Dieting, exercise, and medication have long
been regarded as the conventional methods of achieving weight loss.
Sometimes, these measures are successful in the short term. But for the
morbidly obese, the results rarely last. For many, this can translate
into what's called the "yo-yo syndrome," where patients continually gain
and lose weight with the possibility of serious medical and
psychological consequences.
Recent research reveals that conventional weight loss methods generally
fail to produce permanent results. Several studies have shown that
patients on diets, exercise programs, or medication are able to lose
approximately 10% of their body weight but tend to regain two-thirds of
it within one year, and almost all of it within five years. Another
study found that less than 5% of patients in weight loss programs were
able to maintain their reduced weight after five years.
As a result of these sobering statistics, weight loss surgery-or
bariatric surgery, as it's referred to in the medical community-has
become increasingly viewed as an important method of inducing long-term
weight loss in the morbidly obese. If you read up on the history of
weight loss surgery, you'll find that it's not a new treatment, however.
Many of the procedures have been performed for decades, with a number of
modifications and improvements along the way. Today you can enjoy fewer
complications and, in some cases, elect a less-invasive, laparoscopic
technique.
Naturally, the growing interest in weight loss surgery primarily stems
from its proven effectiveness. Studies have demonstrated that three of
the most popular and respected procedures, Gastric Bypass Surgery,
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal switch and the Adjustable
Gastric Banding, can achieve sustained weight loss of as much as 60-80%
or more of patients' excess body weight for four years after surgery. In
addition, weight loss surgery can improve or eliminate comorbidities
such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension in as many as 95% of
patients.
Despite these staggering numbers, weight loss surgery continues to face
stigmatization. There is a misconception that it is a "cosmetic
procedure," instead of the potentially life-saving procedure it can be
to thousands of patients each year. Others view surgery as "the easy way
out," unaware of the disciplined changes in eating and lifestyle that
patients must adopt in order to best use their "new stomach" after
surgery. Weight loss surgery also takes a lot more time than you might
think-as much as 18 months or longer-to reach optimal results. One of
the most factors for the success and the risks are the experiences of
the surgeon. Since 1994, I have performed more than 2500 laparoscopic
weight loss procedures.
Patients with BMI over 35 (more than 100 lbs
over ideal weight) can contact the
office of Professor Weiner for further information about weight loss
surgery. The patients with overweight and BMI over 30 can
contact the office for Intragastric Balloon Treatment.
Check your BMI.
Krankenhaus Sachsenhausen
Center for Bariatric Surgery
Surgical Department, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Head: Prof. Dr. R. Weiner
Schulstraße 31
60594 Frankfurt Germany
Phone: #49-69-6605-1199 or 1133 Fax: #49-69-6605-1510 or 1530
e-mail:
rweiner@khs-ffm.de
Copyright 2005
Professor Rudolf Weiner, MD
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