Definitions
Weight loss surgery is also known as Bariatric surgery. Weight loss happens due to changes in the size and function of the gastrointestinal tract.
CDC defines Obesity as Weight that is higher than what is considered healthy for a given height.
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.
A healthy BMI is between 18.5-24
Overweight is a BMI of 25-29
Obesity is a BMI above 30. Also further classified as
- Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 35
- Class 2: BMI of 35 to < 40
- Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher. Class 3 obesity is sometimes categorized as “severe” obesity.
Obesity statistics
Obesity in the United States affects 100.1 million (41.9%) adults and 14.7 million (19.7%) children and accounts for approximately $147 billion in annual healthcare costs.
- Nearly 1 in 3 adults (30.7%) are overweight.
- More than 2 in 5 adults (42.4%) have obesity.
- About 1 in 11 adults (9.2%) have severe obesity.
According to 2017–2018 NHANES data
- About 1 in 6 children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 (16.1%) are overweight.
- Almost 1 in 5 children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 (19.3%) have obesity.
- About 1 in 16 children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 (6.1%) have severe obesity.
Effects of obesity
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Fatty liver
- Fertility problems
- Some cancers
- Sexual dysfunction
- Asthma
- Sleep Apnea
- Mental health issues
- Osteoarthritis
- Problems during pregnancy
- Acid reflux
Medical Guidelines (2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric surgery)
- Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities.
- MBS should be considered for individuals with metabolic disease and BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2.
- BMI thresholds should be adjusted in the Asian population such that a BMI ≥25 kg/m2suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with BMI ≥27.5 kg/m2should be offered MBS.
- Long-term results of MBS consistently demonstrate safety and efficacy.
- Appropriately selected children and adolescents should be considered for MBS.
Types of Surgery
–Gastric Sleeve: The most performed surgery where a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-like structure
–Gastric bypass: The stomach is divided, leaving a small portion (Pouch) that is then connected to the small intestine
-Others are less performed including Gastric banding and Duodenal switch
Outcomes
-66-80% of excess body weight lost with gastric bypass.
-50-70% of excess body weight with gastric sleeve
-90% of people with diabetes get off medication.
-70% of people with high blood pressure get off medication and those still requiring meds will need lower doses.
-80% of people get down to normal cholesterol.
-This will automatically lower heart disease
-There’s improvement in a lot of other areas including mood, breathing, mobility, acid reflux etc
Other requirements before insurance authorization
-Prior attempted weight loss
-Psychiatric evaluation
-Dietitian consultation
-Several doctor visits from sometimes up to 12 months depending on the insurance company.
For more information, please call us at 432 614 0026 or click the appointment button to make an appointment.