Can Weight Loss Surgery Work?

Thursday, July 10, 2008 by Samer Mattar

At first glance, the formula appears straightforward: if you consume more calories than you burn, they will be stored as fat. You would think the reverse is also simple: if you consume less food, you will lose weight. Yet, many individuals struggle all their lives trying to achieve this simple equation.

Severely overweight individuals suffer through numerous diets, losing weight temporarily, only to regain all their lost weight, and then some more. Over the years, the pounds relentlessly add up, resulting in the emergence of various diseases, severe limitation of activities, and an overall deterioration in the quality of life.

As a bariatric surgeon, I am familiar with the limitations imposed by being overweight. I know how obesity affects every aspect of life. I know that it is associated with numerous medical diseases, and that it robs individuals of the ability to enjoy many daily activities. But I also understand the challenges of achieving and maintaining dramatic weight loss.

Through patient education, various treatment methods, intensive individualized and group support, and numerous other activities, weight loss surgery can be an effective way for a person to achieve his or her weight loss objectives. However, it is not an easy way out.

Long-term success depends on an individual’s full participation in the program. The patient must assume the role of a team player. Experience has taught me that the most successful patients, those who lose a large amount of weight, and keep it off, are the ones who actively seek to understand how the surgery works, the associated risks and benefits of the operations, and recognize the importance of following nutritional and lifestyle guidelines.

I hope that this post has given you a better understanding of how professional and family support and a “can do” attitude relates directly to successful outcomes in weight loss surgery. Please continue to use this blog as a resource to learn even more about bariatric surgery and weight loss support.

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