| TREATMENT | WEIGHT LOSS (% OF PATIENTS) |
| Diet and Exercise* | 2% to 5% |
| Medication** | 0% |
| Bariatric Surgery*** | 50% to 70% |
* Success measured as a loss of 10% of initial body weight.
** Weight loss is not maintained once treatment ends.
*** Success measured as a loss of 50% of excess body weight (equivalent to loss of approximately 20% to 25% of initial body weight).
Bariatric surgery is a procedure designed to make the stomach smaller so the patient feels satisfied with less food. It is intended for people who are 100 pounds or more overweight (with a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater) and who have not had success with other weight loss therapies such as diet, exercise, medications, etc. A person with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater and one or more co-morbid condition also may qualify for bariatric surgery.
BMI is a measure used to index a person’s height and weight. BMI allows healthcare professionals and patients to better understand health issues associated with a specific weight classification (classifications such as obesity and morbid obesity).
Patients should have:
Other common guidelines include:
Attend one of our Free Information Sessions
(Please have a link to a calendar of dates: Every fourth Wednesday: 6:30-8pm Milton Hospital)-November 17 (due to Thanksgiving holiday)
Talk with your surgeon about the different surgical treatments, as well as the benefits and risks
Remember:
As with any surgery, there are immediate and long-term complications and risks. Possible risks can include, but are not limited to:
Side effects include:
Open surgery involves the surgeon creating a long incision to open the abdomen and operating with "traditional” medical instruments. Laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery is an approach that allows the surgeon to perform the same procedure using several small incisions, a fiber-optic camera, video monitor, and long-handled instruments.
(Picture of Open Surgical Technique/Laparoscopic Technique)
Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many co-morbid conditions.
Because every insurance policy is unique, it's important that you thoroughly understand your Certificate of Coverage to know exactly what is and isn't covered through your plan. Our team advises you to call the Customer Service phone number on the back of your insurance card to verify if Bariatric Surgery is a covered benefit and if you can have Bariatric Surgery at Milton Hospital with Dr. Charlene Chao.
The qualification process includes a series of medical tests with your bariatric surgeon. You also will meet with a nutritionist, psychologist, and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.
Certain basic tests typically are performed:
Laboratory
Electrocardiogram
Psychological evaluation
Pulmonary function testing
Sleep study
GI evaluation
Cardiology evaluation
Bariatric surgery is like other major abdominal surgery. You can best prepare by knowing the benefits and risks of surgery, and by closely following your doctor's instructions.