Can Weight Loss Surgery Save Your Life?

The health benefits of bariatric surgery

Charles Sizemore’s decision to have weight loss surgery  was a matter of life or death. His body was dying slowly, and his quality of life was already dead.

Unable to lose excess weight, the 65-year-old former Marine reached 467 pounds and was suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and two crushed knees that left him in a motorized wheelchair.

“Before surgery I was helpless,” he said. “My wife had to do everything for me.”

That was five years and more than 200 pounds ago. Today, Sizemore is back to playing golf, bowling and woodworking.

Evidence continues to grow showing the significant health benefits of bariatric surgery. There are two types of bariatric surgery: gastric bypass and gastric banding. Banding is most common and performed laparoscopically through tiny incisions. The procedure usually takes one hour or less, followed by one day in the hospital and just one week of recovery at home.

“Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or gastric bypass surgery are very effective long-term treatments of morbid obesity in appropriate candidates,” said David Geller, M.D., bariatric surgery. “They do not cure obesity but help get control over hunger and put the disease in ‘remission.’”

Wanda Hassel’s decision to have gastric banding surgery was difficult, even though she struggled with her weight since age 5 and was on seven different medications for weight-related health issues.

“I researched surgery for years, and it took me a long time to admit I needed it,” Hassel said. “I finally realized I needed to make a lifestyle change.”

Bariatric surgery candidates have either a body mass index (BMI) above 40 kg/m² or a BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m² combined with a disease related to obesity, such as high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes or severe joint abnormalities. Patients have a goal to lose 70 percent of their excess body weight over the two years following surgery, according to Jeffrey Allen, M.D., bariatric surgery.

Sizemore lost 27 pounds in the first month after his surgery. More important, though, was the quick resolution of his other health issues once weight started coming off.

“My diabetes was gone almost overnight,” Sizemore said. “My sleep apnea is gone and my blood pressure is under control.”

Hassel is taking only one medication now and has lost 125 pounds since Dr. Geller performed her surgery at Norton Suburban Hospital in November 2006.

“The Norton bariatric support group and a supportive husband have been invaluable to keeping me on track,” Hassel said. “What keeps me focused is thinking I don’t want to have gone through all of this for nothing!”

Patients are given a nutritional plan and are encouraged to attend support groups following surgery, but it’s up to them to make smart food choices and get proper exercise and support.

“They’ve done the hardest part – the surgery. The easy part is the follow-up care,” Dr. Allen said. “People who have the notion surgery is easy should not have it.”

Hassel celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary in February at the same weight she was when she got married.

“I feel like a million dollars; I am so proud of myself,” she said.

Sizemore has no regrets about his decision to have surgery.

“I’m going to get to see my four grandkids grow up now,” he said. “For a long time, I didn’t think I would.”

“Surgery is a last resort,” Dr. Allen said, “but it’s less risky than being obese.”

–Jennifer Stewart

Want to know more?
Norton Bariatric Services at Norton Hospital and Norton Suburban  are Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence^®. Medical, behavioral and nutritional specialists understand the unique needs of individuals struggling with weight. For more information on Norton Bariatric Services, call (502) 629-1234.

Study finds bariatric surgery cures diabetes in obese patients
Important new research has determined bariatric surgery is a successful treatment for diabetes in obese people. Findings show nearly three-quarters of obese patients with Type 2 diabetes who underwent stomach-banding surgery were cured – more than five times as many as cured through medications, diet and lifestyle changes.

“Surgery is a superior means of treating diabetes in obese patients,” said Jeffrey Allen, M.D., bariatric surgery. “If they lose a significant amount of weight, the diabetes is resolved.”

Studies indicate obese people with diabetes should be informed of and have access to bariatric surgery to aggressively treat diabetes instead of just controlling it.