SHOULD I OR SHOULDN’T I? THE BIG QUESTION BEFORE BARIATRIC SURGERY
June 15, 2020
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This dilemma is faced by many before the decision to opt for bariatric surgery.
It is common for the mind to be flooded with doubts – Do I need it? Isn’t it better to try diet and exercise one more time? Is it worth the expense? What if something goes wrong? And so on.
The underlying reason for such questions is that bariatric surgery is an elective procedure and not an emergency surgery. Or, at-least that’s what it may appear like.
Obesity is a dangerous disease and so are the co-morbidities associated with it. Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, respiratory irregularities and other disorders that affect the healthy functioning of the vital organs are all linked to obesity.
For those obese patients from BMI 32 and above who already suffer from some of these associated ailments, bariatric surgery will help lose excess weight as well as the ailments existing due to obesity.
For those with BMI of 37 and above who may not be yet displaying the evidence of the co-morbid diseases, it is important to remember that obesity is like a ticking time-bomb which may explode any moment. In these cases bariatric surgery will help prevent these co-morbidities from afflicting the body.
It is a myth that bariatric surgery is an expensive affair. It costs no more than any other surgery in its class. Secondly one-time cost of bariatric surgery is much cheaper when weighed against the accrued lifetime costs of medication and doctor visits to treat obesity-related co-morbidities.
NObesity Center of Excellence for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery recognizes that it may not be an easy step to opt for bariatric surgery, Hence assists its patients to take informed decisions through the entire process from the first consultation to a lifetime of free follow-up care. A team of bariatric surgeons, dietitians, and psychologists work in team to tend to the unique needs of each patient.
While, ‘Should I or Shouldn’t I’ is a relevant question, the answer should not be based on gut feel or hearsay. Consult a specialist center to address all doubts rationally before opting for this life-changing procedure.
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