The Medical clinics of North America
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Med. Clin. North Am. · May 2007
ReviewBariatric surgery primer for the internist: keys to the surgical consultation.
The increasing prevalence of morbid obesity in North America combined with the refinement of laparoscopic techniques for the performing these operations has contributed to the exponential growth of bariatric surgery over the last 10 years. There are many important considerations for the internist who is referring a patient for bariatric surgery.
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Med. Clin. North Am. · May 2007
ReviewPsychosocial and behavioral status of patients undergoing bariatric surgery: what to expect before and after surgery.
Extreme obesity, characterized by a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m(2) or greater, is associated with significantly increased mortality, principally from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. It also is associated with an increased risk of psychosocial complications, including depression, eating disorders, and impaired quality of life. This article briefly examines the psychosocial status of extremely obese individuals who seek bariatric surgery and describes changes in functioning that can be expected with surgically induced weight loss. The article combines a review of the literature with clinical impressions gained from the more than 2500 candidates for bariatric surgery whom the authors have evaluated at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
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Med. Clin. North Am. · May 2007
ReviewPreoperative assessment and perioperative care of patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
The prevalence of morbid obesity in the United States and worldwide is increasing at an alarming rate. The number of bariatric surgical procedures also has steadily increased during the past decade. This article reviews the published literature and current practice trends for preoperative workup and assessment of patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
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Obesity constitutes a major health problem with serious social and economic consequences worldwide. In North America, nearly one third of the population is obese, and this figure includes children and adolescents who are likely to become obese adults. ⋯ This article summarizes the financial burdens of obesity and the economics of treating obesity in North America. It addresses the medical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery and the new regulations and accreditations for bariatric surgery programs.