Undecided about having Bariatric Surgery

A decision to have bariatric surgery is very personal and very important. It will change your life in an irreversible way for the most part. Being careful with a decision like this is the right thing to do. You should research the various surgeries and the various surgeons. Then you and the surgeon should, together, agree that weight loss surgery is the best choice you can make.

Considerations at this point:

• Can you comply with the therapy and follow up that is so necessary after weight loss surgery?
  You have to follow the directions of your surgeon, especially diet, exercise, labs and office follow up. The surgery is a tool only. Results are only as good as your use of this tool. It would be disastrous if one depends on the surgery alone to “take care of the obesity.” There will never be a break in following the guidelines set forth by your surgeon regarding diet, exercise and follow up. You are making a life-long commitment.
• Are you looking for the surgery for the right reasons? Do you just want to look better?
  Bariatric surgery is NOT done for cosmetic reasons. It is always done to improve failing health. If you meet the medical criteria, you are doing it for health reasons. Feeling better is the goal, looking better is a nice “side effect.”
• Have you made many attempts at weight loss?
  Only you can decide if you have reached the point where you have exhausted all other options to lose weight. You are making a serious decision that only YOU can make, once you feel you are well informed about the risks and benefits of weight-loss surgery.
• Are you comfortable with your decision? Are you apprehensive?
  Once you are feeling comfortable with your decision to make a lifestyle change forever and you know you can do it, you are ready. If you know exactly and feel comfortable with how the surgery rearranges your digestive system and the short and long-term risks of bariatric surgery, you are ready. If you have found a surgeon that you feel very comfortable with, you are ready. If you are apprehensive about the whole process, you are normal!