Weight-Loss Surgery: An Industry on the Rise
| Date Posted: 8/28/2012 | Author: Mandy McCue
It seems everywhere you turn you hear something about obesity in America. For good reason, it has become a serious issue in the U.S. with 127 million adults who can be classified as overweight or obese. That is the equivalent of the entire population of Japan. (Source: The American Obesity Association)As with any problem, if the problem increases, solutions for the problem increase as well. Some concurrent solutions include organizations that help fight and prevent obesity, diet programs and weight-loss pills. Another solution to obesity that is on the rise is bariatric surgery.
Surgical options for weight-loss began in the 1950’s but didn’t get endorsed by the National Institute of Health until the 1990’s. Surgery as a weight-loss option really took off in 2002 where we saw a 40 percent increase in surgeries which brought the total number of surgery patients to approximately 80,000 people; every year since it has been growing. According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery there were approximately 120,000 procedures in 2003, 140,000 in 2004 and 171,000 in 2005. Now the numbers of surgeries are well into the 200,000’s. (Source National Association for Weight Loss Surgery and Gastric Bypass Timeline)
Bariatric surgery, or weight-loss surgery, includes a variety of procedures performed on people who are morbidly obese. Weight-loss surgery is proved to provide dramatic weight loss over time as well as recovery from co-morbidities that accompany obesity such as diabetes or sleep apnea. Candidates for weight-loss surgery must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40, which is typically at least 100 pounds over a healthy weight to height ratio. Patients could be considered for surgery with a BMI as low as 30, only if they are experiencing several co-morbidities. All FirstHealth bariatric surgery patients must be over the age of 18.
The three weight-loss surgeries FirstHealth provides are some of the most popular surgeries world-wide.
- Roux-en-Y (Gastric Bypass): Has the most significant and rapid weight loss. Within two years it is typical to have lost 2/3 of excess body weight.
- Adjustable Gastric Band: According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, patients can lose 28%-65% of excess body weight after two years and 54% of excess body weight after five years.
- Gastric Sleeve: One of the least invasive surgeries. Patients typically lose 40%-60% of excess weight within two years.
(Source: FristHealth Weight Loss surgery and Nation Association for Weight Loss Surgery) To learn more about the pros and cons of these surgeries click here.
To learn more about weight-loss surgery options attend one of our free bi-monthly bariatric surgery seminars on the first Thursday and the third Monday of every month. Register for this free weight-loss surgery seminar today!
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in partnership with Pinehurst Surgical also offers comprehensive care when it comes to weight loss and weight-loss surgery. Our comprehensive Bariatric Surgical Program serves patients in the Pinehurst, Sanford, Raeford, Laurinburg, Lumberton, Troy and Rockingham regions of North Carolina and beyond. Call (800) 213-3284 with questions or for more information.
