…of excess weight!

What is morbid overweight (obesity)?

Body weight can be assessed in relation to body size. The body weight divided by height squared is the body mass index  (BMI). A BMI over 30 would be classified as obesity.

Why is morbid overweight (obesity) dangerous ?

The more overweight the shorter life of obese people will be.

Why morbid overweight (obesity) shorten life?

Morbid obesity causes a variety of concomitant diseases which cause higher mortality rates. Excess weight causes high blood pressure, diabetes, heart muscle thickening, sleep apnea, reflux disease, joint and spinal problems and cancer in a higher rate than normal weight. Any or several of these diseases can lead to stroke or heart attack.

How to treat morbid overweight (obesity)?

The treatment of obesity based on three pillars: nutrition medicine, psychological care and physical exercises. You may get additional medication for appetite regulation. Unfortunately this kind of therapy rarely achieve sustained weight reduction.

When an operation of morbid overweight (obesity) is performed?

If all attempts to eliminate the excess weight failed and you have a BMI over 35 with two co-morbidities or the BMI is over 40 surgical treatment should be considered.

What types of operations are possible?

There are interventions that prevent to absorb nutrients from food for a permanently reduction of weight. There are the adjustable gastric band, gastric bypass and stomach tube with the possibility to shorten the small intestine later on. Operations of bodys surface as liposuction or fat apron operations are not qualified for a sustainable reduction of morbid overweight.

Which operation for which patient with morbid overweight (obesity)?

There are no hard data which patient will benefit most by which operation. During a several-month flow the personality profile, eating behavior  and the motivation of patient will be analyzed by specialized physicians. Together with the surgeon the most promising method according to previous personal experience is selected. After surgery a further support by specialized physicians is a mandatory.

What do I do next?

If all attempt to reduce your weight with non-operative measures have failed, I initiate procedures for health insurance to meet the costs of the operation. Absorption of costs is subject to a number of formal requirements which have to be worked out by a check list. This and processing of application will need some time. During the several weeks of proceeding you will get more detailed information on a rolling base by me.