Obesity is a growing problem for the U.S. However, while the numbers are rising, fewer of our users say they would be willing to have obesity surgery. Last week we asked our users if they would have the procedure but nearly 60 percent said they would not. Below, read what Harvard Medical School's James Winshall, M.D., says about the results of the poll.
What Is The Doctor's Reaction? There may be an obesity epidemic, but I was surprised that just under half of our readers would be willing to consider surgery for obesity. Surgery is a radical approach to this problem, and recent news reports have highlighted the risks, including the deaths of several young patients. Our poll also seems to indicate that there are many more people interested in this type of surgery than the small percentage of the population that experts would say offers the ideal candidates.
On the other hand, our poll results match up well with recent news reports that interest in obesity surgery is growing. In just five years, the number of surgeries has quadrupled, and this year it's estimated that more than 100,000 people will go under the knife in hopes of dramatic weight loss.
Obesity surgery has been around for almost half a century, but its safety and effectiveness remain under scrutiny. It's estimated that one in every 200 to 300 patients will die from the procedure, and many others will suffer a variety of complications, including infections, malnutrition and severe depression.
While most people who have the surgery will lose a substantial amount of weight, many of them will regain some or all of this weight during a period of years. That's because the surgery also needs to be combined with lifelong diet changes in order to see long-term success.
Proponents say that obesity surgery has never been safer or more effective than it is now. Newer techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, and modern medical care make recovery quicker. It's also clear that surgery, even when it's risky, may be the best option for the severely obese. That said, many doctors remain cautious about recommending surgery for a wider range of obese patients until more research is completed.
What Changes Can I Make Now?
People who want to lose weight should start the old-fashioned way -- regular exercise and a low-calorie diet. That's the simplest and safest approach.
People who haven't succeeded with a low-fat, low-calorie diet may want to try a low-carbohydrate diet (such as the Atkins diet .) However, many people find these diets to be bland and difficult to keep up over the long run. A structured weight loss program, with or without low-calorie supplements, seems to have the best track record for the severely overweight.
Who should think about weight loss surgery? There are no clear-cut guidelines, but most experts would agree that candidates should fit into the following profile:
- They should have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI greater than 35 and serious medical problems, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, that would improve with weight loss.
- They should have made serious efforts at multiple diets without lasting success.
- They should not have medical conditions (such as heart or lung disease) that put them at high risk for complications of surgery.
- They should understand that resuming bad eating patterns after surgery will defeat any benefits of the procedure.
- They should be mentally prepared for the long and difficult recovery process after surgery.
- They should understand that the surgery puts them at risk of death and major complications.
What Can I Expect Looking To The Future?
A variety of new obesity treatments are under development. These include minimally-invasive laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures, as well as implantable electronic devices intended to stimulate the stomach's pacemaker and shut down the appetite. Researchers are also trying to refine drugs that could help to curb the urge to eat. However, all of these treatments remain experimental and unproven in terms of safety and effectiveness.
We also need more research to help us understand who really benefits from existing types of obesity surgery. As demand increases, some doctors may be tempted to loosen the criteria and operate on less obese or higher-risk patients. If this happens, we may see more of what we don't want: news reports of additional deaths related to obesity surgery.
Related Areas:
Gastric Surgery For Severe Obesity
Weight Management
