Your Weight Loss Journey

Weight loss surgery is a procedure which can permanently change your body. There are risks to undergoing the operation just as there are health risks to living with morbid obesity. While bariatric procedures have improved and even saved thousands of lives in recent years, you should keep in mind the physical, emotional and financial implications of having the surgery.

The decision to have bariatric surgery requires careful thought and should only be made when all options are considered. You should seek as much information as possible on weight loss treatments by researching reliable sources, speaking with your primary care physician and attending a bariatric surgical seminar. Ultimately, a consultation with a bariatric surgeon and undergoing the prerequisite tests are necessary to confirm your eligibility for bariatric surgery.

You should also ensure that the surgery can be paid for. Speak with the bariatric program’s financial and insurance specialists to see if your are covered for the procedure or if self-pay financing is a viable option. Sometimes it is helpful to compare the costs of the surgery to the cumulative costs of living with obesity.

It is important to be prepared for the emotional impact of bariatric surgery as well. Communicate with your spouse or significant other, family, friends and other loved ones about the procedure and how the dramatic weight loss may change your life. Support groups are available to address these concerns and are highly encouraged by many surgeons.

Ultimately, you are the only one who can make the final decision to undergo bariatric surgery. However, this does not mean you should make the choice completely by yourself. Seeking support and information will help you decide the best course of action.