Is Bariatric Surgery The Choice For You?

Weight loss is a sensitive subject for a number of reasons. Many people feel ashamed by their need to lose weight. They shouldn’t be; by recognizing that you need to lose weight, you’re taking the first step down a road to a healthier you. But the greater issue perhaps — and the reason behind much of that shame — lies in the fact that many find themselves unable to lose weight no matter how hard they try. They work out, they change their lifestyles, and they even change their diets; but it’s just not working. With over two out of three adults in the U.S. being considered overweight or obese, it’s undeniable that diet and exercise doesn’t work for everyone. Some people need a push in the right direction. Others simply can’t lose weight through traditional diet and exercise, even if they try their best. This may be due to a genetic condition. Some find it difficult to exercise due to excess weight. In these such cases, medical weight loss can be the only option. Medical weight loss solutions include a variety of different bariatric surgeries. Weight loss surgery options are varied — they just require the right doctors, research, and plans. Let’s look into whether or not weight loss surgery is an option for you, and if so what your options may be.

Is Weight Loss Surgery An Option For You?

Before even consulting weight loss doctors, you may want to consider whether or not you’re ready to take this step. Be honest with yourself about your weight, and whether or not you’ve tried other options. The fact is that few reputable weight loss doctors will approve this kind of surgery without knowing that it’s necessary. Weight loss surgery doesn’t have as many risks as other surgeries, but it is a surgery and will affect your life in the long term. Are you obese? You can determine that by weighing yourself and doing some simple math and research. Obesity is categorized as weighing at least 20% more than what is considered normal for your height. Are you ready for the long term lifestyle changes required after weight loss surgery, and for that matter can you handle the average weight loss surgery cost? Bariatric surgery insurance may help in a big way. In fact, many people whose regular health insurance doesn’t cover this kind off surgery find bariatric surgery insurance a must. Some doctors will not do this kind of surgery without knowing that the patient has bariatric surgery insurance. It’s unlikely that, even if your case is extreme, a doctor will do the procedure pro bono; so look into bariatric surgery insurance well head of time.

What Are The Benefits Of Weight Loss Surgery?

Perhaps you already know that bariatric surgery is an option for you — you’re just worried about taking advantage of it. If so, this is understandable. Weight loss surgery can be intimidating. It’s true that there will be discomfort during recovery. It’s also true that the surgery won’t fix all of your problems. You will have to make some lifestyle changes to lose and keep the weight off. But most importantly, weight loss surgery will change your life in a good way. It could even save your life. Gastric bypass, for example, has been documented to have helped people keep 50% excess weight off 10 years following the surgery. That is a major change, and a great one for that matter.

What Kinds Of Weight Loss Surgeries Are Available?

First of all, listen to your doctor when he or she recommends a certain surgery. But ask questions too. For example, there may be many gastric sleeve success stories out there — but your doctor may not think it’s the right surgery for you. Gastric bypass is the oldest weight loss surgery on the market. However, procedures like the lap band surgery and the gastric sleeve procedure have many pros in their favor too. Do your research, ask your doctor — and good luck!