Obesity Surgery

How does excess weight affect our lives?

The facts about Obesity

Individuals are considered severely overweight, or obese, if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher.

Today one in five Australians are considered obese.

Obesity means that your excess weight is putting your life at risk.

You are considered morbidly obese if you are:

• More than 45 kgs over your ideal weight
• Or your BMI is 40 or greater
• Or your BMI is 35 or greater and you have life threatening conditions related to obesity

Restrictive Surgery

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery

The adjustable gastric band causes the section of stomach sitting above the band to hold only a small amount of food. As this section of the stomach fills and stretches, the body sends signals to the brain that the stomach is full and consequently you feel satisfied and eat less. As your eating patterns change, and you become accustomed to eating less, you can achieve sustainable weight loss, which in turn will lead to a healthier lifestyle with less risk of obesity related health problems. The band is placed using keyhole surgery. Your normal anatomy is not altered, and there is no impact on your normal digestive processes. The food that you eat is absorbed by your body normally.

Why Weight Loss Surgery?

It is now understood that severe obesity is not just the result of excess eating, but a chronic disease with many contributing factors. surgical procedures have shown the best long-term results in dealing with obesity.

Which weight loss surgery option is right?

There are two main approaches to weight loss surgery.

1. Restrictive Surgery

Bands or staples are used to section off a part of the stomach, creating a pouch. Because this stomach pouch is so small, the amount of food one can eat is limited. Food continues to be digested through the normal digestive and absorption process. Most restrictive procedures involve the use of a polymeric silicone ring or mesh band around the stomach. This band provides stability by not allowing the pouch outlet to expand.

2. Restrictive with Malabsorbative

This procedure restricts both food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. In addition to creating a stomach pouch, the surgery disrupts the body’s normal digestive process. As a result, food bypasses a large part of the stomach and most of the small intestine. We do not routinely recommend this approach

Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is used to calculate the best weight range for your health. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (m2). Your BMI can be stimated from the chart below

Failed to lose weight through diet and exercise?

While a healthier diet and exercise can result in weight loss, the real challenge is keeping the weight off. Unfortunately, studies show a nearly 100% failure rate during a five year period for obese persons who diet for weight control. For those who have tried diet and exercise without success, weight loss surgery may be the best way to regain your health and lifestyle.

Who is suitable?

Your surgeon will discuss with you the indications for weight loss surgery and will determine if surgery is appropriate for you. In general, your doctor will consider your weight versus ideal body weight standards, previous experience losing weight with non-surgical methods and your commitment to follow the strict diet, exercise and medical guidelines associated with the procedure. In addition to these considerations, there are some pre-existing medical conditions that are contra-indicated for weight loss surgery.

What are the risks involved with weight loss surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery presents risks. It is important that you discuss with your surgeon the specific risks for someone with your conditions and undergoing your specific procedure.