Weight Loss Surgery Information

Increasing Bariatric Procedures, Health Benefits Expected to Lead More Patients to Body Contouring

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Bariatric
surgery to treat morbid obesity is poised to become the most prevalent
major surgery in the United States. However, while most bariatric patients
consider plastic surgery to re-contour their bodies after losing weight,
less than 15 percent of patients will actually have it, according to a
Safety and Efficacy Report in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R), the
official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
(ASPS).

“Bariatric surgery is a useful tool for treating obesity and many
patients benefit from completing their weight loss journey with plastic
surgery every year. However, the data shows that more patients could be
helped by these procedures,” said Alan Matarasso, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon
and lead author. “Major obstacles to surgery for patients include cost,
difficulty in receiving insurance coverage and reluctance to have
additional surgery.”

After massive weight loss many patients develop large amounts of loose,
sagging skin. Left untreated, the excessive skin can be physically
restrictive, lead to chronic infections, and cause psycho-social health
related issues.

“This is serious surgery that may involve multiple procedures performed
over many months, significant recovery time and a financial commitment;
however, the benefits are incredibly positive,” said Peter Rubin, MD,
chair, ASPS Post Bariatric Task Force. “Removing excess skin is not only
necessary to achieve optimal body shape, but it’s also helpful in improving
overall health and quality-of-life. Because of these benefits and the
rising number of bariatric procedures being preformed, we expect to see a
continued increase in the number of patients who have these procedures.”

Body contouring procedures which include extended tummy tucks, lower
body lifts, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and breast lifts are commonly used to
remove the excess skin. In fact, nearly 66,000 body contouring procedures
after massive weight loss were performed last year, up 18 percent since
2004, according to ASPS statistics.

The report details the following helpful tips for those considering
body contouring after massive weight loss:

– Maintain a stable weight for three consecutive months. If you are still
losing weight it can negatively impact your healing and recovery.

– Be as close to your goal weight as possible.  Being at your ideal
weight will give you more surgical options, is safer, and will provide
a better result.

– Have a surgery plan with your plastic surgeon. You may need multiple
surgeries to achieve your desired result. In fact, for some, your
entire body may need to undergo contouring. You should work with your
plastic surgeon to decide what order to have your body contouring
procedures, which procedures you should have, and when to have them.

– Ensure their nutrition intake is adequate. Many patients are unable to
digest well or do not enjoy eating protein after bariatric surgery.
Protein is essential as it helps to reduce blood clots and promote
healing.  Weight-loss surgery may also alter the body’s absorption of
certain fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K.  It may be necessary
for you to take certain dietary supplements to maintain proper
nutrition.

– Have a good diet and exercise routine. There is no substitute for the
healthy lifestyle you need to adopt to maintain your outcome after
plastic surgery.

– Have realistic expectations.  It is difficult to achieve perfect
symmetry during body contouring in complex cases.  Your age, the extent
of loss of skin elasticity, and areas of the body affected are factors
that have an impact on the outcome.  Be sure to get a clear explanation
of what your procedure(s) will entail and be prepared for the
possibility of necessary revision surgeries.

For referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons call 888-4-PLASTIC (475-2784) or
visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org and also learn more about cosmetic and
reconstructive plastic surgery.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of
board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000
members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information
source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more
than 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United
States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The
American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada.

SOURCE American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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In a previous post, we talked about the notion of going abroad for bariatric surgery. I want to expand on that by sharing a recent forum discussion over at LapBankTalk.com.

In this forum thread, a woman has posted a question about getting LAP-BAND® surgery in Mexico. Just by scrolling down through the responses, you can see that a lot of people in the U.S. are interested in LAP-BAND surgery in Mexico and other countries aboard. Some of the respondents in the forum thread have even recommended bariatric surgeons in Mexico, surgeons they’ve had good experiences with.

Remember, wherever you decide to go for bariatric weight-loss surgery, be sure to do plenty of research. That’s why I’ve  shared the forum thread above … the woman is actively researching her surgery options, and you should do the same.

