Considering Weight Loss Surgery?
There is absolutely no question - weight cycling is very frustrating. There is no question that achieving permanent weight loss is a serious challenge. Unfortunately, the stats for keeping the weight off more than three years - what we call successful losers - are less than stellar. Just know, yes, it is possible but requires serious, relentless vigilance, but it can be done. Here are the keys to success for successful losers.
-
1)Exercise a minimum of 6 days per week, 60-90minutes per session. Cardio respiratory & resistance training.
-
2)Eat a diet rich in fruits & vegetables
-
3)Eating a low calorie diet, monitoring fat & sugar
-
4)Weight themselves regularly
-
5)Consistency - no going off and on diets
-
6)Portion control
-
7)eat breakfast every day
Let me briefly explain the fat cell. Fat cells do not go away. They shrink. We over eat - they are oh so accommodating to start growing again. We also know now they spew nasty chemicals - which beckon the camaraderie of other fat cells to grow & spew. Yes a very simplified description of very complicated biochemistry - but you get the point - they remain with you to haunt you and pack on the pounds. This is one of the many reasons our kids obesity rates are so deadly. We know obese teens have a better than 70% chance of being obese adults.
The Simple fact is: The metabolic functioning, biochemistry, physiology of fat loss is extremely different for someone who has never been obese, Vs someone who has been obese. The paradigm of nutrition & exercise is drastically altered once a person has been obese. The biology of the once obese person wants to drive the weight back up. Maintaining remarkable fat loss is commitment to an uphill battle - YES- it can be done - but it takes fitness fidelity to a life long focus & pledge.
There are many television shows today that show remarkable weight loss stories. Kudos to the successful participants. However, there is much that goes on behind the scene, that we have to consider plays a role in this phenomenal weight loss. These contestants do hours upon hours upon even more hours of cardio respiratory, endurance exercise. They have the ultimate food preparation, and every aspect of their lives is monitored during their time on the show. Unfortunately, this does not match up with the day to day lives of most of us. The scientific fact is, people who have been obese have a much more difficult - greater challenge keeping the weight off.
This DOES NOT say that people who are obese should not exercise - au contraire. It is MUCH HEALTHIER to be an exercising, fit obese person than obese with no exercise. However, to keep the fat off - is a seriously monumental task, that takes devotion & loyalty, every day of our lives.
Weight loss surgery has evolved light years. Recently, I have had the pleasure of becoming very familiar with gastric banding (most popular form of weight loss surgery) from the #1 rated weight loss surgeon - Dr. Ariel Ortiz of the Obesity Control Center. Dr. Ortiz trains many of the surgeons around the world & lectures worldwide. I am in awe how simple this surgery has become due to mastery of the procedure and how successful it is. However, people have to remember it is NOT a “get out of jail for free card”. There is tremendous onus & life long commitment to a healthy active lifestyle. Yes the surgery gives you the tool to accomplish the weight loss - but it is attainable & maintainable.
Whenever we make a decision in life