Dr. McKenna is a general and vascular surgeon with BayCare Clinic. He joined us on “Wisconsin Tonight” to discuss bariatric surgery -- who ideal patients are, and answer commonly asked questions about the procedure.
Bariatric surgery is best described as any surgical procedure that facilitates weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. These procedures usually are performed in obese adults who for various reasons cannot lose weight through diet and exercise.
Wisconsin recently was listed as having the 14th highest adult obesity rate in the nation, according to The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America. Our state’s adult obesity rate was 31.2 percent, up from 19.4 percent in 2000 and from 11.8 percent in 1990. The result is that we are indeed seeing an increased need for bariatric surgery and services as a solution to some cases of obesity. Surgical weight loss, or bariatrics, enables you to take weight off rapidly and safely – it’s a step toward making a personal commitment to living fit.
According to current standards, those with a body mass index between 35 and 39.9 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and other obesity related conditions are generally viewed as ideal candidates for bariatric surgery.
Candidates for surgical weight loss also include those who meet the following criteria:
* More than 100 lbs. over their ideal body weight
* Have a BMI of over 40
* Have a BMI of over 35 and are experiencing severe negative health effects (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. related to obesity)
* Are unable to achieve a healthy body weight for a sustained period of time, even through medically-supervised dieting
Doctors advise people to first consult with their family physician, although referrals are not needed to see us and utilize our services. Your doctor or our office will then make the determination as to the next steps in your journey to regaining a healthy weight and whether bariatric surgery is right for you.
Currently, bariatric surgery is the safest and most effective treatment option for severe obesity as long as the individual is motivated to make the necessary lifestyle changes for success. It is not a cure for obesity but it’s a safe place to start. Education and public awareness will be the key to reversing an epidemic that has taken decades to develop.
BayCare Clinic is offering a series of free seminars for people considering bariatric surgery. The seminars will be held at sites in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Marinette and Oshkosh.
The first seminar is Tuesday, January 12 at our orthopedics & sports medicine center at 1160 Kepler Drive in Green Bay. The seminars will include topics like:
* The journey to surgery
* Surgical options
* Post surgery considerations
* Navigating the health insurance process
* How bariatric surgery affects comorbidities
They will also offer online seminars on select dates for people who can’t make it to the actual event site.
Interested parties may register online by visiting the events page on BayCare Clinic’s website, bariatricsgreenbay.com or call (920) 288-8250.
