Five Reasons Many Patients Finally Decide to Have Weight Loss Surgery

Deciding to have weight loss surgery is not easy. Many people consider it for a long time before eventually making the decision. Before taking the first step, many factors must be considered – watching a seminar or calling a bariatric surgeon. Several steps need to be taken, and criteria met before you can qualify as a candidate for weight loss surgery. But the decision is transformative. Like all life-changing decisions, there are risks and benefits to consider. You will also want to evaluate your reasons or motivation for getting weight loss surgery. Everyone should explore why they want to undergo weight loss surgery before diving into the surgical process. Here are five reasons most patients finally decide to have weight loss surgery.

Diet and Exercise Haven’t Been Working

Do you feel you have tried every diet and product on the market? Are you constantly on a diet to lose weight? Do you exercise consistently and still not see any physical results? Have you been trying to diet and exercise for years and can’t keep the weight off? You are not alone. Many people struggle with the same problem. It may be exhausting because this battle can often go on for years, even starting in childhood. Many kids and adults try hard to lose weight using diet and exercise alone but can’t find anything that works sustainably. Often, they may see results, but the method used to get those results cannot be maintained long-term. Eventually, after years of weight fluctuations, frustrations that may lead to bouts of depression, and more, many patients decide surgery is right for them.

Tired of Not Being Able to Keep Up with Others

One of the struggles of obesity is being unable to keep up with others. You may be enjoying a day out with friends or family, but you can’t sustain their pace in doing activities. You might need to take breaks more often or rest for extended periods. At the same time, others can keep moving and seem to have boundless energy. This is not just a physical struggle but also a mental one. Not being able to do what others around you can do often leads to anxiety and depression, which could cause you to avoid other fun activities or outings with loved ones. It’s often just too hard on you physically and mentally.

Boost Confidence

Often, we base our confidence on how we feel about ourselves physically. Unfortunately, our society has put a lot of pressure on us to look a certain way. And though some media outlets have become more aware of this in recent years and made changes, there is still a long way to go. If we don’t feel good about ourselves, we can struggle to feel good about ourselves on the inside. This conundrum can lead to more suffering. The fact is that human beings come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. We are all unique, and no one is perfect. Our society puts too much emphasis on physical appearance, which can lead to people not feeling good about themselves. With that being said, there is a point where excess weight becomes unhealthy, and simple medical science shows us that maintaining a normal BMI is critical to long-term health – both physical and mental.

To Live a More Fulfilling Life

Is your weight holding you back from doing something you want to do? You are not alone. Many people don’t pursue their passions because of their weight. For example, you may love horses and want to go horseback riding, but you notice that many people who ride horses are smaller. The same goes for rides at a theme park or even getting on an airplane. These are just some examples of how being overweight can hold someone back from doing what they want.

The Health Consequences of Obesity

Above all else, we know that being overweight negatively affects health. Our health is one of the most critical aspects of our lives because if we aren’t healthy, we can’t do the things we love or spend time with the ones we love. Obesity is linked with several medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, cancers, and more. These conditions can make our lives more complicated and shorten them. Losing weight can help reduce your risks of illness and help you live longer.

Despite the many proven benefits of bariatric surgery, it is not suitable for everyone. You need to be in the right state of mind and ready to change your life comprehensively with a long-term outlook. You can’t pursue this simply to look better. It has to be a decision made for your health and with absolute certainty that you are ready to change your life.

Remember that bariatric surgery, no matter how successful the procedure, can be undone if you are not compliant with the post-op lifestyle changes. Of course, the first step to understanding whether bariatric surgery is right for you is watching our online seminar and scheduling a consultation with Dr. Higa. From there, you can understand which procedure may be best and take the next steps.