Healthy B.P.M.

The list of celebrities that have had some form of weight loss surgery is long and we all know the statistics. We know that the United States is one of the “fattest’ countries on earth. Shedding extra pounds and losing unwanted fat has been, for many years now, a national past time and a major dilemma for many. And certainly this is not just a problem exclusive to the United States but all over the world as well. As a society we’re bombarded daily with messages of eating healthy, taking the right supplements as well as get hot fresh doughnut and ice-cream to soothe your soul. Talk about mixed messages!!

We want to have our cake and eat it too. This is a problem, and the weight loss industry is adept at trying to help us find the solution. So we try different weight loss programs, weight loss medications and have visited many weight loss clinics. However, not all of these weight loss methods are effective. Now, because some are not satisfied with the run of the mill weight loss procedures, there‘s a more drastic one. Weight loss surgery has hit the ground running and has become a booming industry. With millions of people who are tired of trying different weight loss pills and diet plans, many have resorted to surgery. However, before you even think about consulting a doctor about weight loss surgery, it’s a good idea to know the pros and cons of weight loss surgery first.

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Although there have been some reports of the bad sides of weight loss surgery, it also has several benefits.

• Diabetes is resolved or improved in 90% of patients and their blood sugar glucose levels usually return to normal or near normal.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) improves in 78%, with most patients able to reduce their blood pressure medications within a few months.
• High cholesterol improves along with sleep apnea.
• And the biggest benefit is that the risk of death is decreased by 89%.

In addition, by losing weight the pain of arthritis is reduced, energy level increases as well as the enhancement of daily functional activities. Feeling better physically also does wonders for your mental and emotional well-being.

Now for the downsides. Please keep in mind that this is still surgery and with any surgery there’s a risk for complications. And if you’re talking about dropping 10-30 pounds this isn’t an option for you. Your BMI (Body Mass Index must be greater than 35 and you must have associated health risks like diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Some risks include: failure to lose weight, complications of surgery like hemorrhaging, leakage, perforation, or bleeding along the staple line, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and the possible need for body contouring; the surgical removal of excess skin.

Then there’s the cost. There are many different types of weight loss surgery and depending on a combination of factors, costs range from $10,000 to $40,000, and average out at about $25,000. If you think you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery, have a candid discussion with your doctor and by all means one with your insurance provider.

Once you’ve assessed the risk; talked with your doctor and insurance carrier, have a long talk with yourself. Are you emotionally ready for a radical procedure like this? Are you ready to make the lifestyle changes that go along with it? Weight loss surgery isn’t a license to go back to your old eating habits and sedentary ways. It is however a second chance on a better quality of life. Make sure you’re in the right frame of mind.