With a whopping 60% of Australians currently overweight or obese, weight-loss surgery is increasing in popularity. Research shows that it can help obese people who have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. However, deciding to take the enormous leap to weight loss surgery is a big decision, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is vital to follow the correct steps. Do your research and get a thorough understanding of the risks and consequences involved. So, if you’re even the slightest bit tempted by the idea let’s take a closer look at what you should be considering.
About our expert:
Tracy Morris Accredited Practising Dietitian With over eight years experience in clinical dietetics, private practice and consulting, Tracy is now involved in a range of nutrition services including a regular clinic for patients undergoing weight-loss (known as bariatric) surgery. She is also a nutrition writer and contributor to the Healthy Food Guide magazine.
7 must ask questions before weight loss surgery
1. Do you pass the clinical criteria?
- Weight greater than 45kg above the ideal body weight for sex and height
- BMI > 40 or > 35 with obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes (Sometimes a lower BMI between 30-35 is accepted if serious medical conditions exist)
- History of weight-loss attempts
- Aged 18-65 (in some cases surgery is performed in adolescents under 18 years)
- Obesity related health problems
- No psychiatric or drug dependency problems
- Mentally ready – have realistic expectations, understand risks and are committed to making required diet and lifestyle changes
More information is available from the Obesity Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand.
2. Are you feeling clucky? Does the timing fit with your family planning?
While a healthy weight is important for a healthy pregnancy, another key criteria is that females should not be planning a pregnancy in the first two years following surgery.
3. Do you fully understand the risks and side effects?
As with all surgery there are general risks and those specific to weight-loss surgery, including:
Unwanted side effects: nausea, vomiting, faintness, general weakness, diarrhoea, hiccupping and bloating, dumping syndrome (occurring if food moves too fast through the body).
Medical complications: hernia or ulcers may also develop, gallstones, wound infection, pulmonary embolism (a blood-flow blockage in the lung), peritonitis (a leak from the stomach into another area of the body), band slippage, loosened staples, stomal stenosis (narrowing of the link between the stomach and intestines).
Nutrition deficiencies: such as iron, calcium, other vitamins and minerals, which can lead to anemia or osteoporosis if left untreated. Make sure the team you are considering has a Registered Dietitian or in Australia, Accredited Practising Dietitian involved.
4. Have you really exhausted all other avenues for long term weight loss?
Prior to surgery you will undergo a full medical assessment. This will include a detailed blood test, physical examination and medical history questionnaire. You will also spend time with a dietitian who will perform a nutritional assessment, which will include asking you questions about your eating habits and previous weight loss attempts. Some clinics include a psychologist consultation to determine whether you are mentally ready to adjust to the changes required following surgery.
5. Have you given yourself time to fully explore the different options?
I always encourage my patients to do heaps of research before deciding to go ahead with surgery. There are a number of different options for weight -loss surgery (from the most popular laprascopic banding, to the more drastic sleeve/tube gastrectomy and gastric bypass). Investigate all of them and find the one that’s right for you. Most surgery clinics offer free information seminars. Go along to one to meet the surgeons, doctors, nurses, dietitians and psychologist who will be involved in your care and to have your questions answered.
6. Have you experienced what life is like after surgery?
Speak to people who have had surgery to get an idea of what life will actually be like and to gain a good understanding of the pros and cons involved. You can join a chat room or read stories of people who have had the surgery. Check out www.bandingtogether.com.au and www.weightlosssurgery.com.au
7. Are your expectations realistic?
If you are a suitable candidate weight-loss surgery can result in a whole new, healthier you. However the surgery won’t do all the work for you, you will still need to make considerable lifestyle and eating changes to get results. And if you do, you can expect a weight loss of approximately 50-70% of excess weight over two years.
Editor’s note – Emma Stirling APD:
Thanks Tracy for your clear steps. I’m sure many readers will have wondered what’s involved in the process of getting to weight loss surgery. It’s important to remember that weight-loss surgery certainly isn’t as simple as waving a magic wand and isn’t suitable for everyone. If you feel you’ve exhausted other avenues talk to your doctor or seek a referral to a Registered or Accredited Practising Dietitian. Fully discuss your thoughts before even taking those first steps. As Tracy points out, remember that your success will still depend on having the right attitude with realistic expectations.
So over to you for thoughts and comments. It’s certainly is a sensitive topic and we respect everyone’s right to privacy, but if you have any insights to share we’d love to hear. Or perhaps you have your own weight loss journey to celebrate? Or maybe you have an additional question for Tracy?
References:
- Surgery for morbid obesity: Framework for bariatric surgery in Victoria’s public hospitals. Victorian Government Department of Human Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (2009).
- Obesity Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand. www.ossanz.com.au Accessed January 2010.
