AllBodySurgery.com - Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Knowledge Base

Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Knowledge Base

Anyone that has had bariatric weight loss surgery ever experiened black out spells, passout, or/and faint? Anyone that has had bariatric weight loss surgery ever experiened black out spells, passout, or/and faint? Cause my fiancee' had biartic surgury over 3 years ago and he has experienced black out spells and all of the above but the past few months it has gotten worse. His surgery doctor said (this was 3 years ago) he said that it should stop when he has lost enough weight and it has but it's just gotten worse.

I am having Bariatric weight loss surgery at the end of January, I was wondering about it? if you have had this surgery already, have any of you noticed their monthly grocery budget being much less after the surgery. Serious question, so no jokers please. I am on a fixed income. THanks!

Need advice on bariatric weight loss surgery in San Francisco (lap band gastric bypass)? I'm interested in learning more about bariatric surgeons (lap band gastric bypass) in San Francisco. Preferably one who has some form of surgery financing. Thanks =]

ladies who have had bariatric weight loss surgery, please help, i need to know........? i am having the procedure done 3-27-07. really need to know will my breast size decrease with the weight loss? right now i am a 46d/dd. will this stay the same or will i go down some? thank-you for your help

weight loss surgery. lap band or bariatric surgery.? i want to get weight loss surgery. i just would like to know what would be better for me, the lap band, or the bariatric surgery

Have you considered Gastric Bypass Surgery for weight loss? Here's some tips!? Gastric bypass: Is this weight-loss surgery for you? Are you a candidate for gastric bypass surgery? Find out what to expect and the benefits and risks involved. It's always best to lose weight through a healthy diet and regular physical activity. But if you're among those who have tried and can't lose the excess weight that's causing your health problems, weight-loss (bariatric) surgery may be an option. Gastric bypass, which changes the anatomy of your digestive system to limit the amount of food you can eat and digest, is the favored bariatric surgery in the United States. Most surgeons prefer this procedure because it's safer and has fewer complications than other available weight-loss surgeries. It can provide long-term, consistent weight loss if accompanied with ongoing behavior changes. Gastric bypass isn't for everyone with obesity, however. It's a major procedure that poses significant risks and side effects and requires permanent changes in your lifestyle. Who is gastric bypass surgery for? Generally, gastric bypass surgery is reserved for people who are unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise, are severely overweight, and who have health problems as a result. Gastric bypass may be considered if: ·Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity). ·Your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity), and you have a serious weight-related health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Gastric bypass surgery doesn't replace the need for following a healthy diet and regular physical activity program. In fact, the success of the surgery depends in part on your commitment to following the guidelines given to you about diet and exercise. As you consider weight-loss surgery, make sure that you make every effort to exercise, change your eating habits and adjust any other lifestyle factors that have contributed to your excess weight http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378 I had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005. I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding, after 1 year and 7 months. These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or not. I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes. The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away. I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure. I’m down to 2 pills a day. I went from a size 26-28 to a 16-18. Most people struggle with paying for the surgery. Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass. Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. http://www.obesityhelp.com/ There is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White. He’s a govt. worker and a comedian. He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well. http://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/ Some other helpful links… http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/ http://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htm http://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337 http://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508 http://www.mygastricbypass.com/ http://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.html Good luck with your surgery and new life! What do you think?

I'm thinking about bariatric surgery for weight loss....? I would like responses from anyone who may have had a gastric bypass in recent years.... was it worth it? Did you have insurance problems? Have you had to have sagging skin removed?? Was the whole process more difficult than you thought it would be?

Is it true that 1 out of every 50 persons that have the gastric bypasss weight loss surgery die within 3 mo? bariatric weight loss

Is bariatric surgery a good option for extreme weight loss?

