Across America, the number of overweight and obese individuals is rapidly increasing. In fact, among people of all ethnic groups, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It may also lead to other life-threatening illnesses, called co-morbidities, such as Type II Diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, and hypertension.

In the Grand Canyon State alone more than 58% of the population is overweight or obese. It is epidemic among Arizona’s large Native American population, which has some of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the world.

Obesity is the condition of being significantly above one’s healthy weight, which is determined by a person’s individual body mass index (BMI). Those with a BMI of at least 25 are considered overweight; those with a BMI of 30 or above are considered obese. BMI is calculated by the following formula: BMI = weight in pounds x 703 / (height in inches)2

Treatment Options

Obesity is a disease, not a character flaw. However, many of our fellow Arizonans who suffer from this disease attempt to self-treat their obesity by means of willpower alone, as if maintaining a healthy weight were merely a matter of making a New Years’ resolution. Others with obesity turn to trendy diets, Spartan exercise programs, or the use of "miracle medicines" that promise rapid, safe weight loss. But, the few who do manage to lose significant weight by these means almost always quickly regain it. And others simply choose to ignore it – until it’s too late.

Fortunately, another option exists: weight loss surgery. Surgical weight loss – also known as bariatric surgery -- has been proven to help ease (and in some cases completely resolve) obesity-related health problems for individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher. It can also help those who are obese but have no co-morbidities to reach their ideal weight and lessen their chances of developing weight-related health problems in the future.

About Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery procedures, such as the gastric bypass, gastric banding or gastric sleeve procedure, are generally performed laparoscopically. Some procedures, however, may need to be performed through open surgery, depending on the patient’s weight and other risk factors. In Arizona, more and more patients are choosing gastric banding, or Lap-band surgery, during which an inflatable silicone prosthetic band is placed around the top portion of the patient’s stomach using a laparoscope. This band is inflated with saline to create a small pouch above the band and restrict food intake. This enables patients to feel hunger less often and feel full more quickly, and thereby lose weight.

Common weight loss surgery procedures are generally safe and effective when performed at the advice of and under the care of a licensed practitioner of bariatric medicine. As with all surgical procedures, however, weight loss surgery of any type exposes the patient to the possibility of major postoperative complications, including the possibility of unforeseen death.

Considering Surgical Weight Loss

Weight loss surgery can be a true lifesaver, but it is not a magic bullet against obesity. Patients who fail to alter their dietary and lifestyle habits subsequent to the surgery may regain any weight lost.

Those considering bariatric surgery as an option for the management of obesity should carefully weigh the risks and possible outcomes of these procedures in consultation with their physician prior to making any decision.