Weight loss or bariatric surgery is a medical specialty which is responsible for treating cases of morbid obesity. There are a significant percentage of people who suffer from this condition which can cause both physical and mental trauma.
Excess weight can affect various organs and limit or even prevent the proper functioning of that organ. People with excessive weight are also limited when it comes to fine and gross motor skills. Some are unable to perform daily activities that can range from personal hygiene to simply moving from one location to another, and even driving their own vehicles.
With regards to the mental trauma morbid obesity can cause, people who are obese often deal with increased depression, anxiety, and decreased self-esteem.
The best way to treat people with obesity
Of course, the way to treat morbidly obese patients is directed towards a healthy diet, thus controlling a progressive and sustained weight loss for as long as necessary. In most cases, that could be years.
Surgery is also as a method to achieve a normal weight, but generally people should be treated by medical specialists who provide them with a diet prior to any type of surgical intervention.
What is a bariatric surgeon?
When we talk about a bariatric surgeon, we are referring to a physician who specializes in diseases derived from obesity. This specialty is closely related to nutritionists.
However, bariatric physicians must be surgeons, while the nutritionist is limited to studying the different ways to assist obese people in losing weight through diets designed for individual cases and taking into account the condition of each particular patient.
A medical consultation with a bariatric doctor, can be expensive, because although it is a disease, it is also closely related to plastic and cosmetic surgery. Therefore, in many cases, this contributes to the increase in the cost of professional fees.
What are the most frequent procedures used to treat morbid obesity?
Among the procedures used in bariatric surgery, we can mention:
- Gastric sleeves.
- Staples in the stomach to reduce its size.
- The bypass.
- The balloon.
- The cutting of a considerable amount of intestine to lighten the digestion and with it the total absorption of food.
Where should one go to treat morbid obesity problems?
While there are many destinations sought by patients suffering from morbid obesity, it is indisputable that the United States and Europe are among those that receive the greatest influx of people seeking a solution to achieve a sculpted figure, or at least an acceptable figure within what can be considered a “normal weight“.
Another popular destination for bariatric treatments is Mexico. Mexico not only has a large contingent of expert physicians, facilities that do these procedures in ever increasing numbers, state of the art robotic assisted surgical options, but their pricing is still very reasonable.
In Latin America, this problem of obesity is very frequent and many people seek the solution to their problem abroad. Typically because they need to find a center of excellence to perform the desired treatment or it is not available in smaller Latin American countries.
There are lots of reasons many travel outside of one’s home country looking for the best bariatric surgeons across the world. In some cases, seeking support from insurance companies that can pay for at least part of these surgeries, if not all of it.
Morbid obesity affects the overall health of a person, altering not only the physical appearance and proper functioning of many organs, but also the mental well-being. So, it is not surprising that some insurance companies will cover weight loss procedures.
The disease of morbid obesity has been increasing worldwide. There are more obese people in all parts of the world than underweight people suffering from malnutrition due to famine. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti has the lowest level of obesity.
Who can be considered obese?
People who are more than ten kilos (22 lbs) over what is considered a “normal weight” are considered obese and can be candidates to seek professional help from a bariatric physician.
Many can return to their normal weight with a simple balanced diet and other behavioral changes that prompt them to lead a healthy life. However, some who have more than one hundred pounds or forty five kilograms to lose, the alternatives to a surgical remedy can seem overwhelming and hopeless.
Anyone who exceeds a body mass greater than 35, should consult a specialist to reach normal levels of weight and height ratio.
The genetic factor and a sedentary life, as well as the addiction to food types that cause a person to consume many calories, can lead a person gaining weight in an excessive way.
How to avoid morbid obesity?
- Control excess weight with a balanced diet.
- Sports and athletic activities.
- Walk at least one hour daily.
- Drink enough water.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
- Early consultation with health professionals specialized in this type of problems.
A healthy diet from an early age is very helpful in reducing obesity. Healthy eating should be practiced from pregnancy. Limiting the foods high in sugar and fat given to children, can help avoid food addictions later in life.
Countries where people travel to receive bariatric surgery
Great Britain and the United States are receiving patients from all over the world to receive bariatric surgical treatments. Thailand, Panama and Canada are opening weight loss clinics for people suffering from morbid obesity.
In Spain, specifically Seville, patients are undergoing bariatric surgery with great success. In Venezuela, this type of operation can cost around $25,000.
The biggest trend we have send is bariatric surgery in Mexico. Many North Americans travel to Mexico to get bariatric treatments for an affordable price that meets their expectations. In addition, Mexico has many centers specializing in this type of surgery with experienced and qualified bariatric doctors to treat patients from all over the world. There is a growing percentage of Europeans travelling to Mexico or the US for medical tourism as well.
Robot-assisted bariatric surgery, also known as revisional surgery, is a novel and very complex technique. It has become a new reason to travel for bariatric treatment and has a lower complication and mortality rate with excellent results for patients.
For more information you can use the information in the following address https://utswmed.org/medblog/robotic-bariatric-surgery-new-weapon
Types of complications that can result from the application of bariatric surgery
Among the complications that may occur in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, we some include:
- Acute and sustained intense pain
- Infections, sometimes severe
- Blood clots or Embolisms
- Gastric leaks
- Loss of dental hardware
In some instances, insurance requirements for fully insured people are very strict and don’t meet a threshold where a bariatric procedure would be insured. Some decide to self pay to avoid limitations on obtaining the desired bariatric surgery and go to another country for cost and more relaxed benchmarks.
The requirements to receive weight loss surgery can include:
- General examinations that define the patient’s condition prior to treatment include coronary studies, complete blood chemistry, chest x-ray, transaminase evaluations, coagulation and bleeding, and a psychological study of the patients.
- Have a body mass index greater than 40.
- Required to prove weight loss capabilities through diet and meet certain weight loss benchmarks prior to surgery.
- Not suffering from co-morbidity diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure or are at least able to control them before being taken to the operating room.
This information is provided is a brief overview of general trends and practices we have seen. However, we are not medically qualified to provide advice. You should consult a qualified health care practitioner to decide what is the best path for you.
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