According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 66% of all U.S. adults are obese with 6% of these individuals being classified as morbidly obese or greater than 100 lbs overweight. As a result, medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes have significantly risen over the past few years. Many individuals have turned toward dieting and exercise in an attempt to control this weight gain but unfortunately many individuals get caught in a vicious circle. They can't exercise because of their weight and they can't lose weight because they can't exercise. For these individuals, weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery may be the only alternative. This form of surgery has grown exponentially over the last two decades as obesity issues have become more prevalent and as safer treatment options have been developed.
Keep in mind, bariatric surgery is reserved for those individuals with medical problems related to their obesity and not for those who are simply overweight. Two basic bariatric surgery procedures have been developed: gastric restriction and gastric bypass.
- Gastric restriction produces weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach. The traditional procedure is the vertical band gastroplasty in which a band is placed around the stomach to reduce its size and thereby produce a full sensation. However, newer and less risky adjustable gastric bands have been developed. These bands may be placed laparoscopically and allow for tightening and loosening of the band postoperatively as needed.
- Gastric bypass is an operative procedure in which the connections between the stomach and small intestines are rearranged. When an individual consumes food, it enters further down the digestive tract which results in the absorption of few calories.
Each of these procedures has advantages and disadvantages and potential patients should consult with a bariatric surgeon who is part of a certified Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.
Unfortunately, the path from severe obesity to a satisfying body image does not necessarily end once the excess pounds have been lost. When an individual is overweight, the skin stretches to accommodate the increase in volume. After weight loss and particularly if the weight loss is significant, the skin may fail to tighten resulting in excess, loose skin. However, further dieting and exercise will not tighten this skin and for that reason, virtually everyone will at least consider plastic surgery. The following are common procedures performed following weight loss.
Area of Concern Procedure
Abdomen Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Arms Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Breast Breast Lift (Mastopexy) with or without Augmentation
Inner Thighs Medial Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
Outer Thighs & Buttocks Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
Face & Neck Facelift or Necklift
Each of these procedures involves the surgical removal of excess fat and skin from the area of concern, creating a contour that is smoother and firmer. Going from severe obesity to a satisfying body shape is a journey and plastic surgery is the final leg toward a positive self image and good health.
