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Weight loss surgery is major surgery. Its growing use to treat
morbid obesity is the result of three factors:
- current knowledge of the significant health
risks of morbid obesity
- relatively low risk and complications of
the procedures versus not having the surgery
- ineffectiveness of current non-surgical approaches
to produce sustained weight loss
Surgery should be viewed first and foremost as a
method for alleviating debilitating, chronic disease. 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 (see BMI Chart). 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. At the bariatric surgery
program at Monmouth Medical Center, patients are required to demonstrate
serious motivation and a clear understanding of the extensive dietary,
exercise and medical guidelines that must be followed for the remainder
of their lives after having weight loss surgery (see Life
After Surgery).
If diet and behavior modifications have failed you
and surgery is your next option, it is important to understand
that diet and behavior modification will be instrumental to sustained
weight loss after your surgery. The surgery itself is only a tool
to get your body started losing weight - complying with diet and
behavior modifications required by most surgeons would determine
your ultimate success.
Weight loss surgery is major surgery. Although most
patients enjoy an improvement in obesity-related health conditions
(such as mobility, self-image and self-esteem) after the successful
results of weight loss surgery, these results should not be the
overriding motivation for having the procedure.
That is why you should make the decision to have weight loss surgery
only after careful consideration and consultation with the bariatric
multidisciplinary team at The Center for Advanced Surgical Technologies
at Monmouth Medical Center. Additionally, our highly-qualified
surgeon will answer your questions clearly and explain the exact
details of the procedure, the extent of the recovery period and
the reality of the follow-up care that will be required. He may,
as part of routine evaluation for weight loss surgery, require
that you consult with one our dietician/nutritionist and psychiatrist/therapist.
This is to help establish a clear understanding of the post-operative
changes in behavior that are essential for long-term success.
It is important to remember that there are no ironclad guarantees
in any kind of medicine or surgery. However, weight loss surgery
will only succeed when the patient makes a lifelong commitment.
Some of the challenges facing a person after weight loss surgery
can be unexpected. To help patients achieve their goals and deal
with the changes surgery and weight loss can bring, the bariatric
surgery program at Monmouth Medical Center provides a five-year
follow-up plan that includes support groups, dieticians and other
forms of continuing education.
This surgery is only a tool. Your ultimate success depends on
strict adherence to the recommended dietary, exercise and lifestyle
changes.
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