The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher is considered overweight and 30 or more is defined as obese. BMI is based on an individual's height and weight. Obesity can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, osteoarthritis and gastroesophageal reflux. Bariatric surgery is a weight loss option available in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Procedures
Washington County Hospital (WCH) in Hagerstown offers laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, which restricts food intake by making a smaller stomach pouch, and roux-end-Y gastric bypass alters digestion by changing the route of food to bypass much of the stomach and part of the small intestine. Laparoscopic surgery involves several small incisions as opposed to open surgery. The Weight Loss Clinic (WLC) in Hagerstown also provides these procedures, which are performed at The Community General Osteopathic Hospital of Pinnacle.
Qualifications
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health has determined minimum requirements of a BMI of 40 or more, a BMI of 35 or higher with a health condition that is related to obesity, or a weight of 100 pounds or more over the individual's ideal weight. Other considerations may include a documented history of dietary attempts at weight loss, a commitment to follow-up care, diet, exercise and a medical plan, and in some cases a psychological evaluation.
Insurance
According to WCH, insurance plans often require a medical history of weight loss attempts. The surgeon must submit a letter to the insurance company for preauthorization, describing the medical necessity of the surgery and including records of any obesity related medical problems, the effect of obesity on daily routines, records of exercise programs and results of previous dieting efforts. WLC notes that insurance approval for bariatric surgery can take as much as a month.
Preparation
Prior to surgery a number of tests must be performed. WCH indicates that they include a complete blood count and chemistry screening, urinalysis, electrocardiogram, sleep studies, gastrointestinal evaluation, psychiatric evaluation and a cardiology evaluation. In many cases a blood glucose test will be performed to screen for diabetes, as well as a gallbladder ultrasound.
Risks
All abdominal surgeries include the risks of infection, blood clots, bleeding, heart attack or stroke, lung problems, intestinal obstruction and complications from anesthesia. According to the WLC, other risks of bariatric surgery can include surgical leakages, vitamin B and iron deficiencies and dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is a condition where certain foods such as simple sugars, foods with small particles and high fat foods move from the stomach to the intestine so quickly that it results in rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, hot flashes and weakness.
Follow-up
Following bariatric surgery patients need to make lifelong changes that involve a healthy diet and regular exercise. Regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor health and weight loss. Both WCH and WLC offer support through nutritional counseling and support groups. They report high success rates in weight loss from these surgical procedures as well as resolution or improvement of many of the obesity related health conditions.
Member Comments