Public opinion about weight loss surgery is somewhat of an extreme nature. It is widely looked upon as the final resort for those who are desperately trying to lose weight by conventional means such as dieting and exercising but are not getting the desired results. This is, however, far from true. Recent advancements in medicine and surgery have made weight loss surgery not only safer and more affordable, but also more popular. Today, an increasing number of people are opting for weight loss surgery not as a last resort, but as the very first, and only step, in their weight management efforts.

The whole world is running after the ideal weight. It seems, almost everyone among us is not entirely happy with our bodyweight. We feel that it is far from what it should be. Unfortunately, this is not very far from the truth. Obesity is a very large problem (no pun intended) the world over. Our hectic lifestyle, hurried meals and reliance on processed foods have made us heavier and bulkier than we should be. To make matters worse, obesity has been proven to be a potentially dangerous condition as it makes the body more susceptible to ailments such as cardiac diseases, seizures, cancer, diabetes and more.

Diet and exercise have always been the twin cornerstones of every weight reduction plan. Countless have benefited from them. However, the results, in most cases, have left a lot to be desired. In 1991, the National Institute of Health (NIH) reviewed 4,500 publications on weight loss and found that the maximum sustainable weight loss by any diet, exercise or behavioral modification program is 25 pounds. Fifty years of research shows that dieting falls short of providing lasting weight loss. Not many of us can fight the ongoing battle of weariness, hunger, and inflexibility. The problem lies in the fact that diets are designed to put one on a prescribed eating agenda. However, this is chalked out irrespective of one’s personal preferences. We all wish to expedite the weight loss process and many diets can really get one there. However, in most cases, such diets call for unrealistic and drastic changes that don’t translate into good lifestyle changes.

The biggest problem with any weight loss program comprising diet control and exercises is that even though it may be easy to shed excess weight at first, the rate of progress soon drops as the body starts to adapt itself to the new changes. Moreover, keeping the weight from reappearing is a very tough proposition. It invariably returns as one tries to return to normal life and regular eating.

Weight loss surgery easily takes care of this problem. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB), or Gastric Banding Surgery has surprised the entire world with its excellent results. Men and women everywhere are using it to reduce and control obesity. In fact, Gastric Banding Surgery is being hailed as one of the best weapons to combat obesity and weight problems. For anybody looking to lose weight quickly, and keep it off for good, without making any drastic changes in one’s diet or lifestyle, LAGB is an excellent choice.

If you are serious about losing weight fast without losing your patience, it’s time to take weight loss surgery seriously.

Obesity is epidemic here in North Dakota. Across our state, the number of overweight and obese individuals is rapidly increasing. In the Peace Garden State alone some 60% of the population is overweight or obese – and among North Dakota’s American Indian communities, obesity prevalence is even higher.

This epidemic is costing us more than just our health – it’s costing us big money. According to recent data from the U.S. Public Health Service Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the cost per taxpayer for obesity-related expenditures in North Dakota amounts to over $220 annually.

And of course the costs of obesity are not limited to dollars and cents. Obesity costs lives: of preventable diseases, only smoking kills more of us in the United States. It may also lead to other life-threatening illnesses, called co-morbidities, like heart disease, hypertension, and most commonly, Type 2 diabetes. 

North Dakota’s Weight Problem

Obesity is a disease, with the primary symptom being that a person’s weight is significantly above what is medically considered a healthy norm. A healthy weight is determined in terms of individual body mass index (BMI). BMI equals one’s weight in pounds multiplied by 703, then divided by one’s height in inches, squared. If a person has a BMI of more than 30, he or she is considered medically obese.

Changing one’s BMI can be difficult. Some people try to lose excess weight by means of drugstore-paperback-type diets, infomercial exercise programs, or quack weight-loss pills. The truth is, many people do lose significant amounts weight this way – for a time. The vast majority not only quickly regain those extra pounds, but because they have messed up their metabolism, they end up heavier than they were to start.

