Enact Important Lifestyle Changes to Determine Success After Weight Loss Surgery

Recently, a new study has revealed that weight loss surgery will only be successful in full extent if people resolve to enact some important lifestyle changes. With many people staring down New Year's resolutions related to losing weight, some may be wondering if surgical weight loss is right for them. Dr. Ann Rogers, director of Penn State Hershey Surgical Weight Loss, says surgery was only a long-term solution for patients who also resolve to enact some important lifestyle changes.

Generally, experts recommend that people who are obese should have tried various forms of diet and exercise for at least five years before considering weight loss surgery. They should also have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater with at least one serious associated medical problem, such as diabetes.

Rogers said some people are afraid of bariatric surgery because of "horror stories" about complications they hear in the media or elsewhere. But for almost everyone, the benefits outweigh any risks.

Rogers pointed to three main keys to post-surgery success; first making better choices. Exercise and eating smaller portions have to be part of your lifestyle change in order to be successful.

Secondly, keep all the follow-up appointments with the physician and last maintaining a food journal.

Source-ANI