Weight Loss Surgery Blog by TexasBariatric.com » obesity

Bariatric Surgery - Is It Simply A “Commitment Device” Or Something Bigger?

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:05:57 +0000

There was an interesting article that recently appeared in The New York Times Magazine about the advent of bariatric surgery, which was likened to what economists call a “commitment device-a means with which to lock yourself into a course of action that you might not otherwise choose but that produces a desired result.” (more…)

Studies Suggest That Diabetes May Be Eliminated With Bariatric Surgery

admin — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:54:09 +0000

Today, diabetes represents a real and dangerous health threat, especially for overweight and obese men, women and children. But a growing body of research may offer hope in the form of a surgical solution — weight loss surgery, specifically — to this global health epidemic.

Researchers have found that undergoing bariatric surgery may effectively eliminate ALL signs of type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery’s benefit for type 2 diabetes mellitus was the subject of a study recently published in The American Journal of Medicine. The meta-analysis, comprised of 621 studies from 1990-2006, showed that 78.1% of diabetic patients experienced complete resolution. In addition, the 86.6% of the patients’ diabetes improved or was resolved after undergoing bariatric surgery. Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been found to be directly influenced by obesity. The primary risk factor for this disease is obesity, and 90% of all patients are overweight or obese.

Understanding the Surgical Procedures’ Findings
The involved studies were far-reaching, and involved 135,246 patients. Of these, 3188 patients experienced resolution of both the clinical and laboratory manifestations of type 2 diabetes. 11,175 patients reported both weight loss and diabetes resolution; these were completely separate from the 4,070 diabetic patients involved in those studies.

    These patients were categorized by the surgical method they underwent: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, gastroplasty, gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (BPD/DS). The results were as follows: gastric banding (56.7% resolution); gastroplasty (79.7%); gastric bypass (80.3%); and BPD/DS (95.1%).
    Two years later, the resolutions were as follows: gastric banding (58.3% resolution); gastroplasty (77.5%); gastric bypass (70.9%); and BPD/DS (95.9%).
    As for the percent excess weight loss, the resolutions were: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (46.2%); gastroplasty (55.5%); gastric bypass (59.7%); and BPD/DS (63.6%).

“This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that bariatric surgery has a powerful treatment effect in morbidly obese persons with type 2 diabetes; 82% of patients had resolution of the clinical and laboratory manifestations of diabetes in the first 2 years after surgery, and 62% remained free of diabetes more than 2 years after surgery (80% and 75% for the total group),” states Henry Buchwald, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota. “Randomized clinical trials comparing surgery and medical therapies for type 2 diabetes are urgently needed. Considering the potential benefits for millions of people, such trials should assess the risk/benefit ratio of surgery in less obese (BMI 30-35 kg/m2) populations, as well as in the morbidly obese (BMI>35 kg/m2) population.”
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/141314.php

A Presidential Push to Overcome Childhood Obesity

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:34:10 +0000

As we all know, the rising obesity rates are taking their toll on men and women from all backgrounds, and even age is no restriction. In fact, childhood obesity levels are skyrocketing, despite the best efforts of healthcare professionals. But the recent launch of a national initiative focused on childhood obesity may offer real hope of stemming this unfortunate epidemic. And there is some serious support behind this effort, including a well-respected former leader of the United States!

Former president Bill Clinton has teamed up with the American Heart Association (AHA) for this national initiative on childhood obesity. Known as the “Alliance Healthcare Initiative,” this program was developed by The Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Studies Show Gastric Bypass Surgery May Help Relieve Lower Back Pain

admin — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:18:10 +0000

Bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass and Lap-Band surgeries have been known to help resolve medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Recent studies are now showing that undergoing the weight loss surgery that limits the amount of food one can ingest can also help alleviate lower back pain in morbidly obese patients. (more…)

Helpful Tips for Choosing a Weight Loss Surgery Program That’s Best For You

admin — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:19:55 +0000

Obesity, and the health problems it inevitably causes, is a physical and emotional dilemma that more Americans than ever are experiencing. Consider this sobering fact- according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a staggering 66% of all U.S. adults are obese or overweight. So it’s not surprising that many individuals are opting for bariatric surgery, rather than traditional diet and exercise, to help them lose the weight and keep it off. However, just like a diet and exercise regime, there are certain factors to take into consideration before undergoing weight loss surgery. The following five tips, compiled by Nick Nicholson, a Plano, Texas M.D. that specializes in weight loss surgery at Baylor Regional Medical Center, are to assist you in choosing a weight loss surgery program that suits you best. (more…)