More than 30% of the adult population in Maryland is obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
Bariatric surgery can be an option for a person who has documented weight-loss attempts that have been unsuccessful and who meets factors for body weight and body mass.
Dr. Mohammad K. Jamal of Meritus Bariatric Surgical Specialists works regularly with patients to help them choose the best weight-loss option.
There are 10 to 11 different surgical and nonsurgical options available to limit stomach size or reduce the length of the intestines, Jamal said. The most common procedures are gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and adjustable gastric banding.
Gastric sleeve surgery permanently reduces the size of the stomach. It promotes weight loss by limiting food intake and lessening the sensation of hunger. During this procedure, the surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving only a small tube or sleeve to serve as the new stomach pouch.
Gastric bypass surgery is considered a combined restrictive and malabsorptive procedure, where a small pouch is created by stapling and dividing the stomach. This limits the food intake and reduces the calorie absorption, so that weight loss can occur.
Gastric banding involves placing an inflatable band around the top of the stomach and is quick, reversible and adjustable. The size of the stomach is decreased, reducing food intake. The surgery leads to a person feeling fuller with less food, which can result in significant weight loss.
Which procedure is best for each patient really depends on the medical conditions the patient has, Jamal said. He and the team at Meritus Bariatric Surgical Specialists work with patients to select the procedure that will most likely help them achieve weight loss and health goals, while minimizing risk.
Preparing for surgery
Bariatric surgery is a major procedure that requires preparation from the patient in order to improve long-term weight loss and the overall success of the operation.
The preparation for any type of bariatric surgery is similar, Jamal said. Patients are required to undergo counseling, control portion sizes and reduce carbohydrates and overall calorie content once they enroll in the appropriate program.
In 2020, the da Vinci XI technology was added as an option for bariatric surgical patients at Meritus Medical Center. It helps minimize post-operative pain, provides better cosmetic results and reduces hospital stays.
Insurance is another important consideration. Before paying large amounts of out-of-pocket expenses, a good first step is to consult with insurance providers to determine coverage and eligibility for bariatric surgery.
Long-term lifestyle changes
While useful, bariatric surgery does not magically cure all. Pre- and post-surgery, patients will need to make long-term lifestyle changes, especially in the areas of diet and exercise.
Finding post-surgery weight loss success also depends on drastic lifestyle changes, such as smaller food and drink portions, improved nutrition and regular exercise, Jamal said. Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon, nutrition counseling and support groups can help patients stay on track.
A healthier life post-surgery
For the past 40-50 years, the bariatric surgical procedures have facilitated longer, healthier lives.
Jamal hopes those who would benefit from bariatric surgery dont wait until theyve developed difficult health issues as a result of obesity, before making the decision to consider surgery.
If your primary care doctor considers you to be a good candidate, have it done now before avoidable medical issues arise, he said.
Meritus Health, at 11116 Medical Campus Road east of Hagerstown, is the largest health system in Washington County. For more information about programs and services, go to MeritusHealth.com.
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Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss option - Herald-Mail Media
