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Why Weight Loss Surgery?
Why Weight Loss Surgery?
Recent research reveals that conventional methods of weight loss generally fail to produce permanent weight loss. Several studies have shown that patients on diets, exercise programs, or medication are able to lose approximately 10% of their body weight, on average, but tend to regain two-thirds of it within one year, and almost all of it within five years. Another study found that less than 5% of patients in weight loss programs were able to maintain their reduced weight after five years.
In 1991, the National Institutes of Health determined that weight loss surgery is a reliable method proven to achieve significant, long-lasting weight loss in patients with morbid obesity. Weight loss surgery is simply a tool for weight loss. If you study any group of patients who have had weight loss surgery, you will see a wide range of success: superstars, sabotagers and everything in between. Some patients will lose a large amount of weight in the first year and others will lose very little.
Factors to Consider
While the adjustable gastric band is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, the pounds do not come off by themselves. The adjustable gastic band is an aid/tool to support you in achieving lasting results by reducing appetite, limiting food intake and slowing digestion. However, your motivation and commitment to adopt a new lifestyle is extremely important for successful long-term weight loss. New eating habits are cultivated for the rest of your life. Activity is an equally important component of a changed lifestyle.
Although it is true that weight loss surgery is less risky than remaining obese, it is important to understand that these operations are not without risks. As a rule, all operations have the potential for complications, and this operation is no exception. There is no such thing as zero-risk surgery; however, surgeons use modern surgical science and experience to minimize risk as much as humanly possible. You should carefully review the various weight loss operations and the risks and complications associated with each of them. Surgery is not an easy way to lose weight, but it is the only way for most obese persons to lose and keep their weight off long-term. If you are prepared to make fundamental changes in your approach to food and life, then weight loss surgery might be the right solution for you.
