Dr Ian Marr - Obesity

OBESITY

Obesity is a condition that can be associated with having an excess of body fat, defined by genetic and environmental factors that are difficult to control when dieting. A person who has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater is classified as suffering from Obesity. BMI is a tool used to measure obesity and is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. For example someone who weighs 95kg and is 1.65m tall would have a BMI of 95/(1.65 x 1.65) = 95/2.7225 = 34.9 and this person would be said to suffer from Obesity.

Obesity is a chronic disorder that can lead to other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Because obesity can affect many organs, it is often difficult to treat. Obesity is a health epidemic rapidly spreading across all regions and demographic groups and the substantial increase in health risks has made obesity the second leading cause of preventable death in the world..

OBESITY SURGERY

For certain sufferers of obesity, obesity surgery, also called Bariatric surgery, offers the only modality that provides long-term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Surgery is a tool and as such it is very limited at best. The principle behind surgical weight loss is that of decreased intake of calories and/or the malabsorption of calories in the gastrointestinal tract.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is obesity measured?

Obesity is measured by various means, but the most common methods used are Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference. There is no perfect method to measure obesity, however these two indicators are most commonly used by doctors as a tool to diagnose obesity.

How Much Weight Will I Lose After Surgery?

People generally lose 61% of excess weight. One long-term follow-up study found that 25% of the excess weight remained off 10 years later.

What Lifestyle Changes Are Necessary After Obesity Surgery?

Over time, some people regain weight despite bariatric surgery. Some eat high-calorie or high-fat foods instead of healthy foods -- and eat them too often. Some people rely on "soft meals" such as ice cream and milk shakes.

How Will My Physical Appearance Change After Obesity Surgery?

As you start losing weight, you will likely be thrilled with your new appearance. However, many people who lose a lot of weight often find their skin looks loose and baggy. You may want plastic surgery to remove this excess skin and Dr. Marr will refer you to a plastic surgeon at your request.

What are the risks of weight loss surgery?

All major surgery comes with risks, and the risks are different for each patient. During your first appointment, Dr. Marr will explain your individual risk level.

How long will I have to stay in the hospital after surgery?

Your hospital stay will depend on the type of weight loss surgery you have. Generally, hospital stays are between one and three days.

Obesity Bariatric Surgery