Morbid obesity is a disease that can cause a severe decline in health and a shortened life span. Weight loss surgery is not done for cosmetic reasons. It is done to treat and prevent serious medical problems associated with severe obesity.
Nearly all body systems are affected by morbid obesity, according to Jennifer Group, Bariatric Program Manager at Methodist Hospital.
Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, is performed on patients with obesity. There are several types of procedures, but all focus on making modifications to the digestive system with the goal of significant weight loss. This surgery is done to treat and prevent serious medical problems associated with severe obesity.
Some medical problems include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obstructive sleep apnea, breathing failure
- Degeneration of weight-bearing joints in hips, knees, ankles, and feet
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Sleep apnea
Methodist Hospital Atascosa in Jourdanton is partnering with Methodist Hospital Metropolitan in San Antonio to offer surgical weight loss options to Atascosa County residents. Through this partnership, patients have access to surgery performed by board-certified surgeons, and surgery will be performed at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan in San Antonio.
All pre and postoperative appointments and other services will happen in Atascosa, saving patients time and keeping them close to home.
Patients can also participate in a free bariatric support group that gives individuals a safe place to receive encouragement and establish resources for their weight loss journey.
They can also take free virtual cooking classes so they can learn new and healthy recipes to help them on their journey.
To find more information on the Methodist Hospital Atascosa Weight Loss Center, visit sahealth.com/atascosa.