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Texas Association of Bariatric Surgeons Supports Travis County Decision to Offer Weight Loss Surgery to Obese Employees

Posted on: Tuesday, 26 September 2006, 09:00 CDT

The Texas Association of Bariatric Surgeons (TABS) today announced

support for the Travis County Commissioners'

recent decision to offer up to 15 bariatric surgeries per year to obese

Travis County employees.

Employers nationwide, like Travis County, are already paying to treat

the symptoms of obesity in the form of diabetes, hypertension, joint

problems and a myriad of other health problems caused or exacerbated by

obesity. For example, medical care for diabetes (most commonly caused by

weight) costs about $10,000 for each year, and surgical replacement of a

knee joint costs about $15,000. Rates of severe obesity in the year 2000

were approximately double the rates for 1990, and the growth trend has

continued to accelerate.

TABS president Lloyd Stegemann, MD, applauded the County's

decision. "The surgical treatment of obesity

is the only proven, long-term strategy for the treatment of obesity.

Financially, employers across the nation are facing the enormous

economic costs associated with treating obesity --

nearly $100 billion was spent nationwide last year. Employers can

address this problem by improving patient access to weight loss surgery,

which is safe and effective if done in a multidisciplinary program that

addresses all of the issues surrounding obesity."

For more information on weight loss surgery, obesity trends, or to speak

with Dr. Stegemann, call 210-240-4669. Post-op weight loss surgery

patients are also available to discuss medical costs incurred prior to

and after weight loss surgery.

About TABS

The Texas Association of Bariatric Surgeons exists to reduce the

incidence and consequences of obesity in the state of Texas through

education, prevention and treatment.

Source: Business Wire

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