A good candidate for weight loss surgery is a patient who has exhausted all other measures of weight loss in the past with no significant, lasting results. our patients typically have at least 2 co-morbidities (obesity related health problems) which are caused or made worse by their weight.
Weight loss history should include:
- At least two different, physician-prescribed diet medications were used for at least six weeks.
- A physician has instructed the patient on a diet plan such as Atkins, Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Calorie, 1500 ADA diet, etc.
- Exercise plans or programs such as commercial programs have been attempted.
Obesity related health problems include:
- Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis (joint pain)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes mellitus (insulin dependant or non-insulin dependent)
- Sleep Apnea
- Asthma
- Deep venous thrombosis or Pulmonary embolism
- Edema (swelling with fluid retention)
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Venous stasis ulcers
- Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
- Depression
- Fungal skin infections or breakdown of the skin
- GERD (acid reflux or frequent heartburn)
- Chronic low back pain
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