The only way to successfully treat the disease of obesity is through medical care, based upon a complete change in lifestyle and eating habits. For most, a medically-supervised weight loss program is the ideal means by which to accomplish this. However, weight loss surgery is an option for those who cannot lose sufficient weight though standard diet and exercise programs. Bariatric surgery has been proven to help resolve obesity-related health problems for individuals who are not amenable to other forms of treatment. It can also help patients to reach their ideal weight and lessen their chances of developing weight-related health problems in the future.

The three main types of weight loss surgery are malabsorptive, restrictive, and combination. All work by surgically altering the patient’s digestive tract in a manner which makes overconsumption of food physically impossible. This allows a patient to lose a large amount of weight in a relatively short time-frame, which for many people can mean the difference between life and death. However, each form of surgery exposes the patient to different risks, including the possibility of major postoperative complications, such as anemia, ulcers, internal hernias, calcium deficiencies, and gallstones.

And, weight loss surgery is not a cure-all, nor is it an option to be undertaken lightly. Patients unwilling to effect a complete change in lifestyle or follow postoperative instructions may regain any weight they lose. Those considering obesity surgery should consult with their primary care physician to discuss the different treatment options, as well as the risks and possible outcomes of any bariatric procedure.

We Can Win

North Dakota is a great state, but we North Dakotans must face this crisis if it’s going to stay that way. We can overcome the problems caused by widespread obesity in our great state — by working together.

Pennsylvania: known for its historical legacy, its natural beauty, and its vast array of delicious treats. From Tastykakes to cheesesteaks to hot pretzels to Italian ice, from Hershey’s chocolate to Heinz’ 57 varieties, the Keystone State is famous around the world for its good eats.

Sadly, it is also becoming known for something else: its sky-high obesity rate. Over 60% of the population of Pennsylvania is overweight.

Obesity isn’t funny. It is a deadly disease, and one that may lead to life-threatening illnesses called co-morbidities, such as diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, and hypertension. It’s costing us big money, too. In Pennsylvania, over $4 billion is spent each year on obesity-related medical costs, with the taxpayer picking up about half of that tab.

This situation can’t be allowed to continue. It’s time Pennsylvania turned the tables on obesity.

Obesity: The Disease

Obesity is a medical condition with the primary symptom of being above one’s healthy weight. Healthy weight is calculated in terms of individual body mass index (BMI). A person with a BMI of 25 or higher is overweight; a BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity. BMI is calculated by  squaring the patient’s height (h) in inches, multiplying his or her weight (w) in pounds by 703, then dividing the latter by the former [ BMI = 703w/(h2) ]. Therefore, the key to beating obesity is to lower one’s weight.

Losing weight is not especially difficult. Once the body’s daily caloric intake falls below its daily caloric needs, the body begins to burn stored food (i.e., excess fat) to stay alive. But weight loss as such isn’t the cure; the act of simply shedding pounds is not a medical treatment at all, but a palliative aimed at one symptom – weight. Obesity is a complex disease that requires comprehensive medical care. A medical treatment for obesity based upon a complete change in the patient’s lifestyle and eating habits will succeed in reducing BMI in most people.

Legitimate treatment comes in several forms. Many obesity patients respond to education and medically-supervised diets. For those beyond this form of care, however, there’s another option: weight loss surgery.

About Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a laparoscopic procedure is performed to physically alter the stomach and/or bowel, greatly reducing their holding capacity. These alterations force the patient to consume fewer calories each day than his or her body burns, resulting in the loss of excess weight.

But surgery is not a miracle cure. The procedures only work as part of a continuing medical treatment plan. Patients who fail to make the prescribed diet and lifestyle changes after surgery may regain any weight lost or experience other undesirable consequences. The decision to undergo weight loss surgery is also irrevocable; currently, only the Lap-band procedure is reversible.

These surgical operations are not usually complicated or particularly dangerous; however, as does any form of surgery, weight loss surgery does entail risk. Potential surgery patients should carefully assess the possible hazards associated with any surgical weight loss operation in consultation with their physician prior to making a decision.

The Battle Begins

Pennsylvanians will always love their state’s unique treats, but too much of anything – even scrapple! – can be harmful. Sensible changes in lifestyle and diet – together with weight loss surgery when appropriate — can keep more of us alive to enjoy life in this wonderful state.