Bariatric Surgery

Obesity and its health risks

An estimated 61.3 million American adults (30.5%) are obese.

Severe obesity is also on the rise. Around 9.6 million adults have a body mass index (BMI) of 35-40, while 6 million American adults are morbidly obese (BMI 40+).

Excessive body fat leads to a number of health risks including an increased risk of premature death.

Obese patients (BMI 30+) are estimated to have a 50-100% increased risk of death from all causes when compared with people of normal weight (BMI 20–25). The risk of premature death increases significantly in cases of morbid obesity (BMI 40+) and super-obesity (BMI 50+).

Most of the increased mortality rate from obesity is due to comorbidities like atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke.

Other obesity-related health conditions include

• Diabetes
• Hyperinsulinemia
• Insulin resistance
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Shortness of breath
• Asthma attacks,
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Low back pain
• Arthritis
• Heartburn
• Urinary incontinence
• Venous disorders

(Source: US Census 2000; NHANES III data estimates)

What to expect from weight loss surgery

Baylor Scott & White Health's caring and supportive weight management staff is excited to help you start a whole new life.

Before and during weight loss surgery

The decision to have weight loss surgery is a serious one that requires a commitment to a lifestyle change.

Make sure you know what to expect before and during bariatric surgery and talk with a weight loss surgeon on the medical staff at one of our facilities about the benefits and risks of each type of weight loss procedure near you.

After weight loss surgery

You should return to the surgeon’s office as instructed for follow-up visits after you are discharged from the hospital. Additional follow-up visits will be according to the doctor’s instructions. These visits are necessary to monitor your weight loss and general health. A healthy level of exercise is important to everyone’s daily life. At the first post operative visit, we encourage you to ask your physician when and at what level you should begin your exercise program.

The success of the surgery depends on the choices you make. You will need to make lifelong changes in your eating and exercise habits to maintain your weight loss.