Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Gastrointestinal surgery is the best option for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. The surgery promotes weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some operations, interrupting the digestive process. As in other treatments for obesity, the best results are achieved with healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activity.

People who may consider gastrointestinal surgery include those with a body mass index (BMI) above 40—about 100 pounds of overweight for men and 80 pounds for women (see table 1 for a BMI conversion chart). People with a BMI between 35 and 40 who suffer from type 2 diabetes or life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems such as severe sleep apnea or obesity-related heart disease may also be candidates for surgery.

You should consider the following. If you are then comfortable with your decision to have WLS, you should research and become familiar with all aspects of each weight-loss procedure.

Can you comply with the therapy and follow up that is so necessary after weight loss surgery?
You have to follow the directions of your surgeon, especially diet, exercise, labs and office follow up. The surgery is a tool only. Results are only as good as your use of this tool. It would be disastrous if one depends on the surgery alone to "take care of the obesity". There will never be a break in following the guidelines set forth by your surgeon regarding diet, exercise and follow up. You are making a life-long commitment.

Are you looking for the surgery for the right reasons? Do you just want to look better?
Bariatric surgery is NOT done for cosmetic reasons. It is always done to improve failing health. If you meet the medical criteria, you are doing it for health reasons. Feeling better is the goal, looking better is a nice "side effect".

Have you made many attempts at weight loss?
Only you can decide if you have reached the point where you have exhausted all other options to lose weight. You are making a serious decision that only YOU can make, once you feel you are well informed about the risks and benefits of weight-loss surgery.

Are you comfortable with your decision? Are you apprehensive?
Once you are feeling comfortable with your decision to make a lifestyle change forever and you know you can do it, you are ready. If you know exactly and feel comfortable with how the surgery rearranges your digestive system and the short and long-term risks of bariatric surgery, you are ready. If you have found a surgeon that you feel very comfortable with, you are ready. If you are apprehensive about the whole process, you are normal!!