Clinically severe obesity (this term is now preferred over morbid obesity) is a disease of excess energy stores in the form of fat. Clinically severe obesity correlates with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2 or with being 100 pounds overweight. Being overweight is associated with real physical problems that are now well recognized.
After surgery, you will find that you need to make changes in your eating patterns, not only to prevent pain and vomiting, but also to produce the desired weight loss. Perhaps even more important is development of appropriate eating habits to prevent band slippage and obstruction of the stoma (the opening for foods leaving the upper stomach). Changes considered to be important are outlined in the following paragraphs.
Obesity is more than a cosmetic problem. Many serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer.....