Better Quality of Life with Bariatric / Gastric Bypass Surgery
by Noah Lam, President and CEO of CWI Medical

In the United States over 32% of adults are obese, and the trend is increasing! In fact over 150,000 people have had some type of Bariatric Surgery.

Late Night Talk Show Host, David Letterman once said, "If you stop eating, you can lose weight.." We all know that is unhealthy. The combination of exercise and a good diet is the proper way to reduce or maintain weight and stay healthy. Yet, many turn to medical intervention to drop the weight.

Gastric Bypass Surgery has become increasingly popular. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or Lap-Band surgery places an adjustable band around the stomach that reduces the size of the stomach, essentially "stopping you from eating." Basically you feel fuller quicker. Gastric Bypass surgeries include the shortening of your bowels, so that the food has no time to be absorbed and passes through the body faster, or even the removal of parts of the stomach.

This surgery is a serious choice with major consequences. There are success stories and horror stories. Statistically, 1 in 200 have fatal complications. Compare that to 10 in 200 with heart operations. Like anything that involves your health, you must review your medical needs and history with your doctor.

Since there is a reduction in food intake, the volume of protein needed to promote healing and health is inadequate. The usual foods that you might have eaten prior to surgery for a protein source are eggs, meat, fish, and poultry. Just before and after surgery, you require a source of protein but the volume must be adjusted to account for a smaller stomach or shortened bowel.

Many doctors require bariatric surgical patients to take liquid protein supplements to maintain their protein requirements with restricted volume intake. Some products have 15 grams of protein in a single ounce and others contain 40 grams of protein in a 24 ounce bottle. Medical Nutrition USA's Pro-Stat and Llorens Pharmaceuticals' Proteinex are examples of Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein. Natures Best uses whey protein isolate for Isopure and Isopure Zero Carb. Novartis Nutrition has a product called Optisource. Protein supplements are not considered the sole source for nutrition and consumers should consult with their physician on the use of these products.

Bariatric surgery is only a "tool" that helps patients "jump-start" excess weight loss. Patients need to follow strict rules for exercise and diet to maintain their new weight levels. There are many benefits that come immediately after surgery, such as reduction in high blood pressure, reduction in cholesterol, better blood sugar for diabetics, improved cardiac and pulmonary functions, reduction of stress incontinence, and relief of lower back pain and joint discomfort. That is a long list that provides a better quality of life.

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Noah Lam has over 15 years of experience of providing high quality medical supplies and healthcare products from Acute Care Facilities to parents and children. His company, CWI Medical is a leading provider of medical supplies and equipment to healthcare facilities and for home use. In addition, CWI Medical is an ACHC Accredited organization maintaining standards of excellence in the Healthcare Field. For more information, please visit CWI Medical.