The truth is that weight loss surgery should be seen as the last alternative to consider because it can be invasive and there are alternatives that you should consider first. There is no reason to go through surgery when there are weight loss surgery alternatives that can be considered first. This includes lifestyle changes (like exercising and dieting) and even using weight loss medication. There are even some procedures that are far less invasive and that can help.
The fact of the matter is that you need to try other things first before you go through a surgical procedure. This can help you jump-start your road towards a healthier you. You do not always need surgery in order to boost your health by losing excess weight. If you lose just 5% of the bodyweight you have right now, you might gain benefits like reduced:
- Blood pressure
- Cancer risk
- Heart disease risk
- Diabetes risk
- triglycerides
Modest weight loss will also:
- Improve the sensitivity of your body to insulin.
- Slow the disease progression of osteoarthritis.
Losing Weight Before Considering Weight Loss Surgery
To put things as simple as possible, in order to lose weight, you have to:
- Eat the right quantities of healthy foods.
- Build muscle.
- Become more physically active.
- Make important lifestyle changes so that weight loss can be maintained.
Always talk to your doctor before any weight loss program is started. This is particularly important if you take medication or you have a health problem. There are cases in which doctors will recommend that you talk to other qualified medical professionals, like physiotherapists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and dietitians.
Besides this, be sure to consider the following.
Choose Healthy Foods
Your diet needs to be made out of healthy foods. With fad diets, you lose weight fast but this type of diet is not at all sustainable for a long time and weight will most likely be regained. Reduce your weight gradually through smart lifestyle changes and always eat good healthy food sources.
Increase Physical Activity
A weight loss program is incomplete without physical activity. You need to increase how much physical activity you do in order to enhance your cognition, mood, strengthen muscles, heart, boost self-esteem, and improve balance.
When you are not used to performing physical activity, starting can be challenging. In such a situation, you need to start by doing moderately intense exercising for around 30 minutes per session. Try to have at least one session per day. If it is impossible to dedicate half an hour to physical activity, start by around 10.
Find activities that you can enjoy but make sure joints are not overtaxed. Some great examples to take into account include:
- Water aerobics
- Walking
- Mall walking
- Gym exercising
If all that was mentioned above does not work, the GP might prescribe weight loss medication. Also, it is an option to consider less invasive, newer procedures that are considered to be better than regular bariatric surgery.
Regardless of what you decide to do, remember that weight loss is always possible. Your doctor can help you.
