Bariatric Clinics In Baltimore Ensure Patient Safety

Each year, more than 200,000 people undergo gastric bypass surgery in order to lose weight and alleviate obesity related ailments. In 2004, a panel of physicians and scientists with the National Institute of Health concluded that gastric bypass was the most effective method of treating morbid obesity. Thousands of patients in the Baltimore area have successfully achieved healthier weight levels and have experienced reductions or disappearances in symptoms linked to diabetes, hypertension and other conditions. There are many potential candidates for this surgery who are intrigued by these benefits, yet who still hesitate to consult a surgeon because they are concerned about the safety of the surgery. Those with reservations may be interested to learn that gastric bypass surgery is a procedure developed with patient safety in mind and that patients can take steps to ensure their own health before and after the surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery is performed to produce effective results, but not at the cost of a patient’s long term health. Life-threatening complications occur in less than 1% of people undergoing this procedure, and advances are being made constantly to reduce problems during and after surgery. With laparoscopic gastric bypass, the rate of complications (minor and serious) is about half the rate observed in the open incision version of the procedure. Preliminary assessments will determine if the patient can go through the surgery safely and what complications might occur.

One of the first steps a patient can take to ensure his or her own safety is to carefully consider the surgeon and bariatric clinic potentially providing the weight loss services. The surgeon’s experience, record of successes and complications and commitment to informing the patient should be taken into account. It is also worthwhile to check if the practice is recognized as a Bariatric Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

After the surgery, the attention to a patient’s health and safety just begins. Communicating with the surgeon, dietitian and other medical team members should be a top priority for someone who has just had gastric bypass surgery. The patient should adhere carefully to any instructions regarding medication, supplements and lifestyle changes suggested by the clinic’s staff. If any post-surgical complications arise, the patient should notify the clinic and seek proper attention.

There is no such thing as a routine operation, yet in the hands of an experienced surgeon and dedicated staff gastric bypass surgery can be performed safely and effectively. Innovations in medical training and technology have refined this type of surgery so that complications are dramatically reduced. Add to this a patient who is thoroughly committed to lifestyle change and communication, and the gratifying results of gastric bypass can be enjoyed over a long and healthy life.

By: Andrew Averbach

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Andrew Averbach, MD, FACS is a board-certified surgeon with over 30 years experience. He has performed over 1250 laparoscopic bariatric procedures without mortality and low morbidity. Dr. Averbach's bariatric surgery practice is located near Baltimore, Maryland.