If we take a sample of a hundred people passing us by on the street and ask them to list out the things they worry the most about, statistics show that at least sixty of them would have their weight as one of the top things in their lists! Obesity has grown from an inconvenience to the stage of an epidemic, and if current trends are anything to go by, it is bound to become the number one reason for fatalities in the coming years. There are several complications linked to obesity – from physical disorders like diabetes and cardiac stroke to psychological problems like depression and suicidal tendencies.
The funny thing is that most of us already know these things, but still don’t take action until it is very late. Losing weight is not as easy as it is purported to be, and anyone who’s tried to lose weight will attest to that fact.
Scientists have been constantly working to help people to lose weight and one of the more popular radical measures of the recent times is Weight Loss Surgeries. Known medically as Bariatric Surgery, there are several types of surgeries which have been approved by the FDA for losing weight. The most common of these weight loss surgeries is gastric banding.
Gastric Banding is actually easy to understand – the size of the stomach is reduced by binding a part of the stomach and duodenum with an implanted medical device. This was the first surgery for weight loss devised by doctors, and is easy to explain to the person who wants to lose weight too. By reducing the size of the stomach, the intake of food automatically comes down and the eater feels full much before he usually would have. That may lead to his becoming hungry sooner, but that is what doctors have been recommending ever since people started becoming overweight! Eating more frequently and in smaller quantities is the most sure-shot way of ensuring that we maintain our weight, and gastric banding ensures that surgically. A variation and a more radical spin on gastric banding is sleeve gastrectomy, which is to surgically remove a part of the stomach!
The most popular of all weight loss surgeries, however, is Gastric Bypass Surgery, and there are millions of people undergoing this surgery each year. The process entails dividing the stomach into two pouches and connecting it to the small intestine. There are several kinds of gastric bypass, and different doctors use different strategies.
Now comes the question of whether these weight loss surgeries are a viable option to lose weight. The fact is that for people who have a BMI of over 40, there are very few options really. Most people in that range of obesity anyway develop complications and comorbidities – both mental and physical. Each of these weight loss surgeries has been approved by the FDA, and that means they are reasonably safe. However, you should carefully go over all possible repercussions before going in for the surgery. One thing which should set you at ease is that most of the weight loss surgeries – with the exception of sleeve gastrectomy – are reversible!
September 3rd, 2010 at 1:41 am
Donald MacGillivray
Eric De Ycaza from AWP interviewed Mr. Donald MacGillivray, from Ontario, Canada, who came to Panama for a Bariatric Surgery to be performed at Hospital Santa Fe. The surgery was scheduled for today July 20th, 2009, and the patient is ready and waiting for the surgery time.
Why among the Bariatric Surgeries, you chose the Sleeve surgery?
Ans. Is the most modern operation of the bariatric surgeries and, like I said, about the hormones? I’m confident that it’s the best one for the long term.
Why Panama? There’re many destinations around the region. Why particularly did you choose Panama?
Ans. Well – I don’t want to sound vague – The main alternative is Mexico and, for me MX is not a very attractive country to come for a surgery. I’ve come to Panama several times, I really like Pma., I like its people, I’ve had other work done here, so I’m very happy- ok.
You had various options here in Pma. You contacted us through the internet- Was there any particular reason why you chose AWP to be your partner through this process / experience?
Ans. Long sight! Every other place that I checked – every single one you’d come the day before the surgery, you have the surgery & in 2 or 3 days you’re gone! But.., but this Panama process, they check you very throughout and there are a lot of preparation and tests – it’s much safer! – It’s a more complicated process and in every other place, you come the day before the surgery and that’s it. There’re not many check ups and the process is quick, but in Panama they really make sure all the angles are covered.
They’re more complicated and more mature – they checked my respiration and that has to be a 100% before we go on… Like in other places, they don’t even check it, they say blood work and, ahh, just the EKG, that’s the other test, but right after that you go to surgery!
What’s your general opinion on the Doctors and facilities in Panama?
-Overall, the doctor & the hospital were great… very professionals.
Thanks for everything, I’m so glad that I spoke to you and found such a wonderful Bariatric Surgery treatment. If you need to visit this hospital then feel free here: 1.303.578.0719, info@placidway.com