Why do weight loss surgery patients kill themselves at 58% higher rate than regular obese folks? "A Tragic Risk of Weight-Loss Surgery" The New York Times In August, The New England Journal of Medicine reported a review of nearly 10,000 bariatric surgery patients by Utah researchers, who compared them to a control group of obese people who had applied for a state driver’s license. Although the surgery patients had a 50 percent lower risk of dying from disease compared to obese people who hadn’t undergone surgery, their risk of dying in an accident or suicide was 11.1 per 10,000 people — that’s 58 percent higher than the 6.4 per 10,000 rate in the obese group. The study suggested the suicide risk was twice as high for surgery patients than for those who had not had surgery....

Weight loss surgery in Alberta, Canada? I am looking for a really cheap place, and what are all of my options? Would health insurance cover bariatric surgery or any other surgeries? I also heard about going to India... I would like to get rid of my stomach fat, thigh fat, etc. Anyone who says diet and exercise, will not be helping at all, you have no idea what my condition is like. I am not overweight though...

Does Las Vegas Medicaid cover Bariatric Surgery? Do they cover any kind of Weight Loss surgery, such as LapBand or Gastric Bypass? If you have a link please send it.

Can my friend's mom get bariatric surgery under a local anesthetic? My friend's mom is morbidly obese and she needs a surgery to save her life. The problem is that she cannot go under a general anesthesia because the last time she did, her heart stopped. So my question is what weight loss surgery options are available to her and can she go under a local anesthesia for any of these procedures? Any advice or help would be appreciated. Can anyone help me?

If you have fibromyalgia AND have had bariatric surgery, what has your experience been like? Do you find that the surgery and weight loss have made your fibromyalgia less troublesome, or has the opposite been true?

Why do Bariatric surgery patients kill themselves at 58% higher rate than regular obese folks? "A Tragic Risk of Weight-Loss Surgery" The New York Times In August, The New England Journal of Medicine reported a review of nearly 10,000 bariatric surgery patients by Utah researchers, who compared them to a control group of obese people who had applied for a state driver’s license. Although the surgery patients had a 50 percent lower risk of dying from disease compared to obese people who hadn’t undergone surgery, their risk of dying in an accident or suicide was 11.1 per 10,000 people — that’s 58 percent higher than the 6.4 per 10,000 rate in the obese group. The study suggested the suicide risk was twice as high for surgery patients than for those who had not had surgery....

Has anyone had any luck recently battling an employer provided HMO over non-coverage of bariatric surgery? I recently have started looking into bariatric surgery and in doing so noticed that my HMO benefits plan specifically states that it excludes coverage for weight loss surgery of any kind. I work for a sheriff's department so my chances on getting them to pick up a rider at an extra cost to the department, or the citizens who pay my salary is pretty much dreaming. I was just wondering if anyone has had recent success attempting to overthrow, so to speak, the exclusion providing enough evidence and going through the lengthy appeals process? If you did have success could you share how and what efforts you put forth to get it done? I would think once you displayed enough of a history and your doctor confirms that the cost of not getting it done and the diseases/medical conditions that come with it out weigh the cost of the surgery itself that most insurances companies would be more willing to cover it. Thanks in advance! In response to the exclusions being not covered no matter what...I was just wondering if it is all in the wording sent to the insurance company b/c my wife recently had orthognathic surgery to correct a jaw problem and my insurance in the same exclusions list stated it would not cover it, however they covered it completely with the exception of the braces post op without a single hassle? So is it the wording forwarded to the insurance company that truly makes or breaks the approval?

