Weight Loss Surgery

Those who are obese, and in particular morbidly obese, have few options for weight loss. Many have tried various diet plans with no success. Weight loss surgery gives them another alternative.

A misconception is that an obese person has no willpower or control. They could just stop eating if they want. That is not true. Obesity can be the result of medical or environmental conditions in which the person cannot control their weight. It seems that greater compassion is given to those who have an alcoholic or drug addiction than someone who is obese.

Weight loss surgery is major surgery. It should not be taken lightly. It is a life or death situation. Complications can occur. People who opt to have this surgery usually do it because they have medical conditions where being overweight is most likely a death sentence.

You may think the last statement is either pretty blunt or exaggerated. It is not. My personal weight loss journey included weight loss surgery. I was over 150 pounds overweight. My medical condition included Type II diabetes and high blood pressure. Prior to weight loss surgery, I gave myself two insulin shots each day and took pills for diabetes and high blood pressure.

Weight loss surgery is not an option that should be taken lightly and without a great deal of thought. Since a number of celebrities have had the surgery and made their change public, it has gained status. Remember this is not a quick fix or cure-all. It is a lifestyle change. And if you don't follow your doctor's advice, it will have major health consequences. Nutritional deficiencies can occur in those who have this surgery.

There are several different types of weight loss surgeries. The two most common are the gastric bypass (which I had) and the lap-band.

Gastric bypass weight loss surgery involves the stapling of the stomach. A portion of the stomach is made smaller. The intestine is rerouted so that your food consumption reaches only a portion of your stomach. The surgery is relatively safe and is done labroscopically.

The lap-band surgery is similar to the gastric bypass surgery. The stomach pouch is made smaller. The difference is that the stomach is not stapled. An adjustable band is used. The band can be completely removed or easily adjusted.

With either of these surgeries, you have to watch your food consumption. If you eat more than your stomach can hold, you will get sick. You also put your health at risk. Your weight loss program will be hampered.

There are rules you to follow after surgery such as the amount of fats, carbs, and protein intake you must have each day.

I had tried many diets and programs before my weight loss surgery. After I left the hospital, I did not take pills or have insulin injections for diabetes. In fact, my hemoglobin A1C ranges between 4.3 and 5.1. I still have to take blood pressure medication. My blood pressure is down from 145/100 to 122/79. I have lost over 120 pounds in the past two years. My goal weight is to lose 30 more pounds. I had arthritis in both knees prior to my surgery so my exercise program is limited. That's why it is taking longer for me to reach my goal weight.

You have to set goals for yourself. A part of the process before you have weight loss surgery is a psychological exam. You have to have confidence in yourself and be willing to make a lifestyle change.