6 Reasons for Weight Loss Surgery

Written by Jane Long

Although you may feel alone, your reasons for weight loss surgery are shared by many people who have gone beyond the definition of overweight. Clinically speaking, you have graduated to obese, or maybe even morbidly obese. The time has come to consider drastic measures and check into the different bariatric procedures.

Did you know that approximately 32% of overweight Americans are considered clinically obese? For many, weight loss through traditional methods is still not out of the question. But, for anyone is approaching morbidity, there are several reasons why weight loss surgery may be the only option left. You need to have a serious conversation with your family doctor and a bariatric surgeon, if you have come face to face with:

The Last Resort

You have had a problem with your weight for years. You have been on innumerable diets and weight loss programs. You may lose a few pounds here and there, but you always gain them back, and then some. Now, it has gotten to the point that you seem to gain weight simply by looking at food.

No matter what you try, the weight will not come off. Now, the consequences for gaining weight could be beyond rectification. You are running out of time. You need to lose weight now.

A BMI over 40

If you have a BMI over 40, you may be a prime candidate for weight loss surgery. BMI is the acronym for body mass index. To determine your BMI, you start by multiplying your height in inches by your height in inches. Then, you take your weight in pounds and divide it by your height multiplying by itself. The result will be a decimal point answer. Now, multiply that number by 703.

The resulting number is your body mass index. If you BMI is between 18.5-24.9, you are currently at a healthy weight. If your score is between 25-30, you are overweight, and you should try to exercise and eat properly, before you gain more weight.

You are clinically obese, if your BMI is calculated to be somewhere between 30-40. At this point, you are probably dealing with more issues than simply needing to lose some weight. Sadly, if your body mass index is over 40, you are at grave risk. Your very life may be in jeopardy. In fact, you will have to find a bariatric surgeon who takes on cases of the morbidly obese. Many doctors will refuse you treatment, because the risk of death is far greater than the potential benefits.

Mobility

For individuals who are clinically obese, bariatric surgery may be necessary to restore a healthy level of mobility. The extra pounds have essentially caused major disability. People have actually ended up in wheelchairs, due to excess weight, because it is simply too difficult to walk.

When it becomes too difficult to walk, personal hygiene, the ability to eliminate waste, and more, are all adversely affected. When the ability to get around independently becomes an issue because of excess weight, the body can start to shut down.

Health Problems

If you are clinically obese and considering weight loss surgery, you are probably experiencing major health problems. For example, type 2 diabetes is on the rise, simply because a growing number of Americans are overweight. Of course, high blood pressure and heart problems are common companions of excess pounds. The list of additional health concerns is quite lengthy. But, if the reality of the few mentioned does not keep you awake at night, then maybe the threat of cancer will convince you that bariatric surgery may be necessary.

Being overweight is exhausting. Imagine carry suitcases around all day that have the equivalent weight of the pounds you need to lose. No wonder your body is complaining and you probably have multiple health problems.

Mortality

Once you have reached the stage of being clinically or morbidly obese, you may want to consider a bariatric procedure because of your increased risk of mortality. You can die. It is not simply a matter of looking good, being able to get around, finding clothes to wear, or other difficulties. Your chances of dying prematurely are greatly increased. You may not live to see your kids grow up, your next birthday, or even tomorrow.

Quality of Life

While the other reasons for weight loss surgery are extremely important, if your weight compromises your quality of life, it overshadows and encompasses every other reason for seeking the aid of a bariatric surgeon. Your self-esteem is at an all time low; you cannot participate in family activities, so you are always sitting on the sidelines; you are tired all the time; and you have so many health problems, you practically need to own a pharmacy, just to keep the symptoms at bay.

Under the best of conditions, life is too short. You only have on life to live, and you do not want to waste it being miserable, sick, and constantly worried about the future. If years of poor nutrition and excessive eating have resulted in being dangerously overweight, you need to seek professional help, and look into the potential of weight loss surgery.