How successful is gastric bypass surgery for treatment of morbid obesity?  [return to the list of articles]

It is estimated that between 30-50 % of the United States' population is obese, with approximately six million being severely or "morbidly" obese. Morbid obesity is clinically defined as 100% or 100 lbs over one's ideal body weight.

It is estimated that over 30 million dollars per year is spent pursuing diet related practices but, unfortunately, research studies find that these diet efforts fail greater than 80% of the time. Considering 25 billion medical dollars are spent with obesity related diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, and arthritis, obesity is a serious medical issue.\

Bariatric medicine is the practice of treating the disease process of obesity. Of the numerous treatment strategies available for weight loss, bariatric surgery has the most successful long-term results. These results are so profound; a consensus statement by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 endorses bariatric surgical procedures for long-term weight reduction.

The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) was founded in 1983 and is dedicated to the surgical management of morbid obesity.

Dr. Michael Bono, M.D. of the surgical practice of Doctors Butt, Carrato and Bono is a member of this society.

Dr. Bono is proud to be part of this region's first gastric bypass support group. The meetings are open to all people interested in learning more about morbid obesity and for those who have had successful gastric bypass surgery. The meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the O&E Building of Hazleton General Hospital it is our goal to create a forum for education, guidance, and support to aid those who are morbidly obese towards a healthier, longer life.

For more information, please call Paula Triano at the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance education department or at the office of Drs. Butt, Carrato & Bono at 570-459-5607 and ask for Linda.