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Morbid obesity, defined as adults more than 100 pounds overweight or with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, affects approximately 9 million American adults. It is a disease that has been linked to several serious and life-threatening diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, acid reflux/GERD, and cancer. Since most of these conditions do not develop for years, many people with morbid obesity may have some of these health issues without realizing it. Fortunately, there are options available which help these people achieve a more healthy weight. Sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and gastric banding are three of the bariatric surgeries available at Florida Hospital Altamonte and Celebration Health. Sleeve Gastrectomy
During sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach to create a sleeve-shaped stomach. The surgery induces weight loss by restricting the amount of food one can eat. It also causes weight loss by reducing the production of a hunger-promoting hormone, ghrelin, and by increasing the production of appetite-lowering hormones. Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery uses a combination of restriction and malabsorption. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass most of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. Having the smaller stomach pouch causes patients to feel fuller sooner and eat less food and bypassing a portion of the small intestine means the patient’s body absorbs fewer calories. Gastric Banding
Gastric banding involves the placement of an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach to restrict the amount of food that can be eaten. The band is attached by a tube to a port that is placed in the abdominal wall and beneath the skin. The inflatable gastric band is made tighter around the stomach by injecting fluid into the port, causing the patient to feel full sooner and with less food. To qualify for bariatric surgery, you must fulfill these criteria set by the National Institute of Health:
• 100 lbs or more over ideal body weight or
• Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater or
• BMI of 35 or greater with two or more obesity-related co-morbidities (complications) and failed non-surgical efforts at weight loss If you are morbidly obese and looking for a way to start a new life with a positive, healthy outlook, attend a free information session and learn about your options. Florida Hospital Altamonte – Chatlos Conference Room
Every fourth Thursday
Information session – 5 pm
Support group – 6 pm Florida Hospital Celebration Health – Conference Room Two
Information session – 6 pm
Every Wednesday Evening
Support group – 7:30 pm
Every second Wednesday
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