The popularity of bariatric (weight loss) surgery has soared in recent years. One study found that the number of bariatric surgeries increased five-fold between the period of 1998 to 2006. The study, published in the journal Health Matters, stated that there were 71,733 bariatric surgeries performed in the U.S. in 2002, a significant increase from the 13,386 surgeries performed in 1998.

By 2004, the number of bariatric surgeries in the U.S. had increased to a staggering 140,000, more than ten times the 1998 figure. This year, in 2008, there will probably be more than 200,000 of these surgeries performed in the United States.

Why are there so many more bariatric surgery procedures today than a few years ago? Several reasons, really:

1. More Surgery Options

For one thing, there is a wider variety of surgical procedures today than there were ten years ago. In the past, weight loss surgery basically meant a gastric bypass, with few other options. But today, patients considering a bariatric surgery have more options available to them, such as the increasingly popular gastric banding procedures.

2. More Publicity

Increased media coverage has also fueled the growth of bariatric weight-loss surgery in the United States. There are even spokespersons for it today, which is not something we saw in the past. For example, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Khalia Ali represents the LAP-BAND (r) System of weight loss surgery. As a result of all this media coverage, the American public is much more aware of the various weight loss surgery options, and thus more likely to pursue them.

3. Increased Need for Surgery

The third reason bariatric surgery is increasingly popular has to do with the rising number of obese people in this country. It is estimated that 30% of the American population is obese, a much higher percentage than ten years ago. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles have likely contributed to these numbers.

These are disturbing trends for many reasons. For one thing, the criteria for screening bariatric surgery patients seem to have broadened quite a bit over the years. For years, this type surgery was reserved for people who were morbidly obese, patients who were so severely overweight that it was likely to kill them if drastic measures were not taken.

These days, however, it seems that anyone who is a bit overweight can find a bariatric surgeon ready and willing to alter their digestive process. We are even seeing this in children as young as 13, who are nowhere near the definition of morbid obesity. Does anyone remember the concept of lifestyle changes anymore?

It’s important to remember that weight loss surgery is still surgery, and as such it requires careful consideration and education on the part of the potential patient. It should not be considered a “quick fix” to being overweight, because there is no such thing. Bariatric surgery also fails to address the psychological factors that lead to overeating. This is why many post-surgery patients end up compensating with other vices such as alcohol abuse.

What’s my point? Simply that bariatric surgery should only be used as a last resort, and only for people who are morbidly obese. For people who are merely overweight, but not yet in the morbidly obese category, lifestyle changes should be the first plan of attack. Bariatric surgery is not a glamorous new trend in medicine. Nor is it a “fix all” solution to overeating. It is serious surgery that requires serious consideration.

Brandon Cornett is the publisher of Bariatric City, an online resource that provides bariatric information specific to certain cities across the U.S. (such as this latest guide to New York City bariatric procedures). Learn more by visiting http://www.bariatriclearningcenter.com/city

Can you imagine the concept of free weight loss surgery for the people who need it the most, the morbidly obese? If you are reading this from somewhere in the United States, this is probably a foreign concept that you cannot grasp.

And that’s exactly my point … it is a foreign concept. Many other countries who put people over profit have begun to offer free weight loss surgeries to people in desperate need of such surgery. People who would probably die without such drastic measures.

You see, in many countries outside of the U.S., there is a concept known as the “common good.” The concept is a simple one, and it is based entirely on the principles of humanity. It simply states that “we, as a country, must take care of our fellow citizens.” That’s why in Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and many European countries you have things like universal health care coverage.

And in many cases, you also have free weight loss surgery for those in desperate need. Australia was in the news recently for proposing this very thing.

Will this kind of thing ever become the norm in the U.S.? Don’t hold your breath. You see, we are much more profit-minded a nation than those I’ve mentioned previously. And nowhere is the hunger for massive profits more evident than within our nation’s health care and pharmaceutical complex. Health care is big business in the United States — huge business. And many doctors are becoming extremely wealthy as a result of the booming popularity of weight loss surgery in recent years.

So you can probably expect to find free surgery for weight loss in the U.S. about the same time pigs begin to take to the skies in graceful flight. In other words, you still have the same two options for weight loss surgery in this country — start saving your cash, or find an alternative to the surgery.

Breakthrough Organization Will Benefit Post-Bariatric Patients

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) December 4, 2007 — A group of distinguished plastic surgeons has launched a powerful new resource for individuals who have experienced dramatic weight loss due to bariatric surgery or intensive dieting. Named the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons (ASBPS), the organization’s primary focus is providing referrals to top-flight plastic surgeons who specialize in treating specific post-bariatric problems. By giving individuals easy access to an extensive database of first-rate specialists, the ASBPS offers a reliable means for significantly reducing the stress, doubt, and hassle of finding the appropriate healthcare professional.

What distinguishes the ASBPS is that all of its member surgeons are specialists in body contouring. These procedures are a viable remedy for the large areas of sagging skin that often result from massive weight loss. More than just a cosmetic step, body contouring provides a solution for a number of problems that can occur following bariatric surgery. “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,” said Peter Rubin MD, chair, American Society of Plastic Surgeons Post Bariatric Task Force. Sagging skin can inhibit movement, lead to infections, and have a sizeable psychological impact.

A Secure and Safe Solution

Founded by plastic surgeon, Dr. Edward Domanskis, the ASBPS offers patients the security of having easy access to the most advanced post-bariatric care possible. To qualify for membership in this unique organization, surgeons must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In addition, most members belong to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or the Canadian Society for Plastic Surgeons.

“The ASBPS is a complete information resource,” Dr. Domanskis points out. “Our hope is to provide individuals with the best chance of receiving high level care, as well as reinforce the fact that body and facial contouring is a very effective solution.”

Perfect Timing

According to Dr. Domanskis, the timing couldn’t be better for the ASBPS. Statistics clearly demonstrate a steep rise in worldwide obesity levels, as well as the number of individuals opting for body and facial contouring following massive weight loss. “Because of advances in medical techniques and safety,” says Dr. Domanskis, “the number of individuals choosing body contouring treatments has shot up in the last twenty years.” In 2006 alone, nearly 66,000 contouring procedures were performed, up 18% since 2004. Following this trend, the number of treatments will steadily increase over the next decade. Clearly, the ASBPS will prove an invaluable resource to the growing numbers choosing this procedure.

Press release source

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