Issue Date: November 27, 2005
Fighting obesity
Do your homework if you're considering bariatric surgery.
By Dr. Tedd Mitchell
Unfortunately, many who suffer from obesity feel like they're past the "point of no return." For them, the prospect of losing weight becomes overwhelming. But if they don't lose weight, they'll be at high risk of dire health consequences.
Though it's often a last resort, surgery can be life-saving. The most commonly performed technique is gastric bypass, in which a large portion of the stomach is cut off (imagine reducing a large cantaloupe to the size of a small cucumber). Part of the small intestine is then "re-routed." The result: Patients end up with smaller stomachs so they eat far less and with shorter intestinal tracts so they absorb less of what they eat.
This surgery certainly helps people drop weight. But the procedure itself can cause problems, and its aftermath can include infection, bowel and gall bladder troubles, malnutrition and possibly even death.
Those contemplating obesity surgery need to do their homework. The American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) is working to make this easier by promoting what it calls "centers of excellence," which makes a lot of sense. This procedure is best done at a center that employs physicians skilled in the technique and a staff well versed in complications and follow-up.
Careful thought should be placed on selecting appropriate candidates. Discuss it with your doctor, and learn more from ASBS (asbs.org).
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., is medical director of the Wellness Program at Dallas' Cooper Clinic.
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