Obesity has been a worldwide epidemic for the last few decards. This growing disease is now more prevalent among the young. Above a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 is the definition of being overweight. Further, a BMI of above
Obesity has been a worldwide epidemic for the last few decards. This growing disease is now more prevalent among the young. Above a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 is the definition of being overweight. Further, a BMI of above 35 has been classified as being morbidly obese. In the smaller-built Asians, this has been redefined as 32.5.
There are many diseases associated with obesity. They include:
- 1. metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia (and all the complications associated with these diseases)
- 2. cancers such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer
- 3. chronic joint diseases such as chronic back pain
- 4. osteoarthritis of the spine, hips, knees and ankles
- 5. other illness such as skin infections, pancreatitis and much more
Those who are obese are also more likely to be depressed and have a shortened lifespan.
Obesity – What Are The Options?
Diet and exercise are the mainstays of obesity management. However, the chance of weight loss of more than 10%, together with keeping that weight down over a sustained period of time, is less than 2% for the morbidly obese.
All these statistics, couple with the complications of obesity that are a hugh financial burder to the family and the state, have stimulated the development of obesity management and surgery ( bariatric surgery ).
Obesity surgery is currently the best method to reduce weight quickly and more importantly, to sustain that weight loss. The procedures include :
- 1. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)
- 2. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)
- 3. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB)
These procedures are done laparoscopically (or keyhole surgery). There are many advantages of this technique, including less wound pain and complications, less lunch complications, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. The procedures have become very safe as compared to the surgeries done 40 years ago. The standardisation of surgical techniques used and the tremendous improvement in anaesthesia care has resulted in complications being minimised.
How it works:
The stomach is stapled and divided vertically, close to the oesophagus almost to the are where the stomach ends at the doudenum.
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