Who is suitable for Obesity Surgery?
• Extreme or morbid obesity (BMI >35 kg/m2 in Asians) or severe obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2 in Asians) with medical co-morbidities or complications of obesity. Commensurate BMI values for non-Asians are >=40 kg/m2 and >=35 kg/m2 respectively. • Failure of significant non-surgical attempts at weight reduction. • The patient must fully understand the bariatric surgical concepts, accept the risks, undergo pre-operative endocrinological, dieticians and psychological evaluation and give informed consent. • The patient must be motivated and capable of participating in lifelong follow-up. What are the benefits? Immediately after surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18 – 24 months after the procedure. Surgery improves most obesity-related conditions. Clinical studies showed that blood sugar levels of most obese patients with diabetes returned to normal after surgery. Other studies demonstrate a reduction in antihypertensive medications. The symptoms of gastric refl
