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Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?

Modern American society is being confronted head-on with the issue of obesity and the problems that is presents for individuals and society. Statistics show that more than 30% of Americans are overweight, and as many as 9 million are categorized at severely obese. Weight loss surgery is an option when all others have failed, and when an individual’s health has become endangered due to their excess weight.

For the majority of overweight people, losing weight can be done by combining a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen. Weight loss experts emphasize that an effective weight loss plan does not mean you are deprived of all tasty foods, or that you need to engage in back-breaking exercise routines on a daily basis.

I Have Tried Traditional Diets and Still Can't Get to a Healthy Weight

For those people who are clinically obese, dropping some extra pounds just isn’t that easy. Obesity isn’t simple to conquer, and can be a long-term problem for many people. For those who haven’t had success with traditional diet and exercise plans, weight loss surgery may be the ideal answer.

Since weight loss surgery is a serious medical procedure, there are numerous considerations that need to be taken into account before you make a decision to have the procedure. You need to educate yourself about the different types of weight loss surgery, and how they can benefit you, before you agree to have the procedure.

Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

To be a candidate for weight loss surgery, you need to have a Body Mass Index of more than 40, and be at least 100 pounds overweight, which is categorized as severe obesity. Being overweight to this degree can cause a number of physical and emotional issues. For example, you may have diabetes, heart trouble, and problems sleeping. It’s essential that you talk to your doctor before you decide to have weight loss surgery, as the procedure can exacerbate existing health conditions and leave you with ever more serious medical problems.

As with any type of procedure, weight loss surgery can affect your overall health and you will need sufficient time to recover from it. Your recovery period could be even longer than expected if you’re dealing with any other serious health issues. It’s a fact that the majority of people who have turned to weight loss surgery see it as their final option, as they have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight with other diet and exercise plans. These people have a variety of health problems, which they know are related to their weight, and they may feel that taking the chance of surgery is worth it. You should talk to your doctor about all of these concerns, but ultimately, you have to make the decision for yourself.

When you have made the choice to have weight loss surgery, there are many issues that you need to discuss with your primary physician, such as whether the surgery can be covered by insurance. In general, insurance companies will cover weight loss surgery if the individual can demonstrate that other types of surgery have been tried without success.

Not everyone who is overweight should have weight loss surgery; however, for many people it is the right way to lose excess pounds and regain their health.