For the record, we are not weighing in for or against bariatric surgery in Mexico. We remain consistently neutral with regard to such choices. Just thought you would find the forum discussion interesting!

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Novation Survey on Obese Patient Care Supplies Shows Nearly 50 Percent Increase in New Bariatric Supply Purchases as Obese Patient Admissions Continue to Rise

IRVING, TX — (MARKET WIRE) — May 14, 2007 — The admission of obese patients continues to rise at hospitals across the country according to findings in Novation’s fourth nationwide survey of VHA Inc. and University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) member hospitals. Novation, the industry’s leading health care contracting services company, surveyed materials managers and surgical services directors to assess how hospitals are responding to the increasing need for specialized equipment, facilities and supplies to properly care for obese patients.

Hospitals responded and seventy-eight percent of the hospitals surveyed reported an increase in admissions of severely obese patients, up 22 percent from the previous year. Nearly 50 percent of hospitals had to purchase new categories of supplies for the treatment of obese patients including beds, lifts and wheelchairs resulting in a 29 percent increase over previous years.

“Hospitals are better equipped today to treat obese patients and more educated about the products and supplies that can help them provide better quality care to obese patients,” said Sandy Wise, senior director at Novation.

Nearly a third of the respondents cited an increase in workplace injuries related to caring for severely obese patients, however, 42 percent reported a decrease in injuries as a result of purchasing equipment or offering training programs.

The median spend on expenses related to the treatment of severely obese patients in 2006 was $35,000 and over half (63 percent) of the respondents stated they spent more in 2006 than in 2005. Bariatric surgery programs continue to impact the hospitals’ bottom line according to 76 percent of respondents. Forty percent of respondents have a bariatric surgery program and 48 percent of the facilities with bariatric surgery programs are accredited as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. This accreditation highlights bariatric surgery centers that meet specific performance standards and show consistently positive surgical results for patients. Nevertheless, hospitals are purchasing supplies that accommodate obese patients and visitors in all areas, not just in bariatric units.

Novation offers more than 1,000 of the most widely used bariatric products in its bariatric portfolio and will continue to research issues faced by hospitals to provide the most cost-effective ways to control costs in hospitals while still maintaining a high level of care.

About Novation

Based in Irving, Texas, Novation is the leading health care contracting services company, delivering unmatched savings and value to nearly 2,500 members of VHA Inc. and the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC), two national health care alliances. Through its competitive bid process, Novation develops and manages contracts with more than 500 suppliers, both large and small. By combining scale and agility with clinical knowledge and product expertise, Novation offers the most extensive range of innovative contracting services, including: contract development, contract and supplier management, custom contracting, enhanced savings programs, online contract management and analytical tools, order management and online supplier connectivity. VHA and UHC members used Novation’s contracts to purchase more than $30 billion in supplies in 2006.

Source: Market Wire

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There is a new article in the articles section of the website that outlines some questions to ask when considering weight-loss surgery.

All surgeries require careful consideration, and bariatric weight-loss surgery is no different. Before undergoing a bariatric surgical procedure, you need to ask yourself some serious questions. By asking the right kinds of questions, you will naturally guide yourself toward the kind of research that’s necessary in cases like this.

To help you get on that path, we have compiled five key questions a person should ask when considering weight-loss surgery. Obviously, these are not the only questions you should ask, and these five questions will lead to even more. But these are five of the most important questions about weight-loss surgery, so they will certainly get you started in the right direction.

Weight Loss Surgery - 5 Questions You Need to Answer

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A recent article on a Duluth, MN news affiliate’s website covers the story of a woman who underwent LAP-BAND weight-loss surgery for obesity. The patient explains her reasons for making the decision, as well as the events leading up to the surgery date.

This is an interesting story, because the news channel plans to chronicle the woman’s weight-loss surgery, as well as her ongoing quest to lose 100 pounds.

Read the story

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