How Do I Know If I Am Ready for Bariatric Surgery?

Think of the activities you do on a daily basis and add up the ways that excess weight impacts your life. Can you tie your shoes without feeling as if you ran a mile? Can you easily sit in any chair that you come in contact with, or do you choose to stand rather than draw attention to yourself in a crowded room. Shopping becomes an unwelcome activity as it forces you to acknowledge that your size is creeping higher each year. How many fun family adventures are you just a spectator in, because your joints and flexibility won't allow you to get on your knees or sit on the floor, hike a trail or climb on a horse? If the quality of your life has suffered from any of these, you have some thinking to do.

These alone are not indicators for surgery, but when added to medical conditions like Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea and High Cholesterol that are often the consequences of excess weight, you may want to consider Bariatric Surgery as an option. A recent study, reported in JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association), shows a 73% remission rate of type 2 Diabetes in patients undergoing Adjustable Gastric Banding. Similar results can be obtained with other Bariatric procedures as well.

It's not for everyone and should not be pursued unless you've made every effort to lose weight by other means. But if you have, then you owe it to yourself to research this option. There are healthcare professionals at St. Francis Weight Loss Center who can offer education, at no cost, to help you make an informed choice. Surgery or Non-surgery, it's your choice, but medical intervention can help in ways that commercial programs can't. If you need help you can call toll-free, 888-887-5553 to find it.