Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?

Written by Jane Long

According to recent statistics, 62% of Americans are overweight. As shocking as those numbers are, 32% of citizens are considered obese. So, what is the difference? Besides, what is the big deal? Society should accept people who do not have the perfect figure. But, being excessively overweight is a problem because it can actually lead to other health problems that can ultimately become life-threatening. So, if you need to lose more than a few pounds, how do you find out if weight loss surgery is right for you?

Anyone who needs to get rid of a few pounds will tell you that it is a whole lot easier to gain the weight than it is to shed those extra inches. But, for those that are clinically obese, it could mean the difference between life and death to lose the fat. It has nothing to do with being judgmental against those that have the less than perfect figure.

For example, if you are overweight, you are at risk for:

•    Diabetes
•    High Blood Pressure
•    Sleep Apnea
•    Osteoarthritis
•    Gastric Reflux
•    Infertility
•    Respiratory Problems
•    High Cholesterol
•    Heart Problems

As you can see, the list is pretty scary. If you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery, chances are you are probably already experiencing one or more of these serious health concerns.

Not for the Faint of Heart

Weight loss surgery is not for the faint of heart. It is definitely not the easy way out, when it comes to getting rid of a lifetime of weight gain. Anyone who thinks people who elect to have this operation are weak and lazy does not have a clue. No one can simply walk into a doctor’s office, ask for the surgery, and miraculously lose 100 pounds seemingly overnight.

The surgery is only the beginning of a complete lifestyle change and a lot of hard work to achieve good health. A bariatric procedure is basically a last resort, to get control of weight, before other diseases and illnesses result in death or permanent disability. Only those patients that are willing to begin the arduous and life changing regime will even be considered for the operation.

The True Test

Once you find a physician that is willing to consider bariatric surgery, you will have to undergo a whole battery of tests. The health risks of your weight will be assessed, as will you ability to withstand the operation. Regardless of the procedure selected for your particular circumstances, it is no walk in the park. In simple terms, the doctor will basically be altering your digestive tract.

When the surgery is complete, you will no longer be able to eat for social purposes. Food will have to become nutrition only. Instead of 3 big meals a day, you will have to eat very small portions several times a day. In addition, you will not be able to consume your normal foods for some time. For example, for the first few weeks, patients are on a nutritional liquid diet, as the body heals and adjusts to the internal alternations.

Because the changes to your body, lifestyle, and eating habits are going to be so drastic, you will also need to undergo psychological testing before a doctor will agree to perform the surgery. You will not be able to return to your normal activities and habits for a long time. In fact, some will be gone forever. So, if you tried to eat the same foods as before, even in smaller portions, you could get sick or put your very life in jeopardy. The question is: will you pass the true test?

A Support System

You meet the criteria for needing weight loss surgery; you have passed the psychological exams; you are all set for the procedure, right? Wrong! With bariatric surgery, you will need a support system in place for recovery and when life has returned to the new normal.

In the beginning, you will definitely need help to accomplish some everyday tasks. For instance, you might not be able to vacuum or drive for awhile. It depends on the type of surgery and your doctor’s instructions. But, if he/she says to avoid an activity-listen. You do not want to create an emergency health situation.

But, you will definitely need a support system after you have healed. You will need someone who will encourage you when the going gets tough. When you can no longer eat much-loved foods or pile your plate at Thanksgiving, it will get hard. You will also be dealing with swift weight loss, followed by plateaus. Depending on your circumstances, you may need surgery to get rid of loose skin. You will need someone to tell you it was worth it, when you are no longer sure.

So, is weight loss surgery for you? Only you and your doctor can answer that question. But, if you are clinically obese and have other dangerous health problems, it may be worth your consideration.