Feb. 17, 2023 - Weight Loss Surgery in Delaware: Resolution of Comorbidities

For this Bariatric Friday, Kemal Erkan, Chairman of American Surgery Center is accompanied by Dr. Isaias Irgau, President of Christiana Institute of Advanced Surgery (CHRIAS). Their discussion is focused on the resolution of comorbidities after undergoing bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery. Comorbidity is defined as the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases/medical conditions in a patient. Today, the pair are discussing comorbidities as they relate to morbid obesity. Morbid obesity is defined as being 100 pounds over a person’s ideal body weight or having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. There are numerous diseases that can present with morbid obesity, such as sleep apnea, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heartburn. As a person’s weight decreases with bariatric surgery, the associated illnesses may resolve.

Only one percent of patients who qualify for bariatric surgery choose the surgical route. Physicians should make morbidly obese patients aware that bariatric surgery is an option, noting this option may add years to their life and will help treat the comorbidities related to morbid obesity. The rate of obesity in the United States has increased from 24% in the 1960s and 1970s to now 35%. Many people do not even realize they are gaining weight year by year until ultimately a doctor lets them know they are eligible for bariatric surgery.

Erkan shares an infographic from the Cleveland Clinic outlining the resolutions of comorbidities with weight loss surgery. He highlights that diabetes has an 83% resolution rate, sleep apnea resolution rate of 74-98%, and 52-92% resolution rate for hypertension. These are extremely high in a positive way. It happens too frequently where someone is treated for a comorbidity but not the root of the problem, morbid obesity. Patients should know there is one solution for multiple diseases – bariatric surgery.

Cancer is even more common in a body where there is morbid obesity. The types of cancer that can be related to obesity are colon cancer, breast cancer, and uterine cancer. The higher the weight of a person, the higher the chance that they may develop these cancers. Although there is not a direct relationship illustrating the cause, studies have shown that one who is overweight has a higher likelihood in comparison to someone of a lower weight and BMI.

Obesity and excess fat can cause damage to the liver in the same way alcohol and other toxic substances can. It is more common now for one to require a liver transplant due to obesity than alcohol damage. The final stage of liver failure is called cirrhosis, and when someone who is overweight addresses their high BMI the cirrhosis is likely to dissipate along with the weight loss.

Dr. Irgau explains that our joints are the scaffolding of our body. They hold our bodies together. These joints are made to maintain a certain weight, and once that threshold is passed, mobility is highly affected. Joint issues can be resolved with bariatric surgery, and the body can begin to heal when a certain amount of weight is no longer being carried. Movement is essential to life, and the pair want to ensure that all who are eligible are able to live their lives to the fullest extent. They encourage patients to act on this opportunity before it is too late.