bjectively measurable complication (physical, psychological, social or economic) that might benefit from weight reduction.
- They should be intelligent enough to understand the full importance of the proposed surgical procedure, including all known and unknown risks.
- They should be willing to be observed for a prolonged period.
- They should have attempted weight reduction using conservative treatment modalities without success. In rare circumstances, patient who are not quite 100 Ibs. or 100% above ideal body weight are candidates for surgical intervention if they have significant medical problems that might benefit from weight reduction.
How is laparoscopic obesity surgery performed?
The laparoscopic approach to obesity surgery is different from the traditional "open" approach that uses a 10 to 12 inch incision only in the method of accessing the stomach and intestines. In other words, the operations are exactly the same as the open approach, except five to six small incisions (1/4 to 1/2 inch) are used instead of the ten to twelve inch abdominal incisions. In a laparoscopic procedure, the laparoscope, which is connected to a video camera, is inserted through small abdominal incisions, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the patient's internal organs on a television monitor. The entire operation is performed "inside" the abdomen after gas has been utilized to expand the abdomen.
Effect of surgery on associated medical conditions:
Weight-reduction surgery has been reported to improve conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Many patients report an improvement in mood and other aspects of psychosocial functioning after surgery .
Because the laparoscopic approach is performed in a similar manner to the open approach, the long-term results are comparable. Advantages of the laparoscopic approach include, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay (1-3 days), a faster return to work (5-10 days) and improved cosmesis.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide a general overview of severe obesity and laparoscopic obesity surgery. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Definitive recommendations may vary among health care professionals. Any questions or concerns can be discussed with your doctor.
Many of Dr. Teng’s patients travel from near by towns to seek his expertise in bariatric surgery. We have provided directions to our practice from the following cities for your convenience: