Be a Pillar of Strength
Survive the Emotional Aspects of Obesity
When it comes to dieting, some people have a very high failure rate. They do what is called yo-yo dieting – they lose weight, gain it back and start all over again. Add to the feeling of being a failure, the disapproval from friends and family, the mean glances or sometimes even a rude comment from strangers. School and the workplace are no different. Imagine feeling as though you were passed over for a job or a role in the school play because of your weight. Discrimination isn’t always so obvious. How would you feel if you got courtside tickets to a basketball game, went to a movie with friends or tried to visit them via a bus or airplane and couldn’t fit in the seats; you want these amazing jeans you found but are only able to shop in certain stores that cater to large people.

It’s no wonder a person gets depressed and anxious every time he is confronted with one of these situations – circumstances that thin people don’t have to go through. For those of you who get down on yourselves, remember that being overweight is not caused by laziness or lack of willpower – there are social, emotional, behavioral, hereditary and medical conditions which all can contribute to obesity. Get at the root of your particular problem – and get started! A new healthy you is just around the corner. Don’t let the naysayers delay your success – focus on your health.

Deal with the Social Effects of Obesity
Severely obese individuals tend to have higher rates of unemployment, and a lower socioeconomic status. People who don’t know any better assume that obesity stems from a lack of self-discipline, which will manifest itself in the company. For students this might come in the form on exclusion from social groups or clubs. Some kids will even skip school or social and even public places in order to avoid the ridicule they experience daily. People often miss out on their dreams or are held back because of weight issues. Acceptance is a large part of success and if a person is discriminated at school, the workplace or other social arenas, it seems better to avoid social interaction and escape any embarrassment. But that’s no fun. Ignore the hurtful and unpleasant remarks, and start enjoying life. People will learn that neither laziness, nor self-discipline is a factor when you are being active and getting healthy.

Weigh Your Options
When All Else Fails
So you’ve tried diets, gimmicks, pills, you name it. Nothing seems to work, or it does but only for a short time. Once you stop, the weight comes right back. And doesn’t it seem to come back with a vengeance? You lose 20 lbs and regain 35. Doctors suggest that if you’re seriously overweight, experience emotional issues, medical problems, and have exhausted all of the nonsurgical possibilities – pay a visit to your physician and discuss what others options there are. Weight-loss surgery is an option for some, but usually surgery is used as a last resort.

Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Surgery?

• Individuals with a BMI above 40 – 80 (women) or 100 (men) lbs or more over the recommended weight for their height and build
• BMI between 35-40, and with Type II Diabetes or some life-threatening medical condition related to obesity
• Weight problems interfere with employment, walking, and family function
• Those who experience emotional problems due to their weight
• People who can’t lose weight on their own
• Criteria a physician may also consider - Obese for at least 5 years, no history of alcohol abuse or depression, and between the ages of 18 and 65

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

• You will get immediate results – losing a substantial amount of weight rapidly. The weight loss will continue for 1 ½ to 2 years.
• Most people regain 5-10% of their weight back, but will maintain a long-term loss of roughly 100 pounds.
• The weight loss will improve most obesity-related health conditions
• You will have great success if you eat healthy and exercise
• There will likely be a boost to your self-esteem

Risks of Weight Loss Surgery

• More than 10% of patients need a follow-up surgery for damage control. Abdominal hernias are the most common complication.
• Breakdown of staple line
• Stomach will stretch out to its original size if you don’t carefully control portion size.
• Gallstones (build up of cholesterol and bile salts in gall bladder)
• About 30% develop nutritional deficiencies (Anemia, Osteoporosis, metabolic bone disease)

Cost Factor
A person can pay about $15,000 for the surgery – depending on where a person goes, medical bills could reach around $25,000. Any follow-up treatment can increase post-surgery bills to more than $100,000 when all is said and done. This depends on complications, nutritional supplements, medications, and other necessary surgeries. Of course, insurance differs by and state and provider.

Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Can I lose weight through non-surgical methods?
2. Do I have enough information to make an educated decision?
3. Am I willing to do make the necessary lifestyle changes to increase the success of surgery? Am I determined to improve my health?
4. Do I realize how my life will change (side effects, portion control, eating habits)?
5. Will I be able to handle serious complications, dietary restrictions, and plateaus (there will be weeks when you might not lose weight)?
6. Am I willing to deal with the lifelong medical follow-ups?