Obesity is a serious health problem associated with a number of life-threatening conditions. For a person who is obese, the importance of treating the problem and losing the weight cannot be overstated.
As stated by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity-related health conditions rank among the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S.
However, as any overweight person knows, losing weight is often easier said than done. Obesity is a complex chronic medical condition that can have a number of physiological, environmental, genetic, and emotional contributing factors.
Getting Medical Help
The good news is that you do not have to face it alone. There are a number of proven medical treatments for obesity, including bariatric surgery. If you are ready to make the commitment to treat and handle your weight problem, the first step is to consult with a knowledgeable physician or surgeon.
Deciding on the Right Treatment Options for You
Only you and your doctor can determine if weight loss surgery is the right choice in your particular case. It is important to realize that this type of surgery requires a lifelong commitment to succeed. You must be prepared to significantly change certain behaviors, including eating habits, physical activity, and lifestyle choices.
Surgery for obesity is often the last resort when all other treatment methods have failed. Other treatments for obesity include:
- Reducing calorie intake and making dietary changes
- Increasing exercise and physical activity
- Lifestyle changes to control environmental factors and reduce stress
- Weight loss medications
Before you and your doctor decide to proceed with bariatric surgery, it is important to ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I severely obese (BMI of 35 or greater)?
- Do a have a serious obesity-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes?
- Have I thoroughly explored other treatments, including diet and exercise?
- Are my expectations realistic for life after weight loss surgery?
- Will my family and friends be supportive of the treatment?
- Am I willing to do whatever is necessary to make the treatment successful?
Underlying Reasons Why Surgery May Be Your Best Option
According to the CDC, 36.5% of adults in the U.S. are obese. Several factors may be contributing to this national epidemic:
- Per the Metabolic Set Point Theory of Homeostasis, our bodies naturally tend to maintain a certain weight and adjust our metabolisms accordingly.
- Genetics determine the amount of hunger-producing hormones secreted into your bloodstream and how your brain interacts with them.
- We live busy lifestyles, with many demands on our time.
- Unhealthy foods are aggressively marketed and made to appear palatable and are easy to consume without preparation.
With these and other factors working against you, bariatric surgery may be the right choice. After consulting with a knowledgeable physician, your next step is to decide, with your doctor’s approval, on the best way to treat your obesity. Vadim Gritsus, M.D. has helped many bariatric patients change their lives and achieve their weight loss goals.
Vadim Gritsus, M.D. has been practicing general surgery in New Jersey since 2003. He is a recognized leader in the fields of laparoscopic and bariatric (weight loss) surgery. If you would like to find out if bariatric surgery is the right treatment option for you, call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gritsus.
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