New Weight Loss Surgery Guidelines Lower the Barrier

 

 

A lot has changed in the last 30 years! The most common procedures were the vertical-banded gastroplasty (VBG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Now sleeve gastrectomy and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) are the most performed procedures in Australia. Dr Balalis performs these procedures laparoscopically or robotically, compared to being performed open even up to 7 years ago by some surgeons!

 

And now 30 years on from the original guidelines of 1991, there are new guidelines/indications that have been published by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO). For further information, please read more here.

 

The major updates are:

• Weight loss surgery is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ³ 35 kg/m²
• Weight loss surgery should be considered for individuals with metabolic disease and BMI of 30 – 34.9 kg/m²
• BMI thresholds should be adjusted in the Asian population such that a BMI ³ 25 kg/m² suggests clinical obesity, and those with BMI ³5 kg/m² should be offered weight loss surgery
• Long-term results of weight loss surgery consistently demonstrate safety and efficacy
• Appropriately selected children and adolescents should be considered for weight loss surgery
• No upper age limit; case by case basis for older individuals depending on comorbidities

 

Please view full text article from Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases here.

 

Obesity is a chronic disease and requires a united and cohesive multi-disciplinary approach to support patients. Surgery has become much safer and more effective and should be offered as part of a discussion with patients regarding all options that are available. There has never been more treatment options available for patients, including weight loss medications, gastric balloon, endoscopic therapy and surgery. The surgeries now most performed are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. All these options are available with Dr Balalis and his team at 149 Ward Street, North Adelaide.

 

Please contact Dr Balalis for more information or a formal consult.