Lipo as a quick fix? Part 2
June 15th, 2010
Lipo as weight loss? Part 2
Why isn’t Lipo a quick fix for weight reduction? We all may struggle with a few extra pounds. This is one of the blessings of living in an affluent society, access to food-a-plenty. However, these extra pounds can put us at risk for serious medical problems. Some of the problems include diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer. The sedentary lifestyle associated with being over-weight also contributes to a score of health risks. Reduced physical activity increases a women’s risk for osteoporosis. Severe obesity contributes to joint problems, serious skin conditions and increased blood pressure. Extra abdominal weight also increases the risk of gastric reflux or heartburn. Reflux of stomach acid or gastric juice aspirated into the lungs may lead to life threatening pneumonia.
Anesthesia and sedation during surgery carry increased risks for heavier patients, as well. The most serious is airway or breathing related problems. Decreased ability to take very deep breaths, along with actual partial breathing passage closure can pose significant threats during anesthesia.
Several measures taken after surgery may often reduce some risks, but not eliminate them. Obese patients have a more difficult time walking right after surgery, thus increasing their risk. Walking after surgery is critical to reduce blood clots in the legs, as clots can break free and become lodged in the lung, resulting in sudden death. Ease of mobility is an important factor. Healthy patients usually have an easier recovery from surgery and suffer from fewer complications.
Check back tomorrow for Lipo as weight loss? Part 3
Lipo as Weight Loss?
June 14th, 2010
Earlier in my career, I had the unique opportunity to be interviewed on television by Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold about liposuction. Although the segment was meant to be light-hearted, I was able to convey my thoughts about why liposuction is not safe for patients that are not close to their ideal weight. Unfortunately, lipo is not a quick fix for having too many unwanted pounds. It is an effective procedure to remove localized areas of fat and is frequently used as an important tool in body sculpture.
Recently, I consulted with a patient who had lost 80 pounds following bariatric surgery. It was her intention to loose some more weight. During our visit, she asked the question I hear so often regarding weight loss, “Should I loose the rest of the weight before having cosmetic surgery?” My answer is most always the same. “Yes.” Multiple reasons lead me to this answer. Some factors are related to the general health risks of even mild obesity, while others are related to safety of anesthesia and surgery itself.
Check back tomorrow for Lipo as weight loss? Part 2
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