About Weight Loss Surgery
Obesity has risen to epidemic levels in the United States. Almost one-third of the adult population in the U.S. (32%) is considered obese.1
Obesity's impact on health can't be underestimated. It is associated with shorter life expectancy: both men and women living with obesity generally have 50% to 100% higher mortality rates than those with a healthy weight.2 It can also lead to serious health conditions, often referred to as comorbidities or comorbid conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, and depression. And as you probably know, it interferes with your quality of life. Beyond the physical implications, there's often a stigma associated with being obese. And that can take an emotional toll as well.
Many people assume that the cause of obesity is a lack of willpower or laziness, and that dieting and exercise are all you need to overcome it. That's simply not true. Obesity it is a disease—not just a result of overeating. Research has shown that, in many cases, an underlying cause of morbid obesity is genetic. Other causes may include metabolic disorders and hormonal imbalances.3
Traditional treatment options are not as effective as
weight loss surgery
Traditional treatment options typically include diet and exercise, sometimes as part of a physician-supervised weight loss program. But if you're obese, you know there's more to losing weight than eating well and going to the gym. And research supports this.
Diet therapy, with and without support organizations, is relatively ineffective in treating obesity in the long term.7 For individuals with an average BMI of 40 or more, surgery resulted in greater weight loss than did nonsurgical treatments, including prescription medications and diet advice.4
Weight loss surgery is an investment that can save patients money over time
A recent study shows that weight loss surgery has a significant return on investment. It pays for itself in a relatively short period of time and saves patients money on prescription drugs, doctor visits, and hospital visits that result from conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.5 That's because weight loss surgery helps to improve or resolve these types of conditions.
The cost savings to patients:
- Costs associated with laparoscopic (minimally invasive) bariatric surgery are fully recovered after 25 months.5
- Monthly savings associated with laparoscopic bariatric surgery reach more than $900 as early as 13 months following surgery.5
A viable option when traditional treatments fail
If you are overweight by 100 pounds or more, you've probably tried many diets, and they've failed you in the long term. For many individuals struggling with morbid obesity, weight loss eventually leads to weight gain, frustration, and disappointment. If this has been your experience, weight loss surgery may be a good option for you. As you can see through the outcomes shown above, bariatric surgery-- including gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy—are powerful tools in achieving long-term success and transforming people's health. With these surgical tools, it is possible to reach a healthier weight and stay there—for good.
Although bariatric surgery is, in most cases, a safe, cost-effective treatment for morbid obesity, it isn't for everyone. The National Institutes of Health's guidelines for bariatric surgery indicate that candidates should:
- Be at least 100 pounds overweight, or have a BMI of at least 40, or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more obesity-related comorbid health condition.
- Have a good understanding of what to expect from surgery and be firmly committed to establishing a healthy lifestyle.
Achieving long-term weight loss through bariatric surgery means more than scheduling a procedure−it means committing to a new way of life, staying connected to your healthcare team and surrounding yourself with support for your new habits.
Educating yourself about your options
Because the decision to have weight loss surgery shouldn't be made lightly, it's important that you get the information you need to make an informed decision. Attending a surgeon's educational seminar is the first step in the consideration process, and is typically required before having a one-on-one consultation with a surgeon to discuss your surgical options. Most bariatric practices offer these free informational seminars for individuals considering weight loss surgery.
Seminars provide in-depth information about the available surgical options, associated benefits and risks, and lifestyle changes required to achieve long-term success. They are purely informational—and there's no pressure to make a commitment.
To locate a seminar in your area, use the Surgeon/Seminar Finder on the right.
Only the REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band provides a Web-based clinical support tool that's shown to help patients lose significantly more weight.6
The REALIZE mySUCCESS® Program is the only Web-based clinical support tool on the market that provides patients with an ongoing connection to their surgeon. That means your surgeon can monitor your progress—and step in when needed to keep you on track. This level of support is especially important for the critical first three years after surgery, as you adjust to your new lifestyle.
You can begin using REALIZE mySUCCESS® even before surgery to start changing your habits and improving your health. After surgery, you can use it to develop healthy habits in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well being.
REALIZE mySUCCESS® is the only Web-based clinical support tool that provides a patient-surgeon connection. And this tool is shown to be effective. Patients who regularly use REALIZE mySUCCESS® lose an additional 10.4% of their excess body weight after 6 months compared to those who do not.6
If you're considering gastric banding surgery, ask your surgeon about the REALIZE Band and the REALIZE mySUCCESS® Web-based clinical support tool.
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