According to the WHO, Obesity and overweight are defined as the accumulation of abnormal or excessive fat in the body. Body mass index or BMI is a crude measure of obesity. BMI is an individual?s weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of their height (in meters). An individual who has a BMI of 30 or more is characterized as obese and an individual who has a BMI of 25 or more is characterized as overweight. Obesity occurs gradually over time as a person eats more calories than they use. The factors that may increase the risk of obesity are genetics, overeating, eating foods rich in fats and sugars and lack of physical activity. Both obesity and overweight act as major risk factors for numerous chronic and life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, arthritis and cancer. Losing even 5 to 10% of body weight may decrease the chances of getting these diseases.

Solid Foods after Bariatric Surgery

Like the other phases of the post-bariatric surgery diet, the exact timing of Phase III of your diet will vary. Phase III of your diet typically starts at the beginning of week 5 and continues for the rest of your life. The goal is to choose healthy, balanced meals and make lifestyle changes to become the new healthy you. You should continue to follow your previous routine that you used for previous diet phases for meal times and vitamin supplementation.

Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

Obesity is a worldwide problem of increasing prevalence. Ideally, and in its less severe stages, obesity can be controlled with diet management and a regular exercise program. At times, obesity may be so severe that it is termed morbid obesity. Weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve are surgical procedures whose utility in combating morbid obesity are recognized by both medical and surgical specialists. Patients who have a BMI greater than 35 or those with a BMI of 30 or more who are also suffering from life-threatening illnesses curable with weight loss are considered as possible candidates for bariatric surgery.

What are the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery?

Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many weight-related health conditions. A review of more that 22,000 bariatric surgery patients showed: Improvement in or complete resolution of conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea and 61.2% reduction of excess weight.

Do I qualify for insurance coverage for the surgery?

Because every insurance policy is unique, it's important that you thoroughly understand your Certificate of Coverage to know exactly what is and isn't covered through your plan.

The qualification process includes a series of tests with your bariatric surgeon. You also will meet with a nutritionist, psychologist, and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.

Is bariatric surgery right for me?

Talk with your surgeon about the different surgical treatments, as well as the benefits and risks.

Remember:
1. Bariatric surgery is not cosmetic surgery.
2. Bariatric surgery does not involve the removal of adipose tissue (fat) by suction or surgical removal.
3. The patient must commit to long-term lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, which are key to the success of bariatric surgery.
4. Problems after surgery are rare, but corrective procedures may be required.

Detailed question

Diverticula are small sacs that occur on your large intestine (also called your colon). Some people think that they must stay away from eating seeds because these seeds can get stuck in the openings of these sacs. Can eating seeds develop or worsen diverticulosis?

Does eating seeds affect my condition of diverticulosis?

The majority of scientific literature does not support the hypothesis that by avoiding eating seeds you can avoid future attacks of diverticulitis.

Obesity Related Stress Management

Stress is a widely used term, yet the concept of stress in humans is difficult to define. Whilst generally perceived as a negative phenomenon, not all stress is bad; indeed a certain amount is necessary for us to function optimally.

Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity and its Related Pressures and Prejudice

Childhood obesity can be damaging to physical well-being and also carries negative emotional and social consequences. Overweight and obese children are frequently stereotyped within the media and subjected to teasing and discrimination across a range of different environments.

Pre-op Bariatric Diet

Phase I – Pre-Surgery Clear Liquid Diet

The first phase of clear liquids will actually start five days prior to surgery. You will be advised to drink only clear liquids and be expected to adhere to this for the five days prior to surgery regardless of which operation you will be undergoing. We allow two protein supplements per day for the first two days of this five day period.