Should I Have Weight Loss Surgery?
Obesity is a common problem in the United States and around the world. You may be one of the many people who have struggled with diet and exercise to lose weight, with little success. You may be considering weight loss surgery as an option to improve your health and quality of life. But is surgery the right choice for you? And what are your chances for success?
Defining success for bariatric surgery
When it comes to defining success for bariatric surgery, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Because bariatric surgery is tailored to the individual, it’s important to discuss what success means for you with your doctor. Success might mean different things for different people. It could mean losing a specific amount of weight, or it could mean gaining more energy and being able to do more activities. For some people, success might be defined as being able to stop taking medication for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Whatever your definition of success may be, make sure to discuss it with your doctor so they can help you create realistic goals.
National and international rates of success for bariatric surgery
It is important to remember that bariatric surgery is not a quick fix, and that patients should have realistic expectations about the surgery and its results. With that said, the national and international success rates for bariatric surgery are quite high. Recent studies have shown that approximately two-thirds of patients who undergo bariatric surgery will lose at least 50% of their excess body weight. Moreover, many patients will maintain their weight loss long-term, making bariatric surgery one of the most successful methods for treating obesity.
Why weight loss surgery may be the best option for you?
So, you've tried every diet and weight loss plan under the sun and nothing has worked. You're considering weight loss surgery as your last resort. But is it really the best option for you? The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors, including your weight, general health and how much you're willing to change your lifestyle. If you have a BMI of 35 or greater or have a serious medical condition related to obesity, then surgery is likely to be the most successful option for you.
There is also an important factor called “your set point”. If you have been at your current weight for 3 years or longer, it is less likely that you reach a healthy weight with diet and exercise alone. This is a complicated topic that continues to be studied through extensive research. Latest studies show that bariatric surgery is the only option that resolves that “set point'' due to hormonal changes resulting from surgery.
Remember, weight loss surgery is not a quick fix but a tool that can help you lose weight and keep it off long term. With that in mind, it's important to be 100% committed to making healthy changes in your lifestyle both before and after surgery.
Are You Motivated to make lifestyle changes?
After surgery, weight loss can be influenced by your ability to change your diet and level of physical activity. Being in a good mental state is important for following the diet and lifestyle modifications required for weight loss surgery.
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you should have weight loss surgery:
Are you motivated to make positive lifestyle changes, set goals and educate yourself about healthy nutrition? Is important that you are motivated to make dietary changes, and engage in exercise or mobility efforts.
Make a list of past diets and exercises that you've tried to lose weight, and how they impacted weight loss attempts. Did they help you or hinder you? Identify and log your struggles and needs from a surgical perspective so that you can prepare for bariatric surgery. If any particular diet worked, most likely you will be successful after bariatric surgery as you have identified what works for you. Is important not to reinvent the wheel and every person is unique.
Eating irregularly, meaning not having a set meal routine or not at all may contribute to obesity. Irregular eating patterns can lead to binge eating, night time eating and/or grazing between meals. Eating disorders are also linked with other conditions like mood problems and mental health issues. Log your meals for about 4 weeks and identify if this is an issue that needs to be taken care of.
There are many non-dietary factors that contribute to obesity, including those related with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. This is because you may think they want to eat more when they don't feel like themselves or find foods to make you feel better when feeling sad or having an emotional void. If you're suffering from these conditions it can be hard to practice mindful eating and self-control. When logging meals, add on a side note your feelings at the time. After 4 weeks you will be able to identify if this is affecting you and incorporate small changes that will help you after weight loss surgery.
Alcohol, smoking or drugs can make weight loss surgery less effective and you may not qualify for weight loss surgery. Start making changes now, small steps at a time until you build a new routine.
How to increase your chances for success with bariatric surgery
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances for success with bariatric surgery. First, be sure to have a realistic view of the surgery and its potential outcomes. Understand that the surgery is not a "magic bullet" and that you'll still need to make healthy lifestyle changes post-surgery in order to see results. Choose a qualified surgeon who has experience performing the procedure you're interested in. Attend pre-operative and post-operative counseling sessions, and follow all of your surgeon's instructions carefully. Finally, be patient—the best results often take time to achieve. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve the success you desire with bariatric surgery.
What to expect after bariatric surgery
Most people who have bariatric surgery lose weight quickly in the first few months after the surgery. However, as the body gets used to the new way of eating, the rate of weight loss tends to slow down. This is normal and doesn't mean that you're not losing weight. In fact, many people continue to lose weight even after the initial rapid weight loss has tapered off. It's important to remember that you need to eat healthily and be disciplined with your food choices if you want to keep the weight off for good. After surgery, you will need to follow a strict diet and exercise plan in order to maintain your results. Speak to your surgeon or dietitian about a plan that's suitable for you.