Bariatrics Is Not All Theatrics

If you've ever struggled to shed pounds, you know that losing weight is a personal journey. Whether you're simply trying to fit into those "skinny jeans" or you need to lose a significant amount of weight, no two patients will have the exact same goals when it comes to weight loss. For people who are morbidly obese, dropping a significant number of pounds may even be a matter of life and death.

There are a variety of approaches to losing weight. You may find that you are successful with diet and exercise alone, or you might consider supplementing a food and exercise routine with diet pills prescribed by a physician specializing in bariatrics.

In the most severe cases, weight loss surgery may be the only treatment option for people who have failed to lose weight through conservative means. The surgery involves the manipulation of the gastrointestinal tract to limit the amount of food you are able to eat and/or the amount of nutrients you are able to absorb.

Bariatric surgery should not be considered a cosmetic procedure or an "easy out" when it comes to weight loss. On the contrary, surgical weight loss procedures such as gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass are major surgeries reserved for individuals whose lives are in danger due to their weight or related comorbidities (simultaneous chronic diseases).

If you are considering bariatric surgery, talk to your primary care physician or a specialist to determine if you are a candidate. When evaluating you for the procedure, your doctor will consider the following factors:

• Body mass index (BMI) - Your BMI will need to be above 40 for you to qualify for weight loss surgery; individuals with a BMI of 35-39 may be candidates if they have a comorbidity.

• Weight-related health problems - Severe health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and vascular disorders that are accompanied or caused by obesity may merit the surgery.

• Past attempts at weight loss - You will need to have tried a range of conservative approaches to weight loss, including diet, exercise, and prescription medication, in order to be considered for bariatric surgery.

If you do meet the physical qualifications for weight loss surgery, your doctor will also evaluate your psychological outlook regarding the surgery, your expectations for recovery, and how you envision your life after the procedure. Be sure to talk openly and honestly with your doctor about the benefits of the surgery as well as the risks. These include:

• Infection
• Scar tissue formation
• Blood clots
• Respiratory complications
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Gastrointestinal system leaks
• Death

Keep in mind that bariatric surgery is not a "quick fix" when it comes to weight loss. While it can offer many people both a longer life and a vastly improved quality of life, it is important for patients to remember that postoperative weight loss will be gradual. The overall success of the procedure will depend on how committed you are to life-long health and wellness. Keeping the weight off permanently will require diet, exercise, and discipline in the long-term.