Weight Loss Surgery
If you are considering getting
bariatric surgery, you should realize that several distinct
procedures exist. They vary in the level of invasiveness
and risk, and only the morbidly obese (at least 100 pounds
over ideal body weight) qualify.
There is a lot of information about these procedures on
the internet, but the majority of it is biased. Medicine
is a business, and doctors who advertise bariatric surgery
on their websites may minimize the serious health risks
involved. When trying to find out more about this type
surgery, you will find it very difficult to find impartial
information on the internet. Many of the websites either
take a stance against or for the surgery without giving
fair treatment to both sides of the argument. To find
information on the internet about bariatric surgery, avoid
personal testimonials and individual doctor's websites
(or anything that looks like its trying to sell a procedure).
You might also want to read peer reviewed medical journals
if you have access. Once you are educated, you should
consult with your doctor to discuess whether surgery is
the best method of weight loss for you.
There are basically two
types of bariatric
surgery: procedures that alter the stomach, and procedures
that alter both the stomach and the intestines. Both induce
weight loss, but the variety that
affects both your stomach and intestines usually has better
long-term results. Neither is risk-free, and each has
possible complications and side effects that can last
for years after the surgery.