Obesity Remedy

Types of Obesity

There are two types of obesity surgery, restrictive and malabsorptive.

Restrictive Surgery - Restrictive surgery means just what it sounds like—it restricts food intake by making the stomach smaller. Gastric bypass is the most common type of restrictive surgery.

Malabsorptive Surgery - Malabosorptive surgery is less common than restrictive surgery because it’s riskier. These surgeries limit the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs, causing an increased risk of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.

Gastric bypass - In gastric bypass, the stomach is stapled to created a tiny pouch that can only hold about one ounce of food. The small intestine is then cut, and part of it is sewed directly onto the pouch. This procedure directs food from the small pouch directly into the second section of the small intestine instead of going through the entire stomach the first section of the small intestine. This limits the number of calories absorbed by the body. Most people who have gastric bypass lose around half of their excess weight, and many keep it off for 10 years or more.

As successful as it may be, it’s not free of risk. Approximately one in 200 people die from the procedure, and people who have the surgery may experience side effects such as iron and B-12 deficiency, gallstones, and bleeding ulcers. Also, since the stomach is so small, eating too much could cause vomit or severe pain.

Malabsorptive Surgery - Malabosorptive surgery is less common than restrictive surgery because it’s riskier. These surgeries limit the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs, causing an increased risk of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.

Drug Therapy - Drug therapy is available for people with a BMI 30 or over with no medical conditions or for people with a BMI of over 27 with two or more obesity-related conditions. Like surgery, drugs do not the place of a regular diet and exercise program.

With regards to other medical solutions, there are three most commonly prescribed FDA-approved weight-loss medications. They are Orlistat, Sibutramine, and Phentermine.

Orlistat - Orlistat is a fat-blocker. It blocks about 30 percent of dietary fat from being absorbed in the body. This undigested fat is removed from the body in bowel movements. Patients usually take one capsule three times a day with each meal. Side effects include oily bowel movements, stomach pain, increased number of bowel movements, and irregular menstrual periods. To be Continued on the next Post.

posted by Emmanuel @ 5:16 PM