Weight loss takes effort, commitment and the awareness that we’ll have to change our lifestyle in order to succeed. Simply put, weight loss is challenging and there’s no way around it. But it’s worth it for your lifelong well-being.
While some people think of weight loss surgery as “the easy way out” and judge it harshly as such, we’re here to remind you that it’s only part of the bigger picture toward whole health, and that those who commit to weight loss surgery are also committing to a brand-new lifestyle. That’s certainly not the easy way out and they should be commended for their courage.
Why Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a tool that can get you on the right path and help you lose weight quickly. But it’s not by any means a shortcut. You’ll still have to do the work to not only lose the weight but to stay healthy and fit once you’ve hit your goal. Falling back into old habits such as unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle might mean you gain some of the weight back.
Here are four reasons why bariatric surgery is not a shortcut, and how it can improve your whole health with life-changing benefits by keeping the right frame of mind and staying proactive in your lifestyle.
It’s a Major Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a major surgical procedure. Although done using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy, weight loss surgery is still a significant procedure that leads to serious changes to your body and how it functions. It might entail completely removing up to 80% of your stomach or creating a bypass of the stomach that allows malabsorption.
No matter what surgical approach you and your doctor take, weight loss surgery has many of the same risks and complications as other major surgeries.
It's a Tool, Not the Whole Toolbox
Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix to get a better-looking body. It’s a tool that can help facilitate weight loss. You’ll still have to take excellent care of your body, even more so after a major surgery. You’ll need to provide it with the right fuel to function at its best and stay in tip-top shape, including plenty of protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy if you want to improve your health and have positive outcomes. You’ll also need to get plenty of physical activity after weight loss surgery.
With a commitment to healthy living, not only will you look better on the outside, you’ll also feel better from the inside out. And that’s what’s most important for your long-term health.
It’s a Lifelong Commitment
On top of committing to a healthy lifestyle, bariatric surgery patients must also commit to an intense preparation period before their surgery. They’ll also need to work with a dietitian and a mental health counselor before their surgery. It’s also required to take the precise amount of vitamins and minerals that their bodies need every day so they don’t become deficient, which could have serious or even life-threatening effects. They also must continue to follow up with their bariatric surgeon for life to check up on their health. While this may seem overwhelming, our team is here to help you connect the dots and support every patient along the way, both before and after surgery.
It's evident that patients who undergo bariatric surgery are dedicated, motivated individuals who are serious about making a positive change in their lives. They are an inspiration.
It’s a Whole-Health Solution
At the end of the day, losing weight shouldn’t be about image. It should be about reaching your highest health potential so you can live a life you love. Think of weight loss surgery as a whole-health solution for the long term rather than a short-term quick fix.
Request a consultation with our team of caring experts to learn more about how we can support a healthy, happy you. You deserve to live your best life.
