What are the medical problems associated with obesity?

Obese patients often exhibit medical problems that include coronary disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, high blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides), joint problems, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease. The severity of these conditions increases as the patient's body weight increases. Some data even suggest that childhood obesity predisposes these children to develop future heart problems, colon cancer, arthritis, and gout. This is independent of adult obesity.

How do I know if I have severe obesity?

A body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 without associated medical problems would be considered morbidly obese. BMI greater than 35 with associated medical problems such as diabetes or hypertension, severe obesity would also be considered.

A diet is the right treatment for me?

Almost all patients who start a diet program lose weight, but the weight usually returns after a time the program ends. This permanent and continuous cycle of low weight gain known as the "yo-yo", which can potentially have adverse health risks. While diets may work in the short term especially for overweight and mild obesity, long-term effectiveness has not been demonstrated. In severe and morbid obesity at 5 years, no diet has shown comparable results to those obtained by surgery. The current recommendation is that when it exceeds the ideal weight by more than 45 kilos or BMI> 40 or BMI> 35 with comorbidities, surgery is the best therapy, due to the high risks to premature mortality and medical complications that these patients are exposed.

Am I a candidate for surgery?

This answer will give your doctor after a complete history and physical examination.
However, as a general guideline, candidates consider the following patients:

	Age: 18 to 65 years
	Weight: High to 45 kilos over your ideal weight
	Body mass index (BMI): Greater than 40 (morbid obesity) or> 35 with associated morbidity.
	Diet: 5 years trying to lose weight with strict diet under the supervision of professionals without success
	No alcohol or drug dependence
	Not current smoker
	Acceptable risk for surgery
	No medical contraindications

Surgeries open or laparoscopic?

All the above procedures can be performed by open or laparoscopic. However, the laparoscopic approach offers all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery that is less pain and faster recovery. Besides the great advantage of laparoscopy for obesity is a drastic decrease in the rates of incision hernia.

What is laparoscopic gastric bypass?

Laparoscopic gastric bypass is a technique which leaves a smaller stomach 15 to 30 ml, which is connected directly to the small intestine, food passes directly to him, and bypasses a large segment of small intestine and decreasing calorie absorption.

It reduces the amount of food you can eat. Your stomach is smaller and it makes you feel full quickly. His appetite is also reduced and thus begin to lose weight.

This whole procedure can be performed laparoscopically by a surgeon trained in this technique.

How long will I be in hospital or clinic?

Generally patients are admitted the evening before surgery. Most patients stay in the hospital for 3-4 days.

How long will it take to return to work or normal life?

This varies from 2 weeks to 6 weeks depending on the type of surgery, the patient and the type of work you do.

Will it improve my medical problems after surgery?

After surgery has been that some comorbidities improved or cured. Hypertension is cured in 60-65% of cases and improved in 90%. Diabetes cure 90% and 100% improvement. Alteration of cholesterol and triglycerides in 65% cured and improved in 90%. There are also significant improvements in asthma, osteoarthritis and other morbidities.

What complications have surgery?

Complications of these procedures are similar to any other abdominal surgery and include bleeding, infection and obstruction. Also depend on associated comorbidities and the surgeon's experience. However, these surgeries are less secure than other techniques, and risks are generally lower than leaving untreated morbid obesity.

What is the success rate of surgery?

In terms of technique, gastric bypass weight loss shows a consistent 65-70% of overweight 5-year follow-up. Weight loss is more significant in the 1st year after surgery. The other techniques are slightly lower results.