Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?



Posted: Monday, April 25, 2011

by Art Gib

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States with many millions of people trying desperately to lose the weight and keep it off. Diet programs and clinics abound with billions of dollars spent in that never ending quest. Most dieters drop out or quit highly strict and impractical diet programs long before reaching their weight loss goals. Of those who do stick with it and lose the weight, more than 90 percent gain the lost weight back and more within a year or two only to try again with the next popular diet that comes along. This yo-yo dieting is hard on the body and perhaps even harder on the emotions and self-esteem. Repeated diet failures make people feel like they are the failures rather than the diets - a feeling that too often extends into every area of their lives.

For those who are severely overweight and who have tried lifestyle changing diets and exercise without long-lasting success, weight loss surgery may be an answer. This method has come a long way in the past few years making it a less drastic option for those who need to lose the weight for their physical and mental health. Candidates for bariatric surgery are those who have had a high body mass index for five years or more and have tried traditional methods without success. People who suffer from a life-threatening or disabling condition due to their obesity or those who suffer a genetic condition causing obesity are also good candidates. Most patients are between the ages of 18 and 65 but some adolescents may be considered for This surgery as well.

Weight reduction surgery alone will not result in permanent solution, so realistic expectations are required for a successful outcome. After surgery, patients will lose weight and often very quickly to reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions and improve general health. However, lifetime behavior modifications are also required to meet the health goals and to keep the pounds off in the future, including making wise dietary choices and implementing a healthy exercise program. Most clinics offer educational and support programs to help their patients achieve successful, permanent solutions.

Some medical insurance policies will cover the cost of weight loss surgery or part of the cost. If you think bariatric surgery may be right for you, talk to your insurance company and consult with a bariatric surgeon. It can get you off that roller coaster and change your life forever.

gastonreport.com is an cosmetic and surgery blog. For more info visit http://www.gastonreport.com/
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