| | What is morbid obesity? |
|
| |
| :: | Morbid
Obesity is a disease, which is chronic and lifelong |
| :: | The
disease is of excessive fat storage | |
| | |
| | What is BMI? |
|
| |
| :: | BMI
or Body Mass Index is a measure of calculating a person's excess weight. |
| :: | It
is calculated by the following formula:
| BMI=
| Weight (in kgs) |
|
| Height (in m) x Height (in m) |
The BMI of a person who is:
Average
built is
Overweight is
Obese is
Morbidly obese is
| 21
- 24.9
25 - 29.9
30 - 39.9
> 40 | |
|
| | |
| | How does obesity differ from being
overweight? | |
| |
| :: |
A person may appear fat, but may not be clinically obese. An
overweight person has a BMI of 25-30. An obese person is one whose BMI exceeds
30. | | :: |
The body mechanisms of obese persons controlling their weight
are biologically set in such a manner that the patients gain weight easily |
| :: |
Even small amounts of weight loss are difficult to achieve and
very difficult to sustain in patients of clinical obesity |
|
| | |
|
| What are the risks associated with
morbid obesity? | |
| |
| :: |
Morbid Obesity is an extreme health hazard with medical, psychological,
social, physical and economic comorbidities |
| :: |
There is increased risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes
(type 2), heart disease, stroke, gallstone disease and cancer of breast, prostate
and colon. In fact there are 30 medical conditions which are directly related
to obesity | | :: |
Morbidly Obese persons are victims of prejudice and public ridicule
due to their size. This repeated mental trauma results in psychological illness
such as depression | | :: |
Discrimination at work and employment results in poor socioeconomic
conditions | | :: |
Morbid Obesity is a significant cause of preventable early deaths |
|
| | |
| | Why should morbid obesity be treated? |
|
| |
| :: |
Morbid Obesity is a disease like any other disease |
| :: |
It has become necessary to recognize this entity as a cause of
severe mental and physical morbidities which show significant improvement following
weight loss | | :: |
It is even more important for the patients themselves to understand
this disease, its morbid implications and their inability to control it on their
own | |
| | |
| | What is bariatric surgery? |
|
| |
| :: |
Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for some patients with
morbid obesity | | :: |
This surgery helps you loose weight by altering your body's food
digestion and absorption | | :: |
There are several surgical options, each having their benefits
and risks (Fig.) | | :: |
The choice of procedure should be decided after a thorough discussion
with your surgeon | | :: |
Bariatric surgery is now being performed laparoscopically which
is highly beneficial for these patients as it minimizes trauma of surgical access |
|
| | |
| | Is
morbid obesity surgery for you? |
|
| |
| :: | You will qualify for morbid
obesity surgery if :
| - | you
have morbid obesity BMI more than 40 kg/m2 |
| - | your
BMI is 35-39.9 with severe obesity related medical conditions e.g. diabeties,
arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure. |
| - | other
methods of weight loss (dietary / drugs) have been unsuccessful |
| - | you
are unable to perform routine activities of daily living due to severe obesity |
| - | you
have understood the surgical procedure for weight loss and the risks and after
effects involved and are committed to making lifelong behavioral changes related
to dietary and physical activities | |
| :: | Care for the morbidly obese
requires a
| - | comprehensive set-up.
The management team comprises the surgeon, dietician, endocrinologist, physician,
physiotherapist, psychiatrist. | |
|
| | |
| | How does obesity surgery change
your life? | |
| |
| :: | Lifestyle
adjustments
| - | Patient
must learn to eat food in small amounts and to chew it well and slowly. |
| | :: |
Follow-up is necessary every month for three months and then
as advised by surgeon for dietary / nutritional counseling |
| :: |
Weight loss starts soon after surgery and continues for 2 years.
| | :: |
Improvements occurs in obesity related medical condition, with
almost 60% patients not requiring medication |
| :: |
There is enhanced quality of life, with improved stamina, mood,
self esteem and body image | | :: |
Obesity surgery is not a cosmetic surgery, in fact plastic surgery
may be required following weight loss after obesity surgery |
|
| |
|
| "YOU WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE
UNTIL YOU
TRY TO DO IT" |
| |
PATIENT
EDUCATION 
