Obesity Surgery
John Furnem
It is an undeniable fact that obesity has become a global
epidemic and is wreaking havoc on our society as mortality
rates soar. Approximately 30% of the general population is
considered obese, but it doesn't stop there. An unprecedented
15% of young people are afflicted as well, leaving their
budding lives scarred emotionally, physically, and
psychologically.
Contrary to the unbelievable number of claims for products that
miraculously take off the pounds, there is no magic cure for
obesity. However, there is an option. Obesity surgery is
becoming increasingly popular despite the many side effects.
Obesity surgery is only for those people who have a body mass
index (BMI) of 40 or more or are suffering from a disabling
condition due to excess weight. Morbidly obese people who are
unable to lose weight by any other method often turn to this
major surgery as a last resort. However, the younger generation
soon may not have this option. Physicians are becoming very
reluctant to perform obesity surgery on patients younger than
18 because of the lack of knowledge about the long-term side
effects. The serious short-term consequences are a deterrent as
well. The absolute minimum age recommended is 13 in girls and 15
in boys. The youngest patient on record who underwent obesity
surgery was a 12 year-old girl.
The rate of obesity surgeries has multiplied unbelievably with
over 170,000 done yearly. There are no reliable statistics on
how many of these were performed on teenagers, but a definite
increase was noted. Costs for the surgery range anywhere from
$15,000 to $50,000 (depending on the type), with the average
being $30,000. If complications develop, obesity surgery may
cost $65,000 or more. The effects, however, may be priceless
for some. Adult patients lose an average of 70% of their excess
body weight, while teenagers show even more promise at 82%. For
a few patients, the results are devastating and the little
weight they lose is quickly regained.
There are 2 main types of obesity surgery: those that reduce
the size of the stomach and those that reduce absorption of
calories in the small intestine. Gastric bypass is a
combination of the two and is the most common type done. All
require a lifelong commitment to making drastic changes in
eating habits and lifestyle. Obesity surgery is beset with many
risks and for young people, this may mean permanent stunting of
growth. 2% of patients die from the surgery and 40% develop
complications within six months.
Complications range from infection, respiratory problems and
bleeding, to vomiting, hernias and stomach obstruction. Many
patients develop anemia or osteoporosis in the long term and
have to constantly take supplements. Obesity-related illnesses,
such as diabetes, are often resolved, though. Considering only
the short-term effects, young people actually have fewer risk
factors in developing complications from obesity surgery if
they follow all the recommendations.
Overall, obesity surgery remains highly controversial. Many
argue that the psychological benefits of feeling human again
far outweigh the disadvantages, especially for teenagers. There
is always the possibility of regaining the weight lost or
developing serious complications. Much of the success of
obesity surgery depends on choosing an experienced physician
and complying with orders. Obesity surgery has greatly improved
over the years and for many, those unwanted pounds have become a
thing of the past.
About The Author: John Furnem specializes in work psychology
and Stress disorders, he has written articles and held
workshops/seminars on the effect of stress on children and
adults . John writes articles at
http://childhoodobesity.zupatips.com/ for
http://Zupatips.com
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