Weight Reduction Surgery & You

General Guidelines

Weight reduction surgery becomes an option when obesity reaches a point called morbid obesity where the risks of serious weight related illnesses increase dramatically. For example, very obese men aged 25-35 are twelve times more likely to die prematurely than those with normal weight. The complications of morbid obesity include diabetes and high blood pressure which in turn can lead to heart attacks, congestive heart failure and stroke.

WHO IS SUITABLE FOR SURGERY

To help decide on suitability for surgery Abbey Sefton follow the guidelines suggested by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) central to which is the body mass index (BMI). You can work yours out by dividing your weight (in kg) by your height (in metres) then dividing the result again by your height (in metres). To be considered for bariatric surgery:

  • your BMI should be over 40, or over 35 if you already have a weight related medical condition
  • you should already have seriously tried to lose weight several times with medical help but have failed to maintain weight loss
  • you should be fit enough to have surgery and no psychological or medical reasons to make it inadvisable
  • you should understand the need for long-term follow-up and commit to changes in lifestyle

Benefits

As well as cutting down the risk of critical medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, surgery can help to ease a host of other related health concerns such as sleep apnoea (stopping breathing whilst asleep), asthma, lower-back pain, urinary stress incontinence, degeneration of knees and hips, depression, menstrual irregularity and infertility. You will also recover confidence in yourself and your appearance.

The overall medical and emotional benefits of Bariatric surgery can begin almost immediately. Over time these improvements may be seen in:-

  • Type II diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Arthritis
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Mobility
  • Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease
  • Cholesterol
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/Fertility
  • Weight loss
  • Self esteem
  • Quality of Life

RISKS

  • Internal infection from leakage of digestive juices into the abdominal cavity
  • Hernias
  • Gallstones or gallbladder disease due to rapid weight loss
  • Wound infections
  • DVT's or pulmonary embolism
  • Vitamin deficiencies - this may be preventable if taking supplements as instructed


Abbey Sefton Hospital