Indications for digestive surgery for obesity |
Because of multiple disadvantages, surgery for morbid obesity (also called bariatric surgery) must be restricted to carefully selected patients. It would be a strong mistake to allow such procedures for a 20 kg-overweight patient. The eligible patient should:
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Have an age between 18 and 60 years. |
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Have attempted for at least one year a diet, with an evidence of failure. |
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Weigh at least 45 kg above ideal body-weight, or the double of ideal body weight according to the height. One can, also measure the Body Mass Index or BMI: weight/ m2 height. BMI should be above 40, which defines morbid obesity.
In Europe, this concerns in Europe 0,4% of the total population, and 4% of all obese people. Definition of morbid obesity includes also BMI between 35 and 40, provided medical complications associated with obesity (comorbidities) are existing.
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Have an evaluation from an endocrinologist and a psychiatrist, who are able to asess former attempts at weight-loss, and recommend alternative solutions. One should be aware that there is a debate inside the medical community regarding surgery. For some, surgery is indicated only if there are medical complications. For others, who represent a majority nowadays, morbid obesity is enough to indicate surgery, precisely before complications appear.
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