Weight loss surgery, either through gastric bypass or through adjustable gastric banding, has been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health as the only effective means of bringing about long-term weight loss for the severe obese. Two to five years after the procedure, patients have usually lost 50 to 75 percent of their excess weight. Long before that, complications of clinically severe obesity begin to resolve. These include control of diabetes; lowered blood pressure and total cholesterol; relief from sleep apnea, severe acid reflux and urinary stress incontinence; and eased low-back and osteoarthritis pain. In fact, many patients with adult onset Type 2 diabetes find that their blood-sugar levels improve almost immediately and become completely normal within a year of surgery.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Bands
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is also offered at SMMC. A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This band separates the stomach into one smaller and one larger section. The amount of food can be limited with tightening or loosening the band. Most patients feel full faster with smaller amounts of food. Normal digestion and absorption is unchanged. This surgery can be reversed.

More information, including video of the Lapband procedure, is available at www.lapband.com

Some people who meet the above requirements still may not be considered for surgery. For example:

• Obesity is caused by a metabolic or endocrine disorder.
• A history of substance abuse or who do not meet psychiatric guidelines.
• Have severe medical problems for which surgery would be dangerous.
• Unable to commit to appointments and requirements of the program.