, allowing normal digestion and absorption of the nutrients. It helps to influence the hormone responsible in triggering hunger.
Cons: This form of procedure involves cutting and stapling of the stomach. A large portion of the stomach is permanently removed.
A portion of the stomach is removed to reduce its size.
The Lap Band Surgery
There are a growing number of obese individuals pursuing a lap band surgery. According to the report of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), going under the knife through a Bariatric surgery is not riskier than any other abdominal surgeries. The Lap Band procedure is another option in weight loss reduction when exercise, diet and other conventional weight loss regimen fail. The process involves the implantation of an adjustable silicone band to tie the upper portion of the stomach. This type of restriction in the food portion that the stomach can accommodate can help a person lose weight at least 2 pounds per week. Dr. Shahram Salimitari of the LAP-BAND Bariatric surgeon and ASMBS Affiliate member remarked that Bariatric surgery has a very low mortality rate which is suggestive of its effectiveness and high level of safety as a weight loss surgery.
Pros: Lap band surgery does not involve the permanent reduction of the stomach size. No cutting and stapling is done on the stomach. A restrictive band is used instead to restrict the amount of food that the stomach can hold. The band is adjustable without the need of another surgery to meet the target weight loss result. While it gives long term weight loss solution, it can be reversed anytime and the stomach returns to its normal shape.
Cons: The band can slip, erode or deflate. It is also possible for infection to occur in the area where the saline is injected to loosen or tighten the band but all these rarely happen.
Surgery has become a popular choice for people who already tried all forms of weight loss regimens. To be a good candidate for the procedure, you must have a very serious weight problem with a body mass index of 40 and above that qualifies you to be extremely obese and with good nutrition and health status.