How bariatric surgery saved my life

For someone who has always struggled with their weight, losing the weight was my biggest struggle, not gaining it. But after years of working out and eating healthy, I still could not seem to get rid of the weight, no matter how hard I tried. It wasn’t until I discovered bariatric surgery that I was able to shed that extra weight and become a healthier person in mind and body as well as in spirit...

Before Surgery

I had always known that something needed to change. I felt tired, I had difficulty concentrating and it was hard to get out of bed every morning. For a while, I tried exercising regularly and eating well, but that wasn’t enough. At my heaviest weight, I was over 350 pounds—I would later learn that was considered morbidly obese and at risk for health complications such as diabetes and heart disease. When most people think about having weight-loss surgery, they worry about food restrictions or not being able to eat their favorite foods again.

After Surgery

I had no idea that when I went into surgery, I was going to be changed forever. There was so much more involved in recovering than I could have ever imagined, but I found that working on rebuilding a healthy lifestyle became less about weight loss and more about making positive changes for myself and my family. There’s been no greater motivation than getting back out there with our kids and finding physical activities we can do together. The only thing worse than losing a loved one is gaining extra weight from something you cannot control. Losing weight is hard enough, but it’s even harder to accept your body changes and what seems like your limited options for improving things for yourself.

Last Words

The one thing I can tell you, though, is to get your due diligence in order. When you’re dealing with a procedure that could kill you—or, at minimum, leave you bedridden for days or a few weeks—you need all of your ducks in a row. You need to research every option and be sure about each choice before you decide. I think that’s a good approach for any major decision. But, when it comes to weight loss surgery, getting prepared is even more important. Because once that decision is made, there's no turning back . . . only forward.

3 Bariatric Surgery Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Bariatric surgery isn’t right for everyone, but it can be an excellent option if you’re morbidly obese and have tried and failed to lose weight through traditional methods, such as diet and exercise alone. Still, there are plenty of myths surrounding bariatric surgery and its risks and benefits—most of which we debunked here—but there are also some misconceptions about what you should do after the surgery is complete. These three common bariatric surgery myths you need to stop believing will help make your journey more successful.

1) Did you know bariatric surgery can be covered by insurance?

You might be surprised to learn that bariatric surgery is covered by insurance. In fact, nearly 50% of all gastric bypass procedures are covered by insurance companies. This means that you may be able to get your surgery and lose weight without paying a dime out of pocket. According to recent studies, insurance can cover anywhere from 60-85% of your gastric bypass surgery costs. If you’re considering getting a bypass but worried about how you’ll pay for it, talk with your doctor about what kind of coverage is available in your area.

2) Did you know there are less invasive options available before even considering surgical options?

If you are considering bariatric surgery, you may have read about how incredibly effective it is in helping with weight loss. While you may be ready to take on such a big change, are you really prepared for what lies ahead? There are lots of myths about bariatric surgery that need to be debunked before you make a decision like whether or not it’s right for you. Many think that surgery is their only option if they want to lose weight, but in reality, there are less invasive options available before even considering surgical options. Although surgical options do work, they also come with risks—from nutritional deficiencies and gallstones to pulmonary embolisms and death.

3) Did you know some medications (such as heartburn meds) interfere with weight loss surgery?

Although these medications are available over-the-counter, it’s important that you check with your doctor before taking them if you have a scheduled weight loss surgery. And while they can help with problems like heartburn, they actually interfere with weight loss surgery by interfering with your body’s absorption of food. These meds need time in your system in order for them to be absorbed—if you take them immediately after eating, they could reduce your body’s ability to absorb nutrients properly and thereby affect weight loss. Talk to your doctor about your specific medications and when it would be best for you not to take them. Of myths surrounding bariatric surgery and its risks and benefits—most of which we debunked here—but there are also some misconceptions about what you should do after the surgery is complete. These three common bariatric surgery myths you need to stop believing will help make your journey more successful.