Do fat people understand that Bariatric Surgery is not easy way out? The following is a list of possible side-effects and complications to consider before having weight-loss surgery. We will discuss these in more detail at your office consultation. 1. Anastomotic leak (leak from a connection made to the bowel, usually requires re-operation and long hospital stay) 2. Anastomotic stricture (narrowing or obstruction at an intestinal connection resulting in vomiting) 3. Bowel obstruction/strangulation/internal hernia/ischemic bowel possibly needing removal (associated with pain and vomiting, usually requires re-operation) 4. Injury to an abdominal or pelvic organ/structure (especially the liver, spleen, pancreas, bile duct, stomach, esophagus, colon, bowel, diaphragm, urinary bladder, nerve or blood vessel) 5. Conversion to an open operation (due to bleeding, poor exposure, large liver, tension on intestines, etc.) 6. Incisional hernia (more likely if procedure is done open) 7. Infection or abscess (due to a leak, spillage of intestinal contents, underlying infection, etc) 8. Bleeding and the potential need for blood transfusion. Blood transfusion carries the risk of infection with bacteria, parasites (malaria), and viruses (hepatitis, HIV/AIDS). 9. Need for additional surgery or procedures to treat any complication that may occur 10. Prolonged hospital stay or readmission may be needed to treat complications 11. Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot in a vein) 12. Pulmonary Embolus (blood clot going to lung, fatal 30% of the time) 13. Atelectasis (lung collapse causing fevers, possibly pneumonia) 14. Pneumonia, lung infection and fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) 15. Heart attack (myocardial infarction) 16. Stroke 17. Pancreatitis 18. Rhabdomyalysis (breakdown of the muscle in the body) 19. Pressure ulcer or decubitus (skin breakdown, may require skin grafting) 20. Allergic reaction to anesthesia, medications or materials 21. Nerve or ligament injury from positioning or lying on the operating table 22. Kidney failure and/or the need for dialysis 23. Need for ICU care 24. Need for a ventilator (machine to help you breathe) 25. Multi-system organ failure (liver, kidneys, lungs, etc.) 26. Poor cosmetic results (ugly scar, keloid, unattractive incisions, contour defects) 27. Chronic pain, discomfort, numbness, burning or tingling in the incisions or anywhere else (abdomen, back, extremities) 28. Transient or chronic nausea/vomiting due to strictures, gastroparesis, food intolerance, etc. 29. Dysphagia (difficulty or painful swallowing) 30. Diarrhea, constipation, foul smelling gas and stools 31. Heartburn (acid reflux) symptoms 32. Ulcers or gastritis 33. Intestinal perforation due to ulcer, foreign body, obstructed food, etc. 34. Development of food intolerances/loss of taste 35. Dumping syndrome (abdominal pain, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, diarrhea) 36. Hair loss or thinning 37. Development of malnutrition or vitamin deficiency 38. Anemia 39. Metabolic bone disease (loosing calcium from the bone because of inadequate intake and supplementation) with possible osteoporosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone fractures 40. Failure to lose an adequate amount of weight 41. Loss of too much weight 42. Development of loose or redundant skin 43. Sterility or inability to become pregnant 44. Increased ability to become pregnant 45. Birth defects or fetal injury if you become pregnant. This is less likely once weight has stabilized and laboratory tests are normal. Usually, about 2 years after surgery. 46. Postoperative depression or other psychological reaction to surgery 47. Need to revise or reverse the procedure at some point in the future because of nutritional deficiencies, excessive weight loss, pain or other reasons 48. Extended disability, financial hardship as a result of complications related to weight loss surgery 49. Parts of your stomach and/or intestines will be inaccessible by endoscopy. 50. Death (1% nationwide) within 30 days

Postop bariatric surgery. I am interested in hearing how it went for you after you had a gastric bypass? surgery. How was you weight loss? Did you lose weight right away? Did your abdomen hurt afterwards? Did it take a while after surgery to begin to lose weight?

What are some good songs to put with a weight loss slideshow video? I had bariatric surgery in 2007, and I am making a slideshow/video of my journey and my weight loss. Can anyone suggest some good songs, ideally lyrics speaking on a big change in your life or changing for the better, or a long journey with success? Something/anything along those lines. I need a good positive song(s) to put with this. Any thoughts are appreciated. :)

What can you tell me about Lap Band surgery vs. Bariatric surgery? Has anyone had personal or professional experience with either of these? What information can you give me as far as success, risks, considerations, cost, follow-up care, happiness with the overall procedures? Thanks! :) Additional Details I've encountered people who have had bad luck with Bariatric surgery. Two that I know have died from complications. I'm also concerned about what happens with fast weight loss...what to do with all the extra skin. I saw at least one surgery on the Discovery channel where that was removed and the guy looked like he'd been sawed in half...it was horrible. I'm not that familiar with Lap Band, but a friend is considering it so I'm just looking for some information about it. Thanks!

