PATIENT
SELECTION
Only very obese persons (greater than
twice the ideal weight) are considered for surgical treatment.
Otherwise, the expected risks may outweigh anticipated benefits.
The ideal patient should:
-
Clearly and realistically understand
surgical risks and benefits and how their lives may
change after surgery.
-
The disease of morbid obesity
should severely impair the quality of life.
The patient should be able to participate in treatment
and commit to long-term follow up.
-
100 pounds over Ideal Weight or
have a BMI of 40 or above ( BMI = weight in kilograms
divided by height in meters squared).
-
BMI of 35 to 40 with associated
severe medical conditions.
-
Have failed non-surgical measures
within the last year or more as shown by detailed weight
loss history in established weight control programs.
-
Have no contraindications for
surgery as described below.
REASONS OPERATIONS SHOULD
BE AVOIDED
Not every morbidly obese patient
should undergo an operation. Some reasons an operation
should be avoided include:
-
Heart valve disease and/or angina
pectoris.
-
Active peptic ulcer disease.
-
Patients unfit for general anesthesia.
-
Patient is not prepared to make
necessary lifestyle and/or behavior changes.
-
-
-
Hepatic cirrhosis with impaired
liver function tests.
-
Serious psychiatric disability
-
Patients in very poor overall
health.
-
Persons who feel they will achieve
an absolutely normal weight, be made beautiful, or
be able to enjoy eating after operation as before
probably should avoid surgery.
|
MORBID
OBESITY
