The following content is created in consultation with Tenet Florida Physician Services. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Miami's editorial staff. Click here to learn more about Tenet Florida Physician Services. You can also call 1-855-955-8345 for immediate assistance.
Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. More than one-third of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Obesity in women is 4% higher than in men—and although many people do not give it the importance it requires, obesity is a chronic and progressive disease that has drastic effects and puts the lives of people who suffer from it at risk.
The health risks of obesity
Obesity affects all the organs of the body. In the cardiovascular system, it can lead to high blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm, strokes and even sudden death. It can lead to type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea: a condition in which an individual stops breathing for a few moments while sleeping. Obesity can also affect the joints and back and even increase the risk of certain types of cancer. In addition to these medical risks, obesity can lead to psychological, economic and social problems.
Bariatric surgery may help
While it's often assumed that obesity is caused by a lack of willpower, the truth is more complicated. Studies have shown that with diet and exercise alone, only 1 in 100 morbidly obese patients is likely to reach a healthy weight. For the other 99, a combination of biological, genetic and environmental factors can make weight loss nearly impossible.
One possible treatment is bariatric surgery. There are several kinds of bariatric surgery procedures, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomry. Both are considered safe, reliable and effective: the average weight loss is 60%–80% of extra weight after gastric bypass and 50% after sleeve gastrectomy.
Are you a candidate for gastric surgery?
It depends on your body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. You may qualify for bariatric surgery if you answer "yes" to two of the following statements:
- You are more than 100 pounds over your ideal body weight
- Your BMI is over 35 and you have related health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes
- Your BMI is over 40
- You suffer from diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Talk to a specialist about next steps
Feeling comfortable with your weight loss treatment is important. As with any surgical procedure, you should talk with your specialist to understand the risks, complications and lifestyle changes related to bariatric surgery.
The experts at Tenet Florida Physician Services can also sit down with you to review the different types of bariatric surgery and determine an optimal treatment for your body. Reach out today to see how bariatric surgery could help you regain your health—and your life!
Find out if you could benefit from bariatric surgery! Click here and schedule your consultation today.
Compliance and Privacy Policies for sellers and patients. Weight loss surgery may be an option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious health problems related to obesity. The adjustable laparoscopic gastric band may be an option for people with a BMI of 30 or more who have at least one serious health problem related to obesity. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like any surgery, it has risks. Check with your doctor about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.
