A weight-related disease is a condition that develops as a result of excess weight. Being overweight can have a significant effect on body functioning as a whole and can affect each of the systems differently. Weight-related disease is most likely to occur in those with a BMI over 30. Though treating each of these conditions individually can be optimal and necessary for health reasons, losing weight can serve as a long-term solution. Whether you opt for bariatric surgery that will provide you with more satiation and control over your food choices or a less invasive option like semaglutide, getting close to your ideal weight is essential to adding more quality years to your life.
Southern Nevada Bariatrics is a Las Vegas practice dedicated to helping patients become the best version of themselves with the transformative effects of bariatric surgery. Our practice is led by highly accomplished surgeon, Dr. Mustafa Ahmed, who has dedicated over 20 years of experience to helping patients achieve optimal health. To get in touch today, call (702) 626-0499, or contact us online, and we will help you get started on your weight-loss journey.
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To understand if you need more comprehensive treatment to manage your weight, you need to know your BMI (body mass index). You can determine your BMI by finding the ratio of your height and weight. While it will not reveal total body composition, it serves as a vital tool for providers to determine a patient’s risk of developing a weight-related disease. Those with a BMI between 25 and 30 are considered overweight, while those with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. As your body stores more fat than it needs, a variety of problems can arise:
High Blood Pressure
Those who are overweight or obese have increased vascular resistance, making the heart work harder to transport blood throughout the body. The extra force required to provide quality circulation causes high blood pressure, a condition that damages the inner linings of blood vessels over time. With this increased damage, more LDL cholesterol can collect within the vessels, increasing the risk of cardiac events like stroke and heart attack.
High LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is “bad” cholesterol produced by the liver. High levels- common in obese people- can mean that the LDL and a substance called plaque can build up in the arteries. (1) In contrast, HDL, or “good” cholesterol serves to remove bad cholesterol from the bloodstream, but obesity can decrease these levels significantly. Triglycerides are a form of fat that develops when the body does not use up the calories; these circulate within the blood as well and can also be dangerous for heart health.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a dysregulation of how the body manages sugar within the blood. In people with this condition, the pancreas cannot produce enough of the hormone insulin, a critical component that breaks down sugars (glucose). By leaving the condition untreated for long periods, individuals may experience increased thirst and urination, frequent infections, delayed wound healing, and nerve damage, among other serious symptoms. (2)
Stroke and Heart Attack
When a blood clot blocks or significantly reduces blood flow within the brain, it can cause a stroke. In other instances unrelated to weight-related health concerns, internal bleeding can also cause it. A stroke is a medical emergency; in serious cases, recovery can mean months of physical therapy and result in permanent disability. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot ruptures within an artery going to the heart, depriving it of the oxygen it needs to function.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops and restarts sporadically during sleep. Many people with the disorder wake up several times per night and suffer from daytime sleepiness. Obesity can cause sleep apnea due to an increase in fatty tissue buildup near the upper airway. (3)
Gallbladder Disease
A normal gallbladder functions by releasing bile that breaks down fats in the digestive system. Individuals with gallbladder disease can experience inflammation and blockage in this critical organ, causing pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Some people develop gallstones, which can cause severe discomfort and require surgery to remove.
Depression and Anxiety
The mental health aspects of being obese or overweight are often overlooked, but they can be quite significant in one’s life. Depression and anxiety in obese people are linked to higher levels of inflammation in the body and an imbalance of gut bacteria. (4)
Solutions for Weight Management
The incredible part of bariatric surgery is that it not only physically modifies the digestive system, but it promotes hormonal regulation. In both the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgeries Dr. Ahmed performs, patients can effectively reduce their ghrelin levels- the main hormone responsible for relaying sensations of hunger. Semaglutide, popularly known as Ozempic or Wegovy, is another revolutionary treatment that modifies the way insulin operates in the body, promoting safe and gradual weight loss. Knowing the difference between each treatment can help you find out which one is right for you.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A sleeve gastrectomy is a surgery that involves the removal of around 70 to 80% of the stomach, allowing patients to feel fuller faster. Dr. Ahmed performs this surgery laparoscopically, meaning that he only needs to utilize tiny incisions on the abdomen to gain access to the stomach. A five-year research study found that sleeve gastrectomy patients lose and maintain about 60% of their excess weight. (5)
Gastric Bypass
For a gastric bypass, Dr. Ahmed utilizes a similar laparoscopic technique to access the stomach and small intestine. He forms a small tissue pouch near the entrance of the stomach and attaches the small intestine to this pouch. This limits the amount of food that you can eat at once, yet allows the rest of the stomach to produce the necessary gastric juices for digestion. Food physically bypasses a portion of the small intestine, limiting the absorption of nutrients.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a non-surgical solution to help you achieve long-term weight loss. The medication- often called by its brand name, Ozempic- works by imitating GLP-1, the signaling hormone that regulates insulin production in the body. As a result, it stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin. This insulin then travels to the brain, where it is interpreted as a sign of hunger satiation. Not only does semaglutide facilitate this process, but it also slows down gastric emptying, so you will feel fuller for longer periods. Dr. Ahmed can prescribe this treatment as once-weekly injections.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation with Dr. Ahmed, he will evaluate your health history, ask you about weight-loss remedies you have tried so far, and discuss your available treatment options at Southern Nevada Bariatrics. Ultimately, he gives patients the power to take control of their own weight loss, but he will provide you with the necessary information you will need to make an informed decision. Dr. Ahmed’s goal is to optimize your health and help treat and prevent weight-related diseases. You will have the opportunity to ask for details regarding his surgical approach, including his instructions for preparation and recovery. He can also give you an outline of semaglutide and more information on how it works within your body’s physiology.
To get premium-quality care today, call Dr. Ahmed’s office in Las Vegas at (702) 626-0499 or reach out via his contact form, and we will respond to your inquiry in a timely manner.
Cost of Weight-Loss Treatments in Las Vegas
During your consultation meeting, Dr. Ahmed will review the factors specific to your case with you and provide you with a cost estimate. If you are concerned about this aspect of treatment, consider applying for a financing plan with CareCredit or United Medical Credit. To learn more about our treatments and your own health, visit our blog; we pride ourselves on educating patients as much as possible. All in all, your satisfaction, safety, and health are of utmost importance at Southern Nevada Bariatrics, so begin by taking the first step today!
FAQ
Obesity is a complex condition that can contribute to various weight-related diseases. Individuals with obesity are at higher risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries have been found to be effective in managing weight-related diseases. The choice between the two procedures depends on individual factors such as BMI, health status, and personal preferences. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider can determine the most suitable option for each patient.
Non-surgical options such as dietary modifications, exercise programs, medications like semaglutide, and behavioral therapy can also be effective in managing weight-related diseases. These approaches are often recommended as initial strategies or in combination with surgical interventions based on individual needs and health goals.
References
- Klop B, Elte J, Cabezas M. Dyslipidemia in Obesity: Mechanisms and Potential Targets. Nutrients. 2013;5(4):1218-1240. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041218
- Goyal R, Jialal I, Singhal M. Diabetes mellitus type 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Published June 23, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513253/
- Romero-Corral A, Caples SM, Lopez-Jimenez F, Somers VK. Interactions Between Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Chest. 2010;137(3):711-719. doi:https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.09-0360
- Fu X, Wang Y, Zhao F, et al. Shared biological mechanisms of depression and obesity: focus on adipokines and lipokines. Open Access Impact Journal on Aging. 2023;15(12). doi:https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.204847
- Seeras K, Lopez PP. Sleeve Gastrectomy. Nih.gov. Published January 19, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519035/