Surgery
should be viewed first and foremost
as a method for alleviating debilitating,
chronic disease. In most cases,
the minimum qualification for
consideration as a candidate for
the procedure is 100 lbs. above
ideal body weight or those with
a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater
(see BMI Chart). Occasionally
a procedure will be considered
for someone with a BMI of 35 or
higher if the patient's physician
determines that obesity-related
health conditions have resulted
in a medical need for weight reduction
and, in the doctor's opinion,
surgery appears to be the only
way to accomplish the targeted
weight loss. At the bariatric
surgery program at Monmouth Medical
Center, patients are required
to demonstrate serious motivation
and a clear understanding of the
extensive dietary, exercise and
medical guidelines that must be
followed for the remainder of
their lives after having weight
loss surgery (see Life
After Surgery).
If
diet and behavior modifications
have failed you and surgery is
your next option, it is important
to understand that diet and behavior
modification will be instrumental
to sustained weight loss after
your surgery. The surgery itself
is only a tool to get your body
started losing weight - complying
with diet and behavior modifications
required by most surgeons would
determine your ultimate success.
Weight
loss surgery is major surgery.
Although most patients enjoy an
improvement in obesity-related
health conditions (such as mobility,
self-image and self-esteem) after
the successful results of weight
loss surgery, these results should
not be the overriding motivation
for having the procedure.
That is why
you should make the decision to
have weight loss surgery only
after careful consideration and
consultation with the bariatric
multidisciplinary team at The
Center for Advanced Surgical Technologies
at Monmouth Medical Center. Additionally,
our highly-qualified surgeon will
answer your questions clearly
and explain the exact details
of the procedure, the extent of
the recovery period and the reality
of the follow-up care that will
be required. He may, as part of
routine evaluation for weight
loss surgery, require that you
consult with one our dietician/nutritionist
and psychiatrist/therapist. This
is to help establish a clear understanding
of the post-operative changes
in behavior that are essential
for long-term success.
It is important
to remember that there are no
ironclad guarantees in any kind
of medicine or surgery. However,
weight loss surgery will only
succeed when the patient makes
a lifelong commitment. Some of
the challenges facing a person
after weight loss surgery can
be unexpected. To help patients
achieve their goals and deal with
the changes surgery and weight
loss can bring, the bariatric
surgery program at Monmouth Medical
Center provides a five-year follow-up
plan that includes support groups,
dieticians and other forms of
continuing education.
This surgery
is only a tool. Your ultimate
success depends on strict adherence
to the recommended dietary, exercise
and lifestyle changes.
