The vast majority of morbidly obese adults have struggled with weight most of their lives. The memories of childhood taunts are still fresh on their minds. As adults, they may face disapproval from family and friends, sneers and negative remarks from strangers, and discrimination at work.
For these people, cosmetic issues may be the impetus behind the desire for surgery. For many, seeing the “before” and “after” photos of patients who have successfully lost weight makes it seem like looking better is the reason for having surgery. A desire to look good is never reason enough for surgery, however. Cosmetic benefits are only a positive side effect.
The main goals of surgery are to:
- Improve your health. Following surgery, the resolution and improvement rates for adult-onset diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease and hypercholesterolemia are remarkable.
- Improve your quality of life. Patients report that they not only get their life back, they get a life they never thought possible. Here’s what patients are saying:
“I have tons of energy. Everything is new and exciting for me now.” – Jill Mayfield
“My life after surgery has been a whirlwind of activity.” – Melody Helms - Increase your life-span. – Recent studies show that the risk of an early death for those struggling with obesity is twice that of a non-obese person. Following successful weight loss, the risk of death decreases by 89 percent.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery to fit into some “skinny jeans,” I ask you to also consider the benefits that improved health can bring to your life and the lives of the ones you love. To learn more, attend one of our free seminars to see if bariatric surgery is right for you.