Weight loss surgery: Could it be right for you?

If you’ve always wondered about weight loss surgery, this could be the year to check it out.

Bariatric surgery can help people live longer, healthier lives, especially those who have struggled with weight loss for years.

Studies show that bariatric surgery can improve many weight-related health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and sleep apnea.

In addition, weight problems can lead to many life-threatening illnesses, such as heart disease, joint disease, infertility, or even feelings of isolation or depression.

Are you a candidate?

Typically, people who choose bariatric surgery have thought about it for years and have talked it over with a doctor. There are many factors to consider and several types of bariatric surgery. One procedure may not be right for all.

Candidates for this type of surgery will go through an evaluation process that includes counseling and various medical tests.

Doctors typically look at the following criteria when selecting patients for bariatric surgery:

• The patient should be 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight and have a body mass index of 40 or greater.
• The patient may have a lower body mass index (35 or greater), but have one or more health conditions related to obesity.

Doctors also consider the patient’s history of trying to lose weight, as well as the patient’s commitment to good eating habits, exercise and willingness to follow medical guidelines.

What is it?

Bariatric surgery forces you to eat less. The surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch, so overeating is impossible, or very uncomfortable. Patients also report that they feel full longer, so they eat less frequently.

The Bariatric Surgery Institute at McLaren Macomb has a team of board-certified specialists who are ready to establish a long-term relationship with each patient. The bariatric team serves as a resource for patients who want to embark on a life-changing journey.

There are several types of bariatric surgery, with varying advantages and risks. The team at McLaren Macomb is experienced in a range of procedures, including laparoscopic gastric bypass and others.

How do I get started?

The first step is education. McLaren Macomb offers free seminars so people can meet the surgical team and ask questions.

Upcoming seminars will be held in classroom one (lower level, east tower) at McLaren Macomb, 1000 Harrington Blvd., Mount Clemens on:

• Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 at 6 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 at 6 p.m.
• Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 at 10 a.m.

Board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Carl Pesta will lead a discussion and overview of the process.
To register, click the dateplease call (586) 493-2274.

To learn more and to access a complete schedule of seminars, healthy recipes and other resources, visit mclaren.org/macombbariatrics.

If you believe bariatric surgery would improve your health and well-being, contact McLaren Macomb’s Bariatric Surgery Institute to begin a conversation and start the prequalification process.