If you’ve struggled to lose weight with diet and exercise alone and you want to live a longer and healthier life, you may be considering weight loss (bariatric) surgery. Nearly 200,000 Americans a year undergo some form of bariatric surgery, according to the latest data from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Severe obesity, where a person is at least 100 pounds heavier than their ideal weight for their height and age, is the second-leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. Bariatric surgery is often a life-saving procedure that also provides a better quality of life.
At Soma Weight Loss, we offer several types of minimally invasive bariatric surgeries. We’ve helped thousands of patients achieve their weight loss goals and maintain results long-term. Here are seven reasons why weight loss surgery may be an ideal solution for you.
1. You’re likely to lose a significant amount of weight
Total weight loss depends on a multitude of factors, including:
- The type of surgery you have
- Your habits after the surgery
- Your weight loss goals
Typically, though, weight loss surgery patients can expect to lose anywhere between 30 to 40 percent of excess body weight within just six months, as well as up to two pounds a week in the first six months. Within one year to a year-and-a-half, you should be close to achieving your total weight loss goal.
2. Your nutrition will improve
Weight loss surgery is not a magical quick fix. It requires healthy habits and nutritional maintenance in order to keep weight off. Patients must consume a specific amount of daily calories to maintain results.
The best way to manage a healthy diet is to eat low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, including lots of tasty fresh fruits and vegetables, which have heart-healthy benefits and boost immunity.
3. You gain a support group
Many clinics, including Soma Weight Loss, offer a weight loss support group to bariatric surgery patients after their surgeries. This allows patients to discuss their goals, identify challenges and offer encouragement to each other to stay on track after a surgery.
Support groups provide mental and emotional benefits for weight loss surgery patients who want to maintain their physical health long after the surgery.
4. Your longevity increases
Obesity doesn’t just affect your appearance; it can drastically shorten your life and cause debilitating conditions that negatively affect your daily moments.
Obese people have an increased risk of serious diseases and health conditions, including:
- Mortality
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Mental illness
Conversely, maintaining a healthy weight not only lowers the risk of these conditions, but it also increases your energy.
5. You acquire more opportunities
Carrying extra pounds can cause restrictions in many aspects of life:
- Flying on planes or riding public transportation may be uncomfortable.
- You may not be able to participate in rides at amusement parks.
- Working out or playing sports may be frustrating if your mobility is limited.
- Depending on the physical requirements at your job, you may not be able to take on specific roles or duties.
Significant weight loss can make daily life more pleasurable, including parts that you didn’t even realize are suffering.
6. Your confidence increases
A research review of 36 scientific studies on weight loss found improvements in body image and health are closely related to changes in weight, and psychological improvements are consistently concurrent with weight loss.
An increase in confidence after weight loss surgery isn’t always just related to appearance. Simply having the ability to pursue more activities or gaining the knowledge that your health has improved with healthy weight loss can provide a lasting boost of confidence. Depression and social isolation may also be alleviated with weight loss surgery.
7. You become a role model for healthy habits
Since proper diet and regular exercise are essential components of successful weight loss surgery, you will model healthy habits for other people who are close to you in your life. Whether you’re a parent, a romantic partner or a friend to others, the knowledge you gain and healthy practices you integrate into your routine can inspire those who are closest to you to adopt their own healthier lifestyles as well.
While there are universal benefits to weight loss surgery, there are also many advantages that ultimately depend on your unique circumstances. If you have questions about bariatric surgery or wish to schedule a consultation, contact Soma Weight Loss.
Ami Soma
Ami has served as the patient coordinator for Soma Weight Loss for over five years, and is responsible for calling new patients, discussing procedures and scheduling consultations and follow-ups. She assists patients with setting up financing for their procedures and advises patients on their non-surgical weight loss options.
