Obesity is a significant health concern, acting as a major risk factor for various serious medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, arthritis, and even cancer. As meal portions increase and lifestyles become more sedentary, individuals are consuming more calories while expending less energy. When traditional weight loss methods like dieting, exercise, and medication prove ineffective in the long term, bariatric surgery emerges as a viable option. This article explores weight loss surgery options available in Townsville, providing detailed information to help individuals make informed decisions about their health.
Determining Candidacy for Weight Loss Surgery
Body mass index (BMI) serves as a crucial indicator of obesity level and associated risks for serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Generally, to qualify for weight loss surgery, individuals must have a BMI over 40, indicating they are typically at least 80-100 lbs overweight. Individuals who meet these criteria should consider attending a free seminar from a bariatric center to explore their options.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery offers several potential benefits:
- Significant and Lasting Weight Loss: Bariatric procedures alter the gastrointestinal anatomy, limiting food consumption and affecting hormone changes that reduce hunger, promoting a longer feeling of fullness. With gastric sleeve surgery, patients can expect to lose up to 75-100% of their excess body weight in the 12-18 months following the procedure.
- Improvement or Resolution of Related Conditions: Bariatric surgery has been proven to improve diseases caused or worsened by obesity, including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, sleep apnea, arthritis, asthma, and acid reflux. Bariatric surgery can also result in significant improvement in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Enjoy a Longer Life: Studies of severely obese people have indicated that individuals who undergo bariatric surgery have a much lower risk of death than those who do not.
- Enhance Overall Well-being: Dramatic weight loss from bariatric surgery brings more than just physical transformation, allowing obese individuals to enjoy more daily activities and get more out of their life without worrying about debilitating health conditions caused by obesity.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Offered in Townsville
While the provided information focuses on specific practices and doctors, it highlights the availability of various bariatric procedures. NQMIS, a consulting suite in Townsville, houses a team of specialist surgeons who conduct a wide range of surgical procedures, including gastric sleeve surgery. Procedures have evolved over the past two decades, and are now considered to be a safe and effective treatment for obesity.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, involves the removal of up to 80% of the stomach to reduce hunger levels and lower food intake. After the procedure, the stomach will be reduced to about 20% of its original size. This surgery is typically performed to help individuals achieve significant weight loss in a short span of time and is a specialized form of treatment for obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Studies have shown that gastric sleeve surgery can change food preferences for patients post-surgery, from sugary foods to more nutrient-rich foods.
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Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding was first introduced in the early 1990s as a potentially safe, controllable, and reversible method for achieving significant weight loss in the severely obese. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) brings several unique aspects to bariatric surgery.
Other Procedures
Traditional surgical approaches, such as gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion, are also options.
Considerations and Commitment
As with any major surgery, weight loss procedures carry some risks. Surgeons and dedicated weight loss teams carefully review all potential complications well before surgery. Generally, the risks associated with weight loss surgery are significantly less than the risk of remaining morbidly obese. It’s important to remember that the program requires a permanent commitment to a whole new way of life. Weight loss surgery is the start of a lifelong commitment to healthier living.
Life After Surgery
After a successful surgery, you will be placed on a diet of liquid foods to give your stomach time to recover from the procedure. Meals will be much smaller than before, meaning that you may need to take vitamins or additional supplements to gain the appropriate amount of nutrients for your body that cannot be gained through food consumption. After surgery, it is important to know about suggested ASMBS vitamins. For the best results, you should also try to stay active and exercise often in order to maintain your weight loss.
Support System
Individuals have the support of their own dedicated care team through every phase of their weight loss journey. Support groups facilitate discussion on various life-after-surgery topics, including weight goals, body image, calcium and bone health, exercise plans, getting back on track, nutrition (including vitamin and mineral guidance), and stress management. They also talk about the transition for individuals and their loved ones and help them make any adjustments. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to share triumphs and challenges with people on a similar path.
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Bariatric Surgeons in Townsville
Dr. Baker
Dr. Baker graduated from Medicine (MBBS) at the University of Queensland in 1993. Dr Baker has worked in Townsville since 2003 practising a diverse range of general surgery including his special interests of upper gastrointestinal, bariatric and advanced laparoscopic surgery including adrenalectomy,splenectomy, pancreatectomy, colorectal and hernia surgery. Dr Baker was the North Queensland AMA representative for General Surgery from 2006-2011 and held the position of Deputy Treasurer of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
North Queensland Obesity Surgery Centre (NQOSC)
North Queensland Obesity Surgery Centre is a purpose built facility for the surgical management of morbid obesity. For more information on treatments and procedures visit NQOSC.
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