Weight Loss Surgery: A Last Resort

Thinking about weight loss surgery? You're not alone. Over two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. Many are looking for ways to lower their bodyweight and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle. A fast surgical procedure seems like a great option. But, for the vast majority of people, weight loss surgery should be a last resort.

One of the most common types of weight loss surgery is liposuction, a procedure that removes excess fat from the waistline. Thousands of people - mostly women - undergo liposuction surgery every year. For many, it appears to be a much easier alternative to diet and exercise. Yet recent studies show that removing abdominal fat with liposuction provides almost none of the health benefits of "normal" weight loss: lowered levels of blood sugar, insulin and inflammation-related biomarkers, not to mention increased cardiovascular fitness, improved muscle tone, stronger bones, etc.

Another little-known problem with liposuction weight loss surgery: over 40% of patients regain the weight they lose from the procedure. Why? Simply because they make no healthy lifestyle changes. Some even believe that they can exercise less and eat more now that they have fewer abdominal fat cells. Obviously this isn't true and thousands of people find that out the hard way.

Other types of weight loss surgery are designed for the severely obese - generally those people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. These surgeries, which include gastric bypass and various "banding" and "stapling" procedures, have helped many formerly-obese people enjoy a higher-quality of life. However, all of these operations involve a considerable amount of risk.

Some of the risks associated with weight loss surgery include:

Death - According to the Mayo Clinic, about one in 200 to 300 people who has gastric bypass surgery dies from the procedure.

Post-surgery complications - Some weight loss surgery patients experience severe complications such as internal bleeding, infections, and blood clots. Others have to undergo follow-up procedures to correct complications such as abdominal hernias.

Gallstones - More than a third of patients develop gallstones as a result of losing large amounts of bodyweight following a weight loss surgery procedure.

Nutrient deficiencies - Some weight loss surgeries disrupt the digestion process. Without careful dietary supplementation this can lead to deficiencies in many important nutrients, especially vitamins B12 and D, iron, calcium, and folate.

Anyone considering weight loss surgery needs to weigh the risks against the benefits. They also need to realize that these extreme procedures are not cosmetic. Most patients only end up losing about 30% of their bodyweight and remain overweight for life. Simply put, weight loss surgery alone will not make you thin and beautiful. Yes, if you are extremely overweight, it may provide tremendous health benefits. But if you're just looking for a way to get thin without the "hassles" of healthy diet and regular exercise you better think again.

Jamie Clark is editor of fitFAQ.com, one of the Web's top fitness information sites. Learn more about healthy weight loss options by visiting http://www.fitfaq.com

---

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #4

How's the practicing going? Are you spending time each day... Read More

Weight Loss: The A Factor - The #1 Secret to Sticking to Your Weight Loss Program!

Twenty years ago, I did not expect to accomplish what... Read More

Want To Lose Fat? Eat More of This

If you've been working out with weights for any length... Read More

Four Common Mistakes that Overweight People Make

I am a Registered Dietitian who has spent over 10,000... Read More

How Water Can Help You Lose Weight Fast

Here are the 4 things you need to know about... Read More

Lose Fat by Choosing The Best Weight Loss Plan For You

Are you sick of the hype? Wondering what diet products... Read More

Smarter Eating

Dieting doesn't have to be a chore. Actually, you can... Read More

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss #1

I am so grateful that you're taking steps to take... Read More

An Introduction to Gastric Bypass Surgery

Obesity, once seen as akin to laziness and overeating, is... Read More

Gastric Bypass Surgery ? How Fast Will I Lose The Weight?

The gastric bypass procedure isn't for everyone, but those who've... Read More

Surviving September: The Dietary New Year

With summer completed and school back in session, it'll be... Read More

Tell Me - Do You Really Like Being Fat?

Once upon a time, I fretted about going to a... Read More

Diets Dont Work

Any doctor worth their salt will tell you diets don't... Read More

The Secret Key To Permanent Weight Loss!

With this key, I GUARANTEE YOU WILL LOSE ALL THE... Read More

Dont Blame Me If Im Fat!

In a culture of blame-shifting we often look for someone... Read More

The Psychology of Weight Loss: Part 4 ? The Power of Praise!

Your success in sticking with an exercise and weight loss... Read More

Is Obesity a Disease? And What Should Be Done About It?

You have noticed your obese friend suddenly slimmer. You want... Read More

When Emotional Eating Becomes an Eating Disorder

More and more people are starting to recognize that they... Read More

Dieters : Questions You Must Ask Yourself when You Want to Lose Weight

Now I know you're always asking yourself questions.You know the... Read More

Fibre And Weight Loss: How Closely Are They Connected?

The incidences of deseases like obesity, diabetes, colon deseases etc.are... Read More

Child Obesity ? Who is to Blame?

As we look around at the current generation of children,... Read More

On-line Weight Watchers Diet Helper for Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Mobile Phones

At the beginning of December, WeightWatchers.com announced the release of... Read More

A Weight Loss Secret ? The Art of Detachment!

Have you ever worried about something so much it paralyzed... Read More

How to Find Your Ideal Body Weight Part II

Body Mass Index (BMI)Body Mass Index is an accurate indicator... Read More

The Tao of Weight Watchers Part One

Weight Watchers inspired me to change my eating habits, lose... Read More

School for Overweight Teens

Getting Kids Moving - Help for Overweight TeensA residential school... Read More

Eat Out and Lose Weight -- 25 Easy & Healthy Tips for Dining Out

Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, and... Read More

Drink Beer AND Lose Weight

Want to shed that beer belly? Why not try the... Read More

Gastric Bypass Surgery, an Overview

With the number of people suffering from obesity rising so... Read More

Is Avoiding Sweets Driving You Nuts? Put the Nuts to Work for You

You can overcome the desires of your sweet-tooth by incorporating... Read More

Weight Loss and Water: The Unknown Secret

Weight Loss and Water: A Way to Make Your Body... Read More

Saboteurs to Your Weight Loss Plans

Saboteurs are people and thoughts that are going to sabotage... Read More

The Crazy Amazing Diet Maker

This past Christmas Season, as most of us stuffed our... Read More