About Morbid Obesity
Nearly two-thirds of Americans are obese, and it is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., exceeded only by cigarette smoking. It has been established as a major or contributing factor for:
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Some cancers
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Urinary incontinence
- Infertility
- Muscular/skeletal pain
Morbid obesity affects more than 7 percent of women and almost 5 percent of men. Obesity-related medical expenses and loss of income account for more than $100 billion each year.
Morbid obesity is a defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or greater than 35 for people with obesity-related medical problems (called co-morbidities), such as hypertension, sleep apnea or diabetes. This is roughly 100 lbs. overweight. Calculate your BMI now.
Sustained weight loss is difficult for many people, especially those who are morbidly obese. Weight loss surgery has been successful where other therapies have failed.
About Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery causes weight loss two ways: by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten, or by bypassing part of the small intestine so that less food is absorbed. Some surgeries use a combination of both methods, and all surgeries require patients to make lifelong changes to their lifestyles.
Surgeons at the Martin Memorial Center for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery utilize the Roux-en Y gastric bypass procedure and the LAP-BAND® procedure; Roux-en Y is considered to be the gold standard by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the most widely performed surgical procedure for weight loss. The procedure divides a small upper portion of the stomach from a larger lower portion, creating a one ounce pouch. Then a variable length of the small intestine is rerouted to connect to the newly created stomach pouch, bypassing a portion of the digestive system. The procedure promotes weight loss not only by limiting food intake, but also by decreasing the absorption ability of the digestive system.
The LAP-BAND® is an adjustable gastric band that is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, restricting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The silicone band has a ring that can be adjusted by filling it with saline, causing the band to allow less or more food in it. A port is placed in the patient’s abdomen, which allows the physician to add or subtract saline and therefore control the size of the ring. That means patients can modify the size of the band to fit their lifestyles as necessary. And because they aren’t bypassing the stomach, nutrients are still absorbed, unlike Roux-en Y surgery.
What to Expect
Those considering weight loss surgery may be referred by their physician or may self-refer to the center. After referral, an introductory education class is offered, followed by consultations with the surgeon, nursing staff, and dietitian. Psychological evaluations and consultations are also completed, to determine if the individual understands the risks of surgery and to screen for psychological disorders that may result in regaining weight. Only patients who meet strict pre-surgical guidelines are scheduled for surgery. Post-surgical follow-up programs will be offered to ensure the long-term success of our patients and include nutritional and exercise counseling.
How to Learn More
Education Sessions
To learn more, attend one of our educational sessions. These free sessions feature discussions with either Dr. Beatty, Dr. Buzatu or Dr. Rittersbach, the three surgeons performing the Roux-en Y and LAP-BAND® procedures, and members of the center's team. All sessions start at 6:30 p.m. and take place at the Martin Memorial Medical Center Conference Center, 200 S.E. Hospital Ave., Stuart. See the calendar for upcoming educational sessions. Call (772) 223-4916 to RSVP for a session.
Support Group
The Bariatric Peer Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month. The meetings start at 7 p.m. and take place at the Martin Memorial Medical Center Conference Center, 200 S.E. Hospital Ave., Stuart. Meetings are open to those who have had weight loss surgery and to anyone considering surgery. See the calendar for upcoming support group meetings.