Current weight loss procedures include stomach stapling, stomach banding, gastric balloons and surgical bypass of the stomach. The common goal is limiting food intake to promote weight loss of up to 100 pounds or more. Risks are as important to consider as benefits.
Health Benefits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report even a modest weight loss of 5 percent can help control blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Gastric surgery helps people who are significantly overweight.
Complications
Unplanned complications include infection, blockage, nerve problems and, rarely, death. Possible long-term complications are depression, malnutrition and hair loss. Long-term benefits of weight loss surgery outweigh risks for many people.
Limited Stomach Capacity
After gastric surgery, patients can consume only 2 or 3 ounces at one sitting. After a period of adjustment, this low-calorie way of eating becomes habit.
Poor Results Are Possible
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital Bariatric Surgery department stresses gastric surgery is not a quick fix. False expectations prevent 10 percent of patients from losing adequate weight. Exercise avoidance or constant grazing limits results.
Replacement Addictions
A 2006 article in the Wall Street Journal reported 5 to 20 percent of surgical weight loss patients develop new addictive behaviors. Some turn from eating to smoking, gambling, shopping or sex addictions to satisfy cravings.
Member Comments