Candidates for Weight Loss Surgery
What do you think of when you hear the words “weight-loss surgery”? Most people may associate those three words with people on reality tv shows; however, according to the CDC, 30-35% of Georgians are obese. Obesity is an epidemic in the United States and can lead to 40-60 other chronic health conditions. This means that you more than likely have a friend, family member or neighbor who struggles with losing weight and might consider having metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Most bariatric patients decide to have surgery after trying many times to lose weight on their own, only to regain the weight back and then some. At Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), 69% of patients who have surgery for weight-loss have a BMI of 35-50, which means that the average patient only needs to lose 50-150 pounds to get their health under control.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Patients seeking weight-loss surgery pursue it because their health is worsening, therefore impacting their quality of life and/or ability to be active. Below are examples of common comorbidities that can be controlled or eliminated with weight-loss surgery:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Pain in weight-bearing joints
- Conception
- Breathing difficulties
Surgical weight-loss can help a patient regain their health and life! The Bariatric Weight Loss Center at NGMC offers education, support and guidance for patients considering bariatric surgery. To learn everything you need to know about weight-loss surgery at NGMC, watch our Bariatrics 101 online seminar at nghs.com/bariatrics-101.