Bariatric Care

Bariatrics refers to the practice of medicine focused on the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. Initial treatments typically focus on diet, exercise, therapy and medications; however, for more comprehensive, long-term results weight-loss surgery may be recommended.

Am I a Candidate for Weight-loss Surgery?

The decision to have weight-loss surgery is a significant one, and requires careful consideration and the recommendation from a bariatric specialist. It is important to realize that surgery itself is just one of many steps to be taken toward the lifestyle changes necessary for long-term success. To qualify, patients must meet certain Body Mass Index and co-morbidity (having two or more chronic diseases) requirements, which can vary by procedure. Additionally, patients must agree to undergo several months of nutrition counseling leading up to a surgery date, and submit to a psychological evaluation, as required by the surgeon.

Understanding the Health Risks of Obesity

Obesity is more than a cosmetic problem; it is a health risk. Several serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Stroke

Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Obese men are more likely than non-obese men to die from cancer of the colon, rectum or prostate. Obese women are more likely than non-obese women to die from cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix or ovaries.

Health care providers generally agree that the more obese a person is the more likely he or she is to develop health problems. Other diseases and health problems linked to obesity include:

Gallbladder disease and gallstones
Liver disease
Osteoarthritis, a disease in which the joints deteriorate (possibly the result of excess weight on the joints)
Gout, another disease affecting the joints
Pulmonary (breathing) problems, including sleep apnea in which a person can stop breathing for a short time during sleep
Reproductive problems in women, including menstrual irregularities and infertility

Psychological and Social Effects

Emotional suffering may be one of the most painful parts of obesity. American society emphasizes physical appearance and often equates attractiveness with slimness, especially for women. Such messages make overweight people feel unattractive. Many people think that obese individuals are gluttonous, lazy, or both, even though this is not true. As a result, obese people often face prejudice or discrimination in the job market, at school and in social situations. Feelings of rejection, shame or depression are common.

Facts About Obesity

What is overweight?

Overweight is defined as being too heavy for one’s height. It is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 up to 30. Body weight comes from fat, muscle, bone and body water. Overweight does not always mean over fat.

What is morbid obesity?

Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk. A person is considered obese if he or she has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.

What causes obesity?

In scientific terms, obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than he or she burns. What causes this imbalance between calories in and calories out may differ from one person to another. Genetic, environmental, psychological and other factors may all play a part. Many scientific studies have established a connection between genetics and body weight. Children adopted at birth show no connection of their body weight to the body weight of their adoptive parents, the people who taught them how and what to eat. They show an 80 percent correlation with the body weight of their genetic parents.

Genes do not destine people to a lifetime of obesity, however. Environment also strongly influences obesity. This includes lifestyle behaviors, such as what a person eats and his or her level of physical activity. Americans tend to eat high-fat foods, and put taste and convenience ahead of nutrition. Also, most Americans do not get enough physical activity.

What are the treatments for obesity?

Obesity can be treated in a number of ways, including:

Changing your diet
Increasing exercise and activity
Changing your behavior or habits
Implementing prescription weight-loss medications
Bariatric surgery, including:
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Duodenal switch with biliopancreatic diversion

If you are considering bariatric surgery or other forms of obesity treatment, speak with your doctor. He or she can help you determine which treatment will be best suited to your body, your goal and your health needs.

How to prevent obesity?

Adults and children can prevent obesity by eating healthy and remaining active. Check out our suggestions on how you can promote a healthier lifestyle and avoid obesity.

Preventing adulthood obesity:

Eat five to six servings of vegetables and fruits each day.
Choose whole grains foods over alternatives.
Measure and weigh your food to appropriate portion sizes.
Make sure your calories-consumed and calories-burned ratio is balanced.
Accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderately intense activity a day.
Regularly weigh yourself.

Preventing childhood obesity:

Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits a day.
Don’t use food as a reward or withhold food as a punishment.
Encourage better eating habits, like only eating when hungry.
Encourage drinking water over sodas, juices and alternative beverages high in sugars.
Keep your home stocked with healthy snacks, instead of sodas and snacks high in sugars and fat.
Reduce the daily time in front of a computer or TV to two hours or less.
Encourage physical activities.

Taking the Next Step

To learn more about the bariatric care options that are right for you, use the links below to find a surgeon and learn about the specific services each provides. You might also consider participating in a bariatric support group.

Bariatric Support Group

Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-General & Vascular Surgery, a strategic affiliate of the Health System, is proud to partner with Emerald Isle Counseling to host an obesity/bariatric support group for anyone who would like to attend. The support group is an open discussion mediated by Allyn Robb Jr., EDS, NCC, BCPS, LPC, of Emerald Isle Counseling.

Bariatric Support Group: First Name A-G

Bariatric Support Group: First Name H-M

Bariatric Support Group: First Name N-Z