Friends, I would like to know that how much cost Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery? I am into weight loss ... it very difficult to me to lose weight .. i ave tried almost every thing but unable to lose, Any now i am looking forward for Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery..Please if anyone have an idea please let me know.....i appreciate your help. Thank you

Sagging skin after weight loss? I am a 20 year old male who underwent Lap-Band surgery about two years ago. Since the surgery I've lost about 160 pounds and until recently, I haven't noticed any skin-sagging problems (very common after bariatric surgery - or any large-scale weight loss). As of right now I don't really have any sagging skin, but I have noticed that the skin on my arm in looser. I still have about 30 pounds of fat to get rid of and I'm worried about eventual sagging. I have no interest in surgery to remove sagging skin. Does anyone know of a way to nip this in the bud before it gets worse? Note: I have focused on cardio more than weight-training since the surgery and I understand that increasing muscle mass will likely help this problem. All answers are welcome but I prefer those from people with a medical background or experience with post-weight-loss skin sagging. Thanks in advance.

How do I get my Yahoo group category changed? My group is medical and deals with weight loss through bariatric surgery. However, my group category was changed to adult? Any idea how to change it back to medical?

should i consider bariatric surgery? oks hi every 1 i need some advice about bariatric surgery and well im 5'4ft and weigh ove 240 pounds and ive tried to lose it threw weight loss programs and nothing seems to work and well i just want to know how the yahoo community thinks about the surgery

Regarding Bariatric Surgery (Open Roux en Y)? I had surgery 5 months ago, in the third month my weight loss only happened 1 week out of the month. I don't know of anyone else that has had this happen. It worries me that it might stop at anytime. Anyone know why. I have changed up my routine and foods several times to make something try to kick in 24/7 but haven't had any sucess.

Have you had Bariatric surgery? Have you had it? What kind? band or bypass ? what was the recovery like and what weight loss results have you seen? oh and all you fatty haters I am not interested in your opinion of me or my fatness so please don't make a comment we all know us fat people built nuclear war heads and gave birth to hitler how evil.

Help!!! Bariatric surgery...? Hi everyone. I had a sleeve gastrectomy on September 22nd of this year. My weight loss is going great, but unfortunately I'm starting the hair loss phase of this lifestyle transition. My hair is falling out in clumps! My doctor keeps telling me I need to eat a ton of protein a day, but I read on the internet that it's really caused by lack of Vitamins. Then, I also read and heard that in all honesty, it's gonna happen no matter what. I would really like to know the truth about this matter, and I'd also like to hear from people who have gone through it. Is there any kind of supplement I can take that will ease the loss or stop it all together?? I just want the truth please. I know the vitamins I am supposed to take and the protein I need daily. But does that really even matter??

Has anyone ever lost more than 70 pounds and NOT needed plastic surgery? I'm speaking of modern day...where people can have a body lift if their remaining abdomen is hanging down to their knees. Can someone actually lose weight slow enough that they could lose a pannus (hanging abdomen)? I see so many shows of women getting full body lifts after bariatric surgery, but is that necessary just because they lost weight so fast, then excercised after? If you have links to any before after photos (of women who haven't had surgery after drastic weight loss), that would be great. Thanks!

What can I do about a counselor who will not return patient calls or forward files to referring psychiatrist? My husband has been completing pre-op testing and counseling before having bariatric surgery. The weight loss clinic is in another state so he has been seeing a counselor close to home. He has completed 4 months of treatment. 7 weeks ago the counselor told him she would send her notes and her release for his surgery to the psychiatrist at the clinic. The psychiatrist says she still has not received anything and that she and the counselor have been playing phone tag. They were supposed to make contact 3 months ago. The counselor will not return his calls. He always gets an answering service and he and I have left several messages over a 2 week period. We would go to her office but she keeps strange unpredictable office hours. My husband cannot get scheduled for his surgery until this counselor passes his treatment information along. Now he may not be scheduled before the end of the year and his insurance deductible and out of pocket costs start over. I don't know that anyone can give me advice but I am just frustrated that 2 supposed professionals behave this way.

