The most important step in deciding to have weight loss surgery is getting all of the information you need to make an informed decision. This website is a good place to start. Other sources of information include:
Other Internet Resources
As with any search for medical information, be sure that your sources are responsible recognized experts in the field you are investigating. An excellent resource for weight loss surgery is the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
Other Patients
Talking to others who have taken the path you are now considering may help you understand what you need to know to make a decision you can be comfortable with.
Medical Professionals
The decision to have weight loss surgery should be made only after careful consideration and consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon. A qualified surgeon should answer your questions clearly and explain the exact details of the procedure, the extent of the recovery period and the reality of the follow-up care that will be required. Prior to surgery, you should also consult with a qualified Aftercare Provider for more information about life after surgery.
Remember, there is much misinformation about weight loss surgery that you may encounter from unqualified sources. In the end, your best source of information is experienced medical professionals who understand the special needs of weight loss surgery patients.
It is important to remember that there are no ironclad guarantees in any kind of medicine or surgery. While often an effective and potentially lifesaving option, weight loss surgery will only succeed when you make a lifelong commitment. Similar to conventional weight-loss methods, your ultimate success will still depend on your long-term commitment to behavioral changes and medical follow-up.
Further, some of the challenges facing a person after weight loss surgery can be unexpected. Lifestyle changes can strain relationships within families and between married couples. Changes with your self-image and your relationship with food will also need to be handled. A comprehensive Aftercare Program with good support can help you deal with these changes.
Ultimately, the decision to have the procedure is entirely up to you. After having heard all the information, you must decide if the benefits outweigh the side effects and potential complications. This surgery is only a tool. Your ultimate success depends on strict adherence to the recommended dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes.
