Sometimes overweight since childhood, good candidates for weight loss surgery have tried everything -- Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, fad diets. None of them improved their quality of life. In fact, they usually just made it worse. Not only did they regain their weight, plus some, but felt bad about themselves each time they failed. Wondering if losing weight can really improve your quality of life?
Sometimes overweight since childhood, good candidates for weight loss surgery have tried everything -- Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, fad diets. None of them improved their quality of life. In fact, they usually just made it worse. Not only did they regain their weight, plus some, but felt bad about themselves each time they failed.
Wondering if losing weight can really improve your quality of life?
Of course, there's no simple answer to such a complex question. But I can tell you this -
Bariatric surgery can literally be lifesaving. It's estimated roughly 220,000 people underwent weight loss surgery last year in the U.S. Depending on the type of surgery, patients often lose 30% to 50% of their extra weight within six months after surgery.
Just like bariatric surgery is not a quick fix, neither is quality of life. Both are well worth working toward; not just for how you will look, and maybe more important, for how you will feel. You'll probably really like feeling better and being in better health. Weight related illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea are often resolved in people who have had weight loss surgery.
But surgery is just one of the tools you will need to improve your quality of life. Unless your weight gain was the result of something purely physical, you'll need to get to the source of what caused your obesity. For most people, overeating is a coping mechanism for unresolved emotional issues. Working with a mental health professional can help you to not only face down your emotional demons, but also help you develop new coping skills to keep you from turning to food the next time your emotions take over.
Successful bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or lap band) requires a commitment to life-long lifestyle changes. Choosing to eat nutritiously and to make exercise a regular part of your life is the real determining factor in getting to your goal weight and improving your overall quality of life.
This is why support groups are really important, too, reinforcing your commitment to a happier and healthier life. Participating in support groups is another key tool to succeeding in reaching your goal weight and maintaining it for the rest of your life. Access to people who have had bariatric surgery and are facing the same challenges can give you the encouragement you need when the going gets tough.
With the combination of weight loss surgery, good nutrition/exercise habits and emotional support & encouragement, quality of your life is already improved. Add to these benefits, your increased ability to actively interact with friends and family; playing basketball with your grandchildren, hiking with friends, and long romantic walks on the beach with your sweetheart. Imagine the accomplishments you will finally be able to achieve; running a marathon, changing careers for a better job, and wearing a swimsuit to the pool.
And here's what it really comes down to - Enjoy the changes in your life and actively participate with your loved ones to create the life you've always wanted!
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