Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for the disease of morbid obesity, and it's not just about weight loss. New studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association not only show improved survival from heart disease and cancer in patients following bariatric surgery for morbid obesity, but report a remarkable 73% remission in type 2 diabetes compared with nonsurgical treatments.[1–3]
Thanks in part to less invasive techniques and the efforts of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons' Centers of Excellence Programs,[4] bariatric surgery is safer than ever.
Last year, the federal government's Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reported that the inpatient surgical death rate declined 78.7% in 2004, and these numbers continue to improve. Obesity and its related diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritis, and the increased risk of cancer is becoming the developed world's number-one health concern.[5]
Bariatric surgery not only enhances weight loss; it treats the metabolic condition and improves quality of life and longevity. It's about time that we recognize the disease of obesity for the multifaceted killer that it is, understand better why it has become so prevalent in today's society, work on preventative measures, and treat those already afflicted.
Although bariatric surgery saves lives, only 1% of American patients with morbid obesity have access to this form of care.
You can find out more by visiting www.ASMBS.org.
That's my opinion. I'm Dr. Kelvin Higa, President of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery.
Footnotes
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References
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