Does anyone know a good bariatric doctor in the St john michigan network? I am considering gastric surgery for weight loss.

Should Obesity be treated as physical ailment or as a psychological ailment? Psychiatric Disorders Among Bariatric Surgery Candidates: Relationship to Obesity and Functional Health Status Melissa A. Kalarchian, Ph.D., Marsha D. Marcus, Ph.D., Michele D. Levine, Ph.D., Anita P. Courcoulas, M.D., M.P.H., Paul A. Pilkonis, Ph.D., Rebecca M. Ringham, M.S., Julia N. Soulakova, M.S., Lisa A. Weissfeld, Ph.D., and Dana L. Rofey, M.A. Abstract TOP Abstract Introduction Method Results Discussion References OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to document psychiatric disorders among candidates for weight loss surgery and to examine the relationship of psychopathology to degree of obesity and functional health status. METHOD: The authors collected demographic and clinical information from 288 individuals seeking surgery. Assessments were administered independently of the preoperative screening and approval process. The study group was mostly female (83.3%) and white (88.2%). Mean body mass index (BMI) of the group was 52.2 kg/m2 (SD=9.7), and the mean age was 46.2 years (SD=9.4). RESULTS: Approximately 66% of the participants had a lifetime history of at least one axis I disorder, and 38% met diagnostic criteria at the time of preoperative evaluation. In addition, 29% met criteria for one or more axis II disorders. Axis I psychopathology, but not axis II, was positively related to BMI, and both axis I and axis II psychopathology were associated with lower scores on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. CONCLUSIONS: Current and past DSM-IV psychiatric disorders are prevalent among bariatric surgery candidates and are associated with greater obesity and lower functional health status, highlighting the need to understand potential implications for surgery preparation and outcome. Future work also will focus on the course of psychiatric disorder during the post-surgery period and its relationship to weight loss and maintenance.

Want to ask a real bariatric / gastric bypass / lap band weight loss patient something? A brilliant new tool is available at http://www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/testimonials/lap-band-patient-qa.php where you can ask a weight loss surgery patient your specific answer and have the patient give you a tailored response to your exact question. No more reading though hundreds of testimonial pages that can be doctored up by the doctor. My question is how useful was this tool for people looking for info on gastric bypass and lap band procedures and how can it be improved. 10 points to the best comment/suggestion. Im not asking for opinions on the procedures.. I know that is somewhat controversial. Please read my question and respond what I am asking.

Should the NHS treat the obese for free....? High demand for stomach surgery for obese patients as well as the cost of specialist equipment - such as larger examination couches - means the costs to primary care trusts (PCTs) have shot up. The new data comes after official figures revealed that weight-loss stomach surgery for obesity has risen 40 per cent in a year. The data, from the NHS information centre, showed there were 2,724 hospital admissions in 2007/08 for bariatric surgery, which includes stomach stapling and gastric bypass. Overall, hospital admissions for obesity also increased, reaching 5,018 in 2007/08, a 30 per cent rise on 2006/07 and almost a seven-fold increase on 1996/97. The statistics showed 48 per cent were now treating more patients for obesity than three years ago. Around one in six PCTs had increased their obesity budget seven-fold in the last three years and the same number had purchased primary care equipment specially designed for obese patients. Dr David Haslam, a GP in Hertfordshire and clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, said PCTs were turning down requests for surgery not because patients were failing to meet criteria laid down by the National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), but to cut costs. He said: "PCTs are delighted to find any excuse to turn down bariatric surgery, despite the fact that it is among the most clinically effective, and cost effective procedures in any field of medicine." Tam Fry, chairman of the Child Growth Foundation and member of the National Obesity Forum, said: "Obesity is now so great that this level of PCT spending is necessary just to make inroads into the problem. "But this kind of spending cannot be sustained and could go on to cripple the NHS." http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090409/tuk-nhs-sees-obesity-spending-soar-dba1618.html Should obese people be made to loose weight before having treatment? Should the NHS treat them the same as everyone else? Is it right that obese people should be given weight-loss stomach surgery for free before trying other methods of weight loss first? Your views please!

