Obesity is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. While lifestyle changes and anti-obesity medications can help some people lose weight, they may not be enough for those who have severe obesity or obesity-related medical conditions. AdventHealth bariatric surgeon, Michel Murr, MD shares why in such cases, bariatric surgery may be an option to consider.
Newer anti-obesity medications are being widely, but they are not accessible to many people because of their high cost and lack of insurance coverage. Weight recurrence is very common after people stop taking these medications. And therefore, I recommend bariatric surgery as a long-term solution for obesity.
Bariatric surgery is a term that covers different types of procedures that reduce the size of the stomach such as in gastric sleeve and divert food away from the stomach such as in gastric bypass. These procedures can help people lose weight by limiting the amount of food they can eat and by altering the digestive hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. Bariatric surgery puts into remission some obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix or a magic solution, the key to success is lifelong commitment to healthy diet choices and an active lifestyle. 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.
Bariatric surgery can be life-changing and lifesaving. At the end of the day, losing weight is 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.
A thorough medical evaluation by a bariatric surgeon can help to determine the best procedure for your specific health conditions. If you are interested in learning more about bariatric surgery, visit MyBariatricCare.com
