The Burden of Weight – Getting Started with Austin Bariatric Surgery
The number of individuals struggling with obesity has skyrocketed in our country over the past few decades. Excess weight is not only a vanity-related concern; health conditions or complications that are exacerbated by morbid obesity have reached a critical point.
Obesity has been linked to higher rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Research based on long-term studies even points to the correlation between obesity and increased mortality and increased incidences of cancer. The estimated the life expectancy of severely obese individuals is reduced by 5 to 20 years.
There is an answer and a new life.
Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery, What is it?
Weight loss is the most effective way to reduce or eliminate the risk factors of obesity. When individuals are unable to lose excess weight through diet and exercise, surgical intervention becomes a practical consideration – and for some candidates, even a medical necessity. Modern advances in bariatric medicine have led to minimally invasive, effective weight loss surgery that can help a patient lose most or all of his or her excess weight.
Who is a candidate?
Men and women that are greater than 100 lbs. over weight with a BMI greater than 40
Or
Men and women with a BMI greater than 35 with one of the following related health issues
- Diabetes
- Sleep Apnea
- Hypertension
- Or other obesity related comorbidities
Surgical Options for Bariatric Surgery
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
This is the “gold standard” bariatric procedure which has been performed for over 20 years. This procedure restricts the size of the stomach, decreasing the amount of food that the patient can consume. There is also an element of malabsorption where the digestive tract is rerouted to limit the absorption of food.
Gastric Sleeve
A sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve, reduces the capacity of the stomach without modifying the digestive tract. It works by restricting the amount of food you can consume. After surgery, the stomach only holds a few ounces of food, so patients feel full much sooner than they did prior to surgery.
Our Multidisciplinary Program is Designed for Your Success
Our Program includes specialists who work along side the surgeon to help you succeed.
- Experienced Surgeons
- Dieticians
- Licensed Psychologist
- Exercise Physiologist
- Support Groups
- Pre-operative Teaching
- Long-Term Follow up