Overweight Women: 50/50 chance of surviving pregnancy? I saw a reproductive endocrinologist today. He told me that I have to talk to high risk ob/gyns before he'll give me fertility medicine. Basically he says I'm overweight enough that my only solution for the weight loss would be bariatric surgery and that if I didnt get it done...that most ob/gyns will tell me I have only a 50/50 survival chance if I get pregnant. I know my BMI is high, I have congenital heart disease and wasnt allowed to exercise until I was 18 and by then the weight had the upper hand. I've tried and failed diet programs and I've been told before my only chance at successful weight loss was bariatric surgery. Now I'm being told without bariatric surgery my survival chances if I get pregnant are 50/50. Have any of you heard this as well? I've been told by other doctors that it does increase certain risks but that you can still be safe if you obey their directions...but now I'm being told if I do get pregnant I have a 50/50 survival chance and that I shouldnt really consider it. How do you feel about this? Anyone else been told this before? gah it's embarrassing...my BMI is currently 58. It's been fluctuating a lot and they say part of it's water since I've had a lot of missed periods the last few months, but I have no idea how much is actual water or if they say that just to make me feel better by the way, dont know how relevant it is: I dont take ANY medications. My blood pressure/cholesterol...everything is fine. My cardiologist says the reason I'm this overweight is that my body "metabolizes to keep it" and that my heart and everything is 100% healthy and that he personally sees no problems with my heart in terms of the weight or pregnancy (but of course he agrees weight loss is always super)

Weight Loss Lap Band Surgery? I have just been denied a referral from my insurance company to have a Bariatric Consult. I was hoping to have lapband surgery. I have had a weight problem most of my life. I am 53 yr old female and have address the issues that led to my weight problem with a therapist. After two years the therapist says I am a excellent candidate for this surgery. My primary care doctor says the same. Knee problems, one replacement already, high blood pressure, foot pain, begining stages of cornonary artery diseaseand 125lbs of extra weight are not enough to get the insurance company to approve a consult with the surgeon to see if I am a candidate. What do I do? They state I have not had a documented unsucessful weight loss program in the last year. Crap I diet every single day! What should I do?

Ladies, curious about how to lose weight permanently? Hello ladies, I'm writing a book on weight loss and transforming your life with it. I've read many diet books. Most lack personality, a spirit, and addressing your mindset/soul. I'm curious to hear from you; what subjects do you want to read in a weight loss book? What are issues you've been wondering about, that you would like answered? Anything you feel you'd like to be discussed. I'm not advocating gimmicks, scams, and bariatric surgery. This is about changing your whole health and life for the better, through natural weight loss and changing eating habits. I've personally lost over 100 pounds successfully without surgery, I do feel I know what I'm talking about based on experience. I want to provide a book that will help change your life. A great quality book you would benefit from. No scams or fad diets. Your help is kindly appreciated. Thank you! -Krystal

