The morbidly obese have to seriously consider surgery for reducing weight to avoid its ill effects. Surgery for Morbid Obesity is for the following situations:
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The person's BMI is over 40, or is 35 or higher and a serious medical problem (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, reflux) that is made
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worse by obesity is present.
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If it has not been possible to reduce or maintain weight under a medically supervised program.
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If the person has been obese for at least 5 years.
Surgical Treatment options available are :
1. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding:
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An Inflatable Gastric Band is used, thus creating an Hourglass structure to the Stomach.
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This procedure may lead to about 39% of the excess weight being reduced within 20 months after the surgery.
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This procedure needs a high level of compliance from patient regards lifestyle and diet post surgery.
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There is always a risk of the Band eroding into the stomach, slipping out of place, and can also produce vomiting, development of GERD or sometimes the device can also fail to function.
2. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy:
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Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is safer than other procedures.
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In this procedure, 80% of the stomach is stapled and removed which induces weight loss by restriction in food intake and early satiety, due to loss of hunger producing hormones.
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Digestion and absorption is normal.
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By eating less the body draws the required energy from its own fat stores and thus you lose weight.