This is a very sensitive subject today as there is a lot of stigma attached when people decide to have surgery to lose weight.
Why?
Well I guess there are people who have their opinions on why those who choose to have the surgery haven’t done something about their weight through diet and exercise.
However, it’s not quite as easy as that.
I’ve studied obesity and diabetes management and done a lot of case studies. There is no simple answer as to why people put on weight and then keep eating more and more.
It can be linked to people’s emotions, their environment, their genetics, their financial situation and more.
It can be very easy for someone who is a ‘normal’ weight to criticise people who are overweight or obese. In fact, some comments can become quite cruel at times.
Maybe it’s easy for some people to control their eating – they eat 3 main meals a day plus a snack here and there. Plus they exercise and keep active. Brilliant – for them.
This is not something that comes naturally to a lot of people. They can struggle with food choices, portion sizes, exercise and daily activity.
Emotions can take over and suddenly they are in a constant calorie surplus, leading to further weight gain.
If their environment is conducive to choosing the ‘wrong’ types of food, they will consume these foods and the weight gain spirals out of control.
Do you think then that they want to exercise? Or even go jogging (or walking for that matter) in their local area?
In my experience, weight gain = loss of confidence = an increase in negative emotions = more food consumption.
It’s a vicious circle.
This is the time when some people think about weight-loss surgery. It feels like their ONLY solution. They feel alone in this and the surgery becomes a life-saving option.
Gastric-band surgery has more than trebled in the past 3 years and there’s no doubt that there is a good success rate, meaning weight loss and a decreased risk of diabetes.
That is the plus side.
BUT 1% of operations prove fatal. Now, 1% doesn’t seem a lot but would you RISK it?
That is the down side.
Some people often see this as a quick-fix when they haven’t tried the healthy eating option or the exercise route. I’m sure that this could be a solution before considering surgery for a lot of people.
I feel that education plays a large part here. Maybe we just don’t know enough about food, calories, portion sizes, carbohydrates, protein, fat and so on.
Let’s face it though; controlling your weight is such a complex issue. What works for one person may not work for another.
I do think there are ways to deal with your weight before even considering gastric bands – it should only be a last resort for the heavily obese who have already made serious attempts to lose weight for at least a year without success.
Women with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of under 40 should never consider this type of surgery – it is not worth the risk.
I studied exercise and nutrition to help as many people as I can in their quest to find their ideal body weight and shape.
I realise what I do isn’t easy as there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.
However, the women who I’ve helped have all used diet and exercise effectively to reduce their weight and live a much happier life as they feel more in control, more confident and more motivated.
Imagine putting on weight to such a point that you feel there is no option but to consider surgery?
Well, speak to me first and I may just be able to help.
I have nutrition plans and activity programmes that could help you before you consider surgery.
You can start by downloading my FREE nutrition plan – just download it HERE