Surgery
for obesity
Obesity is an
increasing problem in the Western world and affects all age
groups including children. As well as the obvious cosmetic
problems that being obese brings there are a large number
of medical problems that are likely to develop in
overweight patients. These include diabetes, heart disease,
certain cancers, joint problems and sleep apnoea. Some of
these conditions can be life threatening and it is well
established that many obese patients are unlikely to
achieve their expected lifespan.
Thus there are many reasons for obese patients to lose
weight. The obvious solution is to eat less and exercise
more. As many of those who have tried will testify this is
not easy to achieve, and even when significant weight loss
has been achieved it can be very difficult to maintain.
Drugs can help but are not without problematic side
effects.
There are a number of operations that can result in very
significant weight loss. The most common of these
operations are the gastric band procedure and gastric
bypass surgery. Both of these operations are normally
carried out using laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques. Both
operations can result in up to 75% of excess weight loss
over a 1-2 year period.
This degree of weight loss can lead to a significant
reduction in the co-morbidity associated with obesity. For
example diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) can
be reversed so that patients are able to come off
medication. Similarly the complications associated with
these conditions can be prevented.
Surgery for obesity is not to be undertaken lightly and
will result in a significant change to the patient’s
lifestyle. You would need to be assessed very thoroughly by
a nutritionist, physician and surgeon before a decision to
go ahead with surgery can be taken. Not everyone will be
suitable for surgery and a strong motivation to lose weight
is an important factor in taking that decision.
For more
information please visit our 'Patient Information' page where
you can download information sheets relating to the
specific operations.