Why Weight Loss Surgery?

by Dr. Stephen Watson Laparoscopic and General Surgeon Specialising in

Losing weight is never easy, but it can be even more difficult with obesity. It can also be more important then because of the health conditions associated with obesity.

Obesity is associated with health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnoea, hypertension, high cholesterol, acid reflux disease, hernias, and arthritis. Your doctor may have even recommended laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery, but recommended weight loss first. Besides decreased energy and restricted movement, obesity can alter your lifestyle and keep you from having better health and the quality of life you deserve.

If you need to lose more than 100 pounds, you probably want to lose weight and regain your overall better health. The methods you have tried may not have worked well, or maybe even not at all. Unfortunately, the longer you carry the extra weight, the longer you are at risk for other health problems.

What Have You Already Tried?

You may have already tried a variety of approaches to lose weight. There are many diets to choose from, exercise programs, diet pills, medically supervised weight management programs, and behavioural modification. Usually, these are not fully successful for obesity. You may have lost a few pounds, but they’re usually not effective in getting you to your goal weight or for long-term success.

How Can Weight Loss Surgery Work Where Other Methods Have Failed?

One of the most effective weight loss methods available is weight loss surgery. Combining weight loss surgery with lifestyle modification is effectively not only to get patients to their goal weight, but to keep it off long-term. Most patients lose the most weight in the 1-2 years after the surgery, and they have the potential to lose all the excess weight with the proper lifestyle changes.

Weight loss surgery does not just help with your weight. It has been shown to alleviate or even eliminate health conditions like diabetes and sleep apnoea. Your risk for all of the health conditions named above is reduced after weight loss. You may also need fewer medications and be hospitalized less for illness when you lose weight. You may then have more success with other treatments like laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery. Your increased mobility and mood will give you a better quality of life. You will be able to be more active. If you are depressed, weight loss surgery may improve your state of mind.

Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

One of the most common questions is whether you are a candidate for Weight Loss Surgery Procedures Perth.

You may be a candidate if:

• You weigh at least 100 pounds more than your ideal body weight.

• Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 40, OR your BMI is 35-40 and you have certain obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea.

• You were not successful with a medically supervised weight loss program.

• You are well-informed and motivated.