When to Consider Bariatric Surgery

Written By: Rachael Kaine

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Even though you may be familiar with the term weight loss surgery and understand that it is done to help people lose and keep weight off, not everyone is familiar with everything that this type of procedure entails. There are different kinds of this type of surgery, but the most common is the gastric bypass surgery that allows the stomach to become smaller, giving it the ability to hold less food and for the body to digest it more quickly, resulting in a shorter amount of time for things to simply sit in the stomach. This smaller space means that patients will be able to eat less, feel full, and eventually lose the weight that they desire through changes in their routines and habits. Weight loss surgery Washington DC is not the first option that many people choose to take, but it is often the only one that is truly beneficial and able to help people manage their weight before it gets to be too late.

Should I Consider Bariatric Surgery?

The first thing that you should know is that in many cases, there is a slight risk to having bariatric surgery, simply because it requires being totally put under. This is usually not a big deal, but for those who are severely overweight, it can put a strain on the heart and other organs, resulting in more risk than for a very healthy individual.

Bariatric surgery DC is a great choice for people because the doctors and surgeons available are some of the best in the country, ready to provide their services to those in need, but the real question is whether or not you should even get a consult from somewhere like http://www.medstarwashington.org/.

This surgery is mainly for those who have tried other methods to lose weight and improve their health without success. These include increasing exercise, mobility and self reliance as well as changing the diet and not giving into impulse meals or snacks. For those that are to the point where they would even consider weight loss surgery, many things need to be looked at including willingness to change, the ability to stick with the changes and overall health. This surgery cannot be performed on an individual that has many currently present health issues, so doctors will be thorough in the screening.

On the other hand, health issues may necessitate bariatric surgery Washington DC. These include increased strain on or the failing of organs like the heart and lungs, an inability to walk or move around, and even skin issues. Experiencing any of these things means that it is time to make a change, and seeking out information about this type of surgical procedure is a logical first step.

A-fib Explained

What Is A-fib and What Can it Lead To?

The most common of all heart conditions resulting in an abnormal rhythm, atrial fibrillation or a-fib happens when the upper chambers of the heart twitch or quiver too quickly, resulting in a heartbeat that is irregular. While some patients do not experience symptoms, or their symptoms are mild, other patients experience symptoms like racing heartbeat, feeling sick or exhausted, having shortness of breath, feeling dizzy, lightheaded or even fainting, and experiencing heart palpitations. This condition itself is not life threatening, but if left untreated, a-fib can lead to many more complicated and serious issues. These include an increase in the likelihood of blood clots, the potential for strokes going up, the heart’s muscles becoming weak and thus unable to pump properly, potential eventual heart failure and permanent disabilities.

Why Does A-fib Occur?

There are many different types of risk factors for developing this condition, and needing A-fib treatment Washington DC. These factors are not the same for everyone, and recent studies have shown that women are more likely to suffer from this condition than men, but it’s a good idea to be prepared and understand that if you have or experience any of the following, you should consider that you’re more likely to develop atrial fibrillation over time.

- This condition impacts the lives of people that are typically over 60 years of age.

- Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease and chronic lung disease raise the likelihood that you’ll experience a-fib at some point in your life.

- Prior heart attacks and coronary artery disease along with other heart conditions like having open heart surgery, untreated atrial fluttering, or even structural heart disease also compound the issue, and can lead to an onset of a-fib.

- Serious illnesses and infections make it more likely that individuals will develop this condition.

- If you excessively consume alcohol or drugs, it’s likely that your heart will be stressed and is more likely to beat out of regular rhythm.

- Obesity is one of the newest likely causes of atrial fibrillation, as being overweight will put extra stress on the body, and an unhealthy diet can cause arteries to narrow and the blood to thicken, with extra pressure put on the heart to pump blood through a larger area.

Since so many different things can cause the condition to manifest, it’s important to understand the risks and options, making it necessary to consult with someone that provides A-fib treatment Washington DC so that you can get back into good health and begin making the right choices for your personal health.