Two common misunderstandings about people struggling with morbid obesity are: Being morbidly obese is the result of a lack of self-discipline, and that dieting and exercise are all you need to lose weight. Well, it’s just not that simple. A person’s genes, as well as metabolic disorders, have also been shown to be factors in causing morbid obesity for many people.⁷⁷ Culture can also play factor, especially when inexpensive, unhealthy food and conveniences that reduce energy expenditure are readily available.

For someone who is overweight by 100 pounds or more, trying to lose weight can be a frustrating and disheartening process. In fact, traditional methods like diet, exercise and modifying behavior may prove unsuccessful in helping morbidly obese people lose weight and keep it off over time. For those who have tried traditional methods and failed, weight loss surgery can be an effective option, having been shown to provide the longest period of sustained weight loss when compared to other methods.⁷⁸ One recent study showed that 2 years after patients underwent bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), they had lost and kept off 59% of their excess body weight. ⁷⁹

To be clear, this kind of surgery isn’t for everyone. Only a bariatric center, which should include a multidisciplinary team, can evaluate your individual circumstances and determine if surgery is right for you. Beyond the physical requirements, weight loss surgery requires you to make a strong commitment to change your life and to begin a new healthy and active routine.

If you are considering weight loss surgery, there are several different bariatric procedures that can be performed. The most common of these are:

• Gastric Banding
• Gastric Bypass
• Sleeve Gastrectomy

It’s always important to get as much information as you can before undergoing any surgical procedure. This site can help give you a more in-depth understanding of your options as well as questions for your doctors and additional resources. For more information, please visit  www.Realize.com.

Bariatric Surgery Online Q&A Session

On June 13th, EES and the Obesity Action Coalition hosted a live online question-and-answer session to provide an opportunity for those with questions about bariatric surgery to connect with a surgeon and have their questions answered in real time. Go to www.LetsTalkObesity.com to check out the questions and answers featured during the session.

Site References

If you have been struggling with your weight and think you may be a candidate for surgery, your doctor is your best resource for understanding your specific situation. Your doctor is there to help you decide the best option for you. Here are some questions you can use to get the conversation started:

• Am I a candidate for weight loss surgery?
• What should I consider / what is involved with a surgical procedure for weight loss?
• How would I benefit from weight loss?
• What are my best weight loss options now?
• What are the next steps I should take?
• Which weight loss procedure do you recommend?
• Can you refer me to a bariatric surgeon?
• What should I look for in a bariatric surgeon?