mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher, which is considered extreme obesity. If you have a BMI of 35-39
along with a weight-related health condition, such as hypertension or diabetes, you may also qualify. Before you can be considered
for weight loss surgery, you need to have tried hard to lose weight with exercise and dieting. Also, you will have to stop
smoking for at least four weeks before surgery and meet with a dietitian and a mental health provider. “Weight loss surgery is a
powerful tool, but you have to be able to commit to diet and lifestyle changes, as well as frequent follow-
Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, but you have to be able to commit to
diet and lifestyle changes, as well as frequent follow-up visits, otherwise you can gain weight back.”
up visits, otherwise you can gain weight back,” explains Folek. After surgery, your dietitian will
guide you through a regimen that starts with liquids and advances to soft foods and eventually a diet of small meals designed to help you maintain weight loss. “No matter what type of surgery
you have, you will need to take vitamins and mineral supplements for life,” says Folek.
Pros and Cons of Top 2 Surgeries T
he two most-used procedures today are the
Roux-en-Y and gastric sleeve. “The gastric sleeve
procedure is the best risk versus benefit option for most people,” advises Jessica Folek, M.D., of Northwell Health, New York.
“The Roux-en-Y procedure
may have slightly better weight loss, but comes with more risks. “These include leaking
where the small intestine has been cut and sutured, ulcers at the connection between the stomach pouch and intestine,
— Jessica Folek, M.D.
BOTTOM LINE Bariatric surgery is no longer reserved only for people with life- threatening obesity. If you have tried hard to lose weight with diet and exercise but can’t make any progress, check your BMI. If you are in the obesity range,
especially if you have one or more of the weight-related diseases, talk to your doctor about weight loss surgery.
and an internal hernia, which means that part of the intestine gets stuck or kinked.” The most common risk of
the gastric sleeve is heartburn or esophageal reflux disease (GERD). “Patients who have to take
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or are likely to smoke or use nicotine have
a higher risk of ulcer disease after the bypass procedure and would do better with the gastric sleeve. “Patients who already have
heartburn or have a hiatal hernia are more likely to have worse heartburn after the gastric sleeve and might do better with the Roux-en-Y,” explains Folek.
NOVEMBER 2022 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 85
AFRICA STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK
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