By Susan J. White
NorthShore University HealthSystem
More than half of the adult population in the United States is overweight and an estimated one-third of American adults are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
And by most measures, the epidemic is still growing. Morbid obesity is defined as weighing at least twice one’s ideal body weight or roughly 100 pounds overweight. This is known to significantly reduce life expectancy and is associated with an increased risk of developing a host of problems including diabetes, stroke, hypertension, joint issues, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol and respiratory problems.
Dieting and losing weight is a challenge for many, and losing 100 pounds or more can feel like an impossible task. As Americans continue to struggle with weight and associated health issues, physicians are increasingly suggesting weight loss surgery as a treatment option for their heaviest patients.
“Doctors are referring people for gastric bypass because they know how dramatic the effect on their patient’s health will be when they lose the weight,” says NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) surgeon Stephen Haggerty, MD.
Dr. Haggerty, an expert in advanced laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, says he became interested in weight loss surgery after seeing its remarkable success in giving patients a chance at a healthier and longer life.
NorthShore’s Center for Weight Management offers a multidisciplinary program to help patients lose weight and regain their health. “Surgery is just a tool to help the whole process,” explains Dr. Haggerty. “Our patients work with dietitians and exercise physiologists to develop a healthy eating and exercise plan.”
Patients take part in a three to six month pre-operative preparatory program, which Dr. Haggerty says leads to better results after surgery. A team of specialists suggest behavior modifications to help patients increase their daily physical activity and adopt healthier eating habits.
While some are inspired by the kind of weight loss success seen on reality shows like The Biggest Loser, Dr. Haggerty and colleagues are quick to point out that those scenarios are unrealistic for most people who do not have the time to work out for hours every day or the discipline for such intense calorie restrictions.
“There are so many factors in morbid obesity that we don’t completely understand—metabolics, genetics, behavior—we don’t have one effective diet or medication that works consistently,” Dr. Haggerty explains. “But it does come down to taking in fewer calories than you burn off. Bariatric surgery is simply a tool to help people lose significant weight and keep it off.”
Patients are encouraged to begin an exercise program with a goal of 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes, five times a week. They are counseled to start slow and focus on the frequency and duration of activity, not the intensity, particularly if they are just starting to exercise. Ideas for increasing daily activity include taking short walks a couple of times a day; marching in place or doing squats during television commercials; and parking farther away at the office or mall to walk the extra distance.
Behavior modifications for food include smaller portions at each meal, avoiding snacking between meals and eliminating liquid calories like juice, soda or sports drinks. Support groups are also an important part of the process, Dr. Haggerty says, as patients can help each other with positive strategies and reinforcement.
“The beautiful thing is how people respond over the first six to 12 months as they begin to lose a lot of weight. They have more energy, they feel better and they exercise more. It’s a very positive cycle,” explains Dr. Haggerty. “People are surprised at how soon and how much better they feel.”
But for obese people who have failed at diet and exercise and struggle with associated diseases, surgery can be the best option, Dr. Haggerty adds. It has been proven to be life changing and life saving.
