If diet and exercise haven't provided the results you need, the team from GASTRO CARE can determine if you're a good candidate for our surgical and non-surgical weight loss options. Obesity can cause problems beyond simply carrying around extra weight. It may lead to a wide range of health conditions - from heart disease and high blood pressure to depression, infertility and joint problems. Surgical weight loss not only helps you lose a significant amount of weight, but it can also help make you significantly healthier, possibly adding years to your life. We specialize in gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures as well as the non-surgical options to include the placement of the Orbera Balloon system. We also provide resources and support to help patients take control of their obesity and regain their health.
The most effective long-term treatment for class III obesity is bariatric surgery. It is almost impossible for patients with class III obesity to maintain weight loss by diet and exercise alone, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As soon as your body recognizes your greater weight as "normal," it keeps attempting to get back to that weight. With the help of bariatric surgery, you can make smart dietary and lifestyle adjustments that will result in long-term weight loss and improved health by altering how your body processes food.
Your healthcare physician will want to make sure you're mentally and physically prepared for the procedure before scheduling your bariatric surgery. You'll meet with a group of experts who will assess your physical and mental health and advise you on the risks and advantages. To make sure the procedure is safe for you, you might need to undergo medical screening exams. You must stop using tobacco, narcotics, or excessive drinking before being eligible for surgery. Your medical staff can assist you with this.
For a few weeks prior to your procedure, your surgeon could also instruct you to adhere to a pre-bariatric surgery diet. This will reduce the amount of fat in your belly, where the procedure will be performed, making it safer and lowering the possibility of complications. You will be given detailed instructions to follow by your surgeon.
Numerous chronic disorders, many of which are potentially fatal, are linked to obesity. After surgery and weight loss, many symptoms and risk factors significantly get better. You may already have or be at risk of getting any of the following illnesses if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, including:
✶ High blood pressure
✶ High cholesterol
✶ High blood pressure
✶ High blood sugar
✶ Type 2 diabetes
✶ Heart disease
✶ Kidney disease
✶ Cancer
✶ Osteoarthritis
Class III obesity diagnosis is the first step in determining a patient's need for bariatric surgery. Therefore, you have two options:
Have a BMI of 40 or higher. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a way of estimating how much body fat you have based on your height-to-weight ratio. A score of 40 or higher is associated with a high risk of related diseases. It usually equates to about 100 lbs. overweight.
Have a BMI of at least 35 and at least one related health problem. A BMI of 35 without a related health problem is considered class II obesity.
The criteria are slightly higher for adolescents. An adolescent may be a candidate if they have:
✶ BMI of at least 40 and an obesity-related medical condition.
✶ BMI of at least 35 and a severe obesity-related medical condition.
While BMI is easily measured, you may have to take some medical tests to diagnose your obesity-related health conditions.