Monday, November 29, 2004

Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent. One-third of the population is obese (Body Mass Index of 30 or greater). An additional one-third of the population is overweight (Body Mass Index of 25-29.9). The prevalence of obesity is even higher among some minority populations; over 50% of African American females are obese. Obesity increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.

Surgery for obesity (bariatric surgery) is increasing. I am involved in the bariatric surgery program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I screen these patients for sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep) prior to their surgery. Usually the surgeries go ok, but there are occasional complications. Nationally, the mortality rate is estimated at 1/50 to 1/1000. As a psychiatric consultant, I have seen several of these patients for depression after they have been in the hospital for months with complications, including fistulas and wound problems. One lady was hospitalized a total of 8 months within a 9 month period.

Medicare now covers bariatric surgery for most of the elderly, though work is underway to standardize the elgibility criteria: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/12/06/gvsc1206.htm. We need outcome data in the elderly. Most of the surgical experience so far has been with younger patients. In younger patients, bariatric surgery improves survival in the long-term at the expense of increased mortality in the first several months post-operatively. The risk/benefit ratio in the elderly is uncertain. We also need more standardization of the pre-operative work-up for bariatric surgery in all age groups:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15164916.

10 comments:

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Anonymous said...

Breakthrough Organization Will Benefit Post-Bariatric Patients

A group of distinguished plastic surgeons has launched a powerful new resource for individuals who have experienced dramatic weight loss due to bariatric surgery or intensive dieting named the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons.

Newport Beach, CA December 5, 2007 -- A group of distinguished plastic surgeons has launched a powerful new resource for individuals who have experienced dramatic weight loss due to bariatric surgery or intensive dieting. Named the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons (ASBPS), the organization's primary focus is providing referrals to top-flight plastic surgeons who specialize in treating specific post-bariatric problems. By giving individuals easy access to an extensive database of first-rate specialists, the ASBPS offers a reliable means for significantly reducing the stress, doubt, and hassle of finding the appropriate healthcare professional.

What distinguishes the ASBPS is that all of its member surgeons are specialists in body contouring. These procedures are a viable remedy for the large areas of sagging skin that often result from massive weight loss. More than just a cosmetic step, body contouring provides a solution for a number of problems that can occur following bariatric surgery. "Removing excess skin is not only necessary to achieve optimal body shape, but it's also helpful in improving overall health and quality-of-life," said Peter Rubin MD, chair, American Society of Plastic Surgeons Post Bariatric Task Force. Sagging skin can inhibit movement, lead to infections, and have a sizeable psychological impact.

A Secure and Safe Solution

Founded by plastic surgeon, Dr. Edward Domanskis, the ASBPS offers patients the security of having easy access to the most advanced post-bariatric care possible. To qualify for membership in this unique organization, surgeons must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In addition, most members belong to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or the Canadian Society for Plastic Surgeons.

"The ASBPS is a complete information resource," Dr. Domanskis points out. "Our hope is to provide individuals with the best chance of receiving high level care, as well as reinforce the fact that body and facial contouring is a very effective solution."

Perfect Timing

According to Dr. Domanskis, the timing couldn't be better for the ASBPS. Statistics clearly demonstrate a steep rise in worldwide obesity levels, as well as the number of individuals opting for body and facial contouring following massive weight loss. "Because of advances in medical techniques and safety," says Dr. Domanskis, "the number of individuals choosing body contouring treatments has shot up in the last twenty years." In 2006 alone, nearly 66,000 contouring procedures were performed, up 18% since 2004. Following this trend, the number of treatments will steadily increase over the next decade. Clearly, the ASBPS will prove an invaluable resource to the growing numbers choosing this procedure.

###

Press Contact: Dr.EDWARD DOMANSKIS
Company Name: American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
Email: Email Us Here: http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=573452
Phone: 949 640 6324
Website: www.ASBPS.org

Anonymous said...

All of will surely ask what happens after I go trough Bariatric Surgery? Would it be a successful one? Or would it fail? Even though they still want to undergo such thing. That is why research is important. You have to consider the capabilities of the surgeon and the hospital's facilities. Even in bariatric surgery, this kind of vigilance is needed. If you want tips on weight loss surgeries, get hold of a free report from Julianne Kennedy's site. It is totally free! Meaning, you are not required to click on ads or anything else. http://www.weight-loss-surgery-secrets.com/controversial/free_wls_report.htm

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Outsourcing Healthcare said...

Hi all,

Bariatric surgery offers hope to those who suffer from chronic obesity. While some people are able to lose massive amounts of weight through diet and exercise, many others find it difficult to achieve lasting results through these more traditional means of weight loss. This surgery allows overweight people to regain control over their health and by extension, their lives. Thanks a lot!