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Choosing Surgery
Weight loss surgery is major surgery.
Although most patients enjoy an improvement
in obesity-related health conditions (such
as mobility, self-image and self-esteem)
after the successful results of weight loss
surgery, these results should not be the
overriding motivation for having the
procedure. The goal is to live better,
healthier and longer.
That is why you should make the
decision to have weight loss surgery only
after careful consideration and consultation
with an experienced bariatric surgeon or a
knowledgeable family physician.
A qualified surgeon should:
- Answer your questions clearly
- Explain the exact details of the
procedure
- Discuss the extent of the recovery
period and follow-up care
Your surgeon may, as part of
routine evaluation for weight loss surgery,
require that you consult with a
dietician/nutritionist and a
psychiatrist/therapist. This is to help
establish a clear understanding of the
post-operative changes in behavior that are
essential for long-term success.
It is important to remember that
there are no ironclad guarantees in any kind
of medicine or surgery. There can be
unexpected outcomes in even the simplest
procedures. What can be said, however, is
that weight loss surgery will only succeed
when the patient makes a lifelong
commitment.
Some of the challenges facing a
person after weight loss surgery can be
unexpected. Lifestyle changes can strain
relationships within families and between
married couples.
To help patients achieve their
goals and deal with the changes surgery and
weight loss can bring, most bariatric
surgeons offer follow-up care that includes
support groups, dieticians and other forms
of continuing education.
Ultimately, the decision to have
the procedure is entirely up to you. After
having heard all the information, you must
decide if the benefits outweigh the side
effects and potential complications. This
surgery is only a tool. Your ultimate
success depends on strict adherence to the
recommended dietary, exercise and lifestyle
changes.
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