San Antonio gastric bypass clinics offer a surgical solution for people suffering from life-threatening complications due to obesity, but only after other methods of weight reduction have failed. Anyone who has a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35, suffers from life-threatening diseases like Type-2 diabetes, and has failed repeatedly to lose or control their weight through calorie restriction, exercise, and/or medication, may be eligible for surgery that restricts food intake. If you meet these criteria, you may be able to take advantage of the bariatric surgery San Antonio offers.
Texas obesity rates are higher than most other states. Texas ranked as the 15th heaviest state per capita in 2008. The result of this obesity crisis is increased health care costs to the tune of 5.3 billion dollars per year. And it’s not going to get better. Between 2005 and 2008, Texas obesity rates increased from 25.3% to 27.2%. Given the results from a 2007 survey that showed 32% of Texas high school students were overweight or obese, adult obesity rates will continue to increase in the future. The problem is so severe that parents increasingly seek relief for their children by taking advantage of the services offered by Texas bariatric surgery clinics.
The preferred method for gastric bypass surgery is Roux-en-Y, which entails stapling the stomach to create a pouch and a tube for food to transition through. A more extreme procedure called Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, involves removing up to 80% of the stomach and connecting it to a severely truncated portion of the large intestine. Because of the risks associated with this technique, it’s generally reserved for grossly obese people with a BMI over 50. The Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) surgery divides the stomach into an upper and lower chamber, with an inflatable band. Even though complications arising from this procedure are minimal, it isn’t appropriate for everyone. Vertical banded gastroplasty separates the stomach into an upper and lower chamber, essentially giving you two stomachs. Weight loss occurs slower with this technique than with others and isn’t as popular. Sleeve gastrectomy surgically converts the stomach into a tube, and can be used as the first step in a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch procedure. It’s important to note that none of the above surgical procedures will be effective unless the patient is willing to make a long-term commitment to a prescribed diet and exercise program.
The advantages of bariatric surgery for someone suffering from morbid obesity are clear. Controlled studies have shown that significant weight loss does occur, life spans increase, and the incidence of diabetes (77%), hypertension (62%), and sleep apnea (86%) is decreased. In many cases, the improvements in the quality of a persons life can be dramatic. Following surgery, the most common complications are vitamin and mineral deficiency, dehydration, gallstones, stomach ulcers, gastric hernia, food allergies, kidney stones, and low blood sugar. Serious risks from gastric bypass surgery can include death, blood clots in lower extremities, stomach leaking, pneumonia, gastric block, and excessively rapid movement of food through the small intestine causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and sweating.
Prior to visiting a San Antonio gastric bypass clinic, know that most health care plans won’t cover the services provided by Texas bariatric surgery clinics. If you decide to proceed, be sure the clinic has met CMS standards and is certified by the ACS and/or ASBS. Once you’ve chosen a clinic, and discussed options with your surgeon, a brighter future will await you by taking advantage of the bariatric surgery San Antonio offers.
