Signs You Should Seriously Consider Weight Loss Surgery

While plenty of people are able to lose weight without resorting to weight loss surgery, sometimes weight loss surgery really is the best way to get control of your weight and your health. How do you know whether it's time to seriously consider a bariatric surgery like a gastric sleeve or gastric band surgery? Start by evaluating whether any of the following statements apply to you.

Your weight is causing other, more serious health problems.

Some people are able to remain in good health in spite of being somewhat overweight. However, if your weight has caused you to develop diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, or any other health conditions, then you are typically not one of those people. The best way to manage these weight-related diseases is to lose weight — and do so quickly. Weight loss surgery can be a great way to jump-start that weight loss before diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory problems get a whole lot worse.

You cannot live the life you want because of your weight.

In other words, is your weight keeping you from doing the things you love? If you are not able to play in the backyard with your kids, garden, ride a bike, swim, or engage in other activities that make you feel fulfilled and alive, then it might be time to consider weight loss surgery. Once you drop the pounds, you'll be better able to move around and be active, and that can really lift your spirits.

You're more than 100 pounds overweight.

Many doctors will perform weight loss surgery on patients who are less than 100 pounds overweight. But 100 pounds tend to be the informal barrier after which weight loss surgery really becomes more important. Losing 100 pounds is a whole different story than losing 20 or even 50 pounds. It's also a really long process, which means many people fall off the bandwagon before achieving their goal weight. Weight loss surgery can help ensure you stay the course and really do lose all of your excess weight.

Your mental health is being impacted by your weight.

Is your weight contributing to depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders? Mental health is just as important as physical health! Weight loss surgery can be a good way to break the cycle and help alleviate some of your depression or other mental health conditions. 

If you think weight loss surgery may be right for you, schedule a consultation with a local surgeon. They'll assess your health and lifestyle, and then recommend the best approach for you.