| If you're currently more than 80 pounds overweight, it | | | | just need a group of your peers to help you out. |
| probably feels like you've reached the end of your | | | | There are a variety of ways you can get the help you |
| rope when it comes to losing the weight. At this point, | | | | need -- everything from 12-step groups such as |
| you may be feeling that your only solution is to | | | | Overeaters Anonymous to HMO sponsored weight |
| consider subjecting yourself to weight loss surgery. But | | | | loss support groups. |
| I'd like to urge you to consider some alternatives to | | | | 2. Get Professional Help |
| weight loss surgery before you take such a dramatic | | | | Whether you need some psychiatric counseling or |
| life-altering step. | | | | simply need to speak with a nutritionist about designing |
| Weight loss surgery dramatically alters the shape of | | | | a unique weight loss plan for you, often a professional |
| your digestive tract and significantly impairs its ability to | | | | hand is just what you need. I'm sure your own doctor |
| function, but it is definitely no magic bullet for weight | | | | would be happy to make a referral. |
| loss. It will still require a ton of work on your part to | | | | 3. Try a Bariatric Surgery Diet |
| lose weight after the surgery. You'll still need to change | | | | After weight loss surgery, and often before surgery, |
| your behavior about how you deal with food. The | | | | the doctor is going to put you on a very restricted diet. |
| consequences of not doing so are severe gastric | | | | Frequently, it is some form of liquid diet that is used |
| distress, and for some the weight may eventually all | | | | during the initial recovery period because your stomach |
| come back. | | | | will not be able to handle solid food. This is how you |
| Instead of subjecting your body to what is essentially a | | | | actually lose weight after surgery -- by dieting! So why |
| way of punishing yourself for "bad behavior", I think you | | | | not try the post bariatric surgery diet without having |
| should treat yourself kindly. So think about exploring | | | | the surgery? |
| some of these alternatives before you schedule an | | | | If you've been discussing surgical options with your |
| appointment to see a surgeon. | | | | doctor, talk to him or her about the weight loss diet |
| 1. Join a Support Group | | | | that's used with bariatric patients. You may find that |
| It can be very difficult to lose weight without support, | | | | this diet will allow you to lose the weight, ultimately |
| especially if you have a lot of weight to lose. | | | | making the surgery unnecessary. |
| Sometimes you need counseling and sometimes you | | | | |