Obesity and Morbid Obesity
Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk.
Obesity becomes "morbid" when it reaches the point of significantly increasing the risk of one or more obesity-related health conditions or serious diseases (also known as co-morbidities) that result either in significant physical disability or even death. Morbid obesity is typically defined as being 100 lbs. or more over ideal body weight or having a Body Mass Index of 40 or higher. According to the National Institutes of Health Consensus Report, morbid obesity is a serious disease and must be treated as such. It is a chronic disease, meaning that its symptoms build slowly over an extended period of time.
Back to top
Health Risks of Obesity
Obesity-related health conditions are health conditions that, whether alone or in combination, can significantly reduce your life expectancy. A partial list of some of the more common conditions follows. The Doctor can provide you with more details:
- Type 2 Diabetes.
- High blood pressure/Heart disease.
- Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints.
- Sleep apnea/Respiratory problems.
- Gastro esophageal reflux/Heartburn.
Back to top
Considering Surgery
Sometimes, morbidly obese people make various attempts at losing weight, but long-term success in achieving and maintaining the weight through normal diet and excercise regimes might have been a failure. Many have tried a large array of Diets that ultimately resulted in a bigger weight gain than loss.
Morbid obesity is a chronic disease. Most patients do not respond properly to conventional weight loss methods.
The health risks that come linked to obesity are greatly reduced, delayed or even eliminated in some people that have successfully lost weight through a Bariatric procedure.
Back to top
Who is eligible
In most cases, the minimum qualification for consideration as a candidate for the procedure is 100 lbs. above ideal body weight or those with a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater. Occasionally, a procedure will be considered for someone with a BMI of 35 or higher if the patient's physician determines that obesity-related health conditions have resulted in a medical need for weight reduction and, in the doctor's opinion, surgery appears to be the only way to accomplish the targeted weight loss.
Go to BMI Calculator
Back to top
Who is not eligible
Patients who are not eligible are those who don't meet the BMI requirements.
Go to BMI Calculator
Back to top
Insurance Coverage
That depends on your insurance company, and the coverage you have. Some insurances place exclusions on treatment for obesity. Feel free to call or e-mail Laura Campos, our insurance specialist, with questions about your insurance. (956)630-4161
Back to top
Complications
Gastric surgery is a major abdominal operation. Although our methods are minimally invasive, all surgeries carry risks of complications. It is important for the medical team to know every detail of the patients medical history so that risk is minimized.
Back to top
Lifetime Changes
Surgery is just one of the first steps of major lifestyle changes the patient will have to implement to return to and maintain health.
Dietary patterns will start changing even before surgery (it is desirable that a minor weight loss be achieved before surgery). After surgery, the stomach will not be able to take solids for a few weeks. When solids are re-introduced, a whole new diet will have to be followed.
Exercise is a priority. Walking is the best way to start after surgery. It will strenghten the heart and bones, and help burn calories. It is also a great way to relieve stress. Exercise should be part of the daily routine for everyone, at any age.
Back to top
Results
If the prescribed lifestyle changes are followed, a dramatic weight loss and increase of energy will be noticeable in a short time. Over the long run, many health issues that morbid obesity causes will be greatly diminished. Sometimes, they might be eliminated alltogether.
The dramatic weight loss will also add a huge boost of self esteem, help improve personal relationships, and provide a better quality of life.
Back to top
