Information Regarding Obesity Surgery from Our Birmingham, Alabama Bariatric Surgeon
Bariatric surgeon Andrew M. Dewitt and our staff are determined to help those who suffer from obesity better understand the causes and effects of their condition, along with the various treatment options available to them. People who experience serious physical and emotional difficulties because of their weight are sometimes skeptical about the possibility of achieving healthier lives. By explaining the causes of obesity as well as the types of surgery available for managing excess weight, our Birmingham, Alabama staff can help patients discover a brighter future that includes improved health and a more satisfying appearance!
Bariatrics and other forms of obesity surgery are not for everyone. An informative seminar with our Birmingham, Alabama bariatric surgeon can help you determine if surgery — or another weight-loss treatment — is right for you. To attend a seminar prior to scheduling a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Dewitt, contact our bariatric surgery center today.
- Obesity Defined
- How Obesity Is Measured
- Causes of Obesity
- Health Effects of Obesity
- Surgical Treatment of Obesity
Obesity Defined
Affecting over one-third of the adult population in the U.S., obesity involves the excessive accumulation of fat, which can even reach life-threatening levels. Obesity causes at least 300,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making it the country’s second-leading cause of unnecessary death after cancer from cigarettes.
How Obesity Is Measured
Although a bathroom scale is a good way to track changes in your weight, it is not the best way to determine if you are obese. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a better measurement and is more often used by medical professionals in determining if a person is obese or at risk of developing the condition. Your BMI is based on your height-to weight-ratio and can help provide a reasonable assessment of excess fat. In determining if you are at risk for obesity-related diseases and whether you are a candidate for gastric bypass or other types of obesity surgery, the staff at our Birmingham, Alabama office will take your BMI and other health factors into account.
If you would like to determine your BMI, an easy-to-use BMI calculator has been placed on this page for your use.
Causes of Obesity
The primary causes of obesity are genetics, environment, behavior, or some combination of these three factors. Some obese individuals have a genetic predisposition to gaining excess weight. Although not all individuals who have this tendency actually develop obesity, they may be more likely to do so if certain environmental and behavioral factors come into play.
In general, a healthy environment is one in which individuals are able to eat nutritious food and engage in regular physical activity. In an environment in which these activities become difficult or unlikely, people are more likely to become obese. Healthy behavior involves maintaining healthy eating habits and engaging in physical exercise, both of which help to prevent or reverse obesity. If a change in environment and/or behavior does not help an individual lose weight, obesity surgery with experienced Birmingham, Alabama physician Andrew M. Dewitt may be able to provide excellent results and a greatly improved lifestyle.
Health Effects of Obesity
Obesity involves many serious health effects. The condition affects the heart, lungs, muscles, and bones. Obesity influences virtually every bodily system and is associated with more than 30 medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis. If obesity is affecting your life, exercise, a proper diet, and, as a last resort, obesity surgery at our Birmingham, Alabama office may be able to help. While the procedures we offer can have positive cosmetic results, they are primarily measures intended to minimize or even eliminate the serious health effects of extreme excess weight.
Obesity-Related Co-Morbidities
The following co-morbidities are frequently associated with obesity. Dr. Dewitt and his staff can help you learn more about this condition, as well as how to reduce its impact on your life.
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Cardiac Disease
- Sleep Apnea
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Stress Incontinence
- Menstrual Irregularity
Surgical Treatment of Obesity
Obesity surgery is not for everybody who is severely overweight. At our Birmingham, Alabama practice, we work to ensure that bariatric surgery is performed only on those candidates who have an excellent chance of success. While not everyone who suffers from obesity achieves the same results from surgery, our bariatric surgeon will ensure you are fully informed about your candidacy for surgery, as well as the likely results of treatment. Dr. Dewitt will also speak with you to determine if you are sufficiently dedicated to the dietary and lifestyle changes that all bariatric procedures require. The surgical procedures offered at our office include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, LAP-BAND® System weight-loss surgery, and laparoscopic gastric sleeve resection. If you suffer from obesity and are seeking a solution, Dr. Dewitt will work closely with you to help you determine the course of action that is best for you.
Contact Our Bariatric Surgeon
A consultation with our bariatric surgeon, Dr. Andrew M. Dewitt, will help you determine if you are a candidate for gastric bypass or other types of obesity surgery. For your consultation, contact our Birmingham, Alabama practice today. During your visit, you can also discuss bariatric surgery cost, view before and after photos of previous patients, and ask any other questions you may have about obesity surgery and other weight-loss treatments.
If you struggle with obesity, a weight-loss surgery seminar with our Birmingham, Alabama bariatric surgeon can help you determine if any of our procedures are right for you.
Andrew M. Dewitt, M.D.
2401 15th Ave N
Suite 140
Birmingham, Alabama 35234
Phone: (205) 502-4400
Fax: (205) 502-1210
