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Health-Threatening Weight May Require Surgical Solution
For most people, a combination of diet and exercise is the best way to lose weight. But if you’ve tried everything—and still can’t
shed excess pounds or keep them off—you may want to consider weight loss surgery.
Weight loss surgery is also called bariatric or gastrointestinal by-pass surgery. The treatment is an important health option for
some people with severe obesity—those who are at least 100 pounds more than their ideal weight. Your doctor also may recommend
the operation if you suffer from a weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.
There are several different types of surgical procedures to help you lose weight. For example, one method makes the stomach smaller
to restrict food intake. Another more common technique makes a bypass around a portion of the small intestine. With these methods,
the body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients from the digestive system.
What Are the Benefits?
People who undergo weight loss surgery can lose 60 to 70 percent of their excess weight within the first 12 to 24 months. And
many people keep the pounds off.
After surgery, blood sugar levels improve in virtually all of those with type 2 diabetes according to the American Diabetic
Association. More than 85 percent of people with high blood pressure also have fewer symptoms.
Other benefits include:
- improved self-esteem and body image
- increased activity level
- reduced depression and anxiety.
Surgical weight loss isn’t for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you think you may need surgery to lose weight.
Together, you can decide if it’s the right solution for you.
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