Who do you trust more a used car salesman or a Bariatric Surgeon? Some news about a couple of propaganda sights pro Bariatric surgery. Obesityhelp. They are reviewing all my posts cause I am finding critical things to post. Another propaganda sight that never posts my contributions Dr. Sharma's Obesity Notes. Example of what they censor.... 1) Preventive Medicine Department, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil (2) Obesity Surgery Center of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil (3) Internal Medicine Department, Division of Endocrinology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil (4) Surgery Department, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil Received: 26 March 2007 Accepted: 8 May 2007 Published online: 8 April 2008 Abstract Background A certain weight gain occurs after obesity surgery compared to the lower weight usually observed between 18 and 24 months postsurgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate weight regain in patients submitted to gastric bypass over a 5-year follow-up period. Materials and Methods A longitudinal prospective study was conducted on 782 obese patients of both genders. Only patients with at least 2 years of surgery were included. The percentage of excess body mass index (BMI) loss at 24, 36, 48, and 60 months postsurgery was compared to the measurements obtained at 18 months after surgery. Surgical therapeutic failure was also evaluated. Results Percent excess BMI loss was significant up to 18 months postsurgery (p < 0.001), with a mean difference in BMI of 1.06 kg/m2 compared to 12 months postsurgery. Percent BMI loss was no longer significant after 24 months, and weight regain became significant within 48 months after surgery (p < 0.01). Among the patients who presented weight regain, a mean 8% increase was observed within 60 months compared to the lowest weight obtained at 18 months after surgery. The percentage of surgical failure was higher in the superobese group at all times studied, reaching 18.8% at 48 months after surgery. Conclusion Weight regain was observed within 24 months after surgery in approximately 50% of patients. Both weight regain and surgical failure were higher in the superobese group. Studies in regard to metabolic and hormonal mechanisms underlying weight regain might elucidate the causes of this finding. Keywords Morbid obesity - Gastric bypass - Gastroplasty - Weight regain This is a Ethical question at the root that's why I decided to post it here. Also there more traffic here.

Anyone that has had bariatric weight loss surgery ever experiened black out spells, passout, or/and faint? Cause my fiancee' had biartic surgury over 3 years ago and he has experienced black out spells and all of the above but the past few months it has gotten worse. His surgery doctor said (this was 3 years ago) he said that it should stop when he has lost enough weight and it has but it's just gotten worse.

Fasting and muscle wasting.? The opponents of fasting for weight loss claim that one's muscles soon begin to waste away as the body will cannabalize itself to acquire nutrients. I suppose that will happen after a period of time, but surely the individual's BMI must be considered. For example,if someone is 100 lbs. overweight, that's alot of energy to consume before the vital organs are asked to pitch in, yes, no, maybe? And if not, then how do bariatric surgery patients lose weight with such a drastic restriction of caloric intake? They are barely taking in enough to avoid starving. Are there any endocrinologists in the forum?

Please critique my daily diet, I just started using Slim Fast Optima about 14 days ago.? Daily diet: 3-4 slim fast optimas anytime between 8am and 6pm according to my schedule. (I am a college student, thus the need for convenience and portability for all meals & snacks except dinner.) For dinner, I generally alternate between having a 300 calorie frozen dinner or having fish (tilapia) and broccoli. I will also eat 200 calories worth of lightly salted rice cakes, and an apple at some time during the day, although some days I will have neither of these. Questions: Is it okay to have 3-4 slimfast optimas a day? I know that some vitamins cause ill effects in excess and the shakes are fortified. My total calories per day range from 1200-1350. My current weight is 281. Is this a proper range of calories? I know that too few could kick me into "starvation mode" and cause my metabolism to slow, in turn, slowing my weight loss. I have to admit though, that I've always been skeptical of this. Don't most bariatric surgeries boil down to forced starvation?

Does anyone know of a good plastic surgeon in Tampa FL that specializes with Bariatric Patients? I need to have a 'tummy tuck' done due to a 95 lbs weight loss after lapband surgery, and from what I've seen in the Rate MD websites, it's slim pickens of a decent plastic surgeon for this in Tampa FL. (for that matter, it's slim pickens for any type of decent doctor in the Tampa Bay area...especially ob/gyn's....I seem to have been lucky enough to have found all of the molesters, incompetants and drama queen doctors in the area....If you'd like a list of whom to stay far away from, email me, I'd be more than happy to share this info and protect someone else from being physically & emotionally hurt, and almost killed due to negligence and total imcompetance.)

10 points!!!!!!!!summarize please? With no magic weight-loss pill available and more focus on the increasing rate of obesity among adults, people struggling with obesity are turning to surgery, especially procedures that have become less invasive. For local surgeons and hospitals, that demand translates into a growing business for bariatric — stomach reduction — surgery. Some Bay Area hospitals and medical groups that have performed the surgery for a few years are now expanding, hiring more surgeons and buying more equipment geared for operating on people who weigh as much as 600 pounds. "There are more people understanding the significance of the health risk," said Dr. Mary Estakhri, director of minimally invasive surgery for ValleyCare Health System in Pleasanton. "Years ago, it was seen as incredibly drastic or it was seen as taking the easy way out. But now, frequently patients know other people who have had it, and it's more of a reality." Since 2000, Estakhri has performed stomach reduction surgeries at ValleyCare with laparoscopic surgery, a technique that is less invasive. The health system recently hired another surgeon since officials expect a 25 percent increase in bariatric patients over the next year. The procedure involves inserting a small camera in the surgical area through a small incision, and surgeons view the area on a video screen. They operate with instruments inserted through other small incisions. In the last three years, stomach reduction surgeries have almost doubled, increasing from almost 37,000 in 2000 to over 63,000 for the year ended in June, according to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. About 90 percent of those surgeries were performed in this country. Given average surgery costs of $25,000, that translates to more than $1.4 billion spent on bariatric surgery in the United States in the most recent year. And though many insurers cover it, some only cover a specific type of bariatric operation. It is not uncommon for patients to foot the bill themselves, hospital administrators say. For instance, 20 percent of the patients who have had stomach reduction surgery by Drs. Robert or John Rabkin in San Francisco pay for the surgery themselves, according to their office. Demand for surgeries in the future is expected to remain strong, though it's hard to say what it will be exactly since the decision to undergo the procedure is a personal one. The surgery is meant for morbidly obese people or those people at risk for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and back problems. About 16 million people in this country are morbidly obese, or at least 100 pounds overweight. "It's a service line that for most hospitals is profitable at this time," said Ken Steele, CEO of St. Mary's Medical Center in San Francisco. A combination of factors make the surgery more popular now, Estakhri and others say. In the last few years, celebrities including singer Carnie Wilson and NBC weather forecaster Al Roker have had stomach reduction surgery. And national attention has spotlighted the fact that more Americans are obese and that obesity is a high risk for diabetes, hypertension, a host of back problems and ailments like sleep apnea. Dr. John Feng, part of Laparoscopic Associates, a practice in San Francisco headed by Dr. Gregg Jossart, frequently sees patients at satellite offices in Petaluma and Eureka. Three surgeons in the practice perform three kinds of laparoscopic surgery on at least 200 patients a year, mostly at California Pacific Medical Center. The surgeons hold online chat sessions with patients to help them with questions about their recovery. "It's such a growing field right now that I think it will drive a lot of doctors to get this expertise especially in laparoscopic surgery because patients specifically look for that," Feng said. "It's not unusual to have patients come into the office who have read a lot about this surgery and they come into the office and ask" for a specific kind of surgery. "Unless we can find the underlying problems causing obesity, and those are multifactorial, I think it will only grow," Feng said of the demand. The surgeries reduce the size of the stomach and the rate at which calories are absorbed. So after surgery, a person does not want to eat as much. Results of the surgery vary but a person can lose anywhere from half to at least 70 percent of their excess body weight over a period of a year or two following surgery. The surgery can be especially beneficial for adults under age 60, Feng said, because it often enables them to get off expensive medication. Earlier this year, St. Mary's Medical Center in San Francisco spent about $500,000 to equip an operating room with special tables and equipment. CEO Ken Steele has been engineering a turnaround for the Catholic Healthcare West hospital, which is close to breaking even after losing more than $12 million in 2001. Steele estimates that about 160 bariatric opera

Eastern Medicine - answer for morbid obesity? After many years of dieting/counseling/etc. I am considering bariatric surgery. I, unfortunately, am quite cowardice when it comes down to it. So.. I am curious about alternative means of weight loss. I would be up for visiting an Eastern medicine practitioner or something akin to it, however I am in a fairly small town with limited options. I would also be up for hypnosis.. Has anyone tried either with any degree of success? And as far as combining diet and exercise, twenty years of attempting that and failing is almost enough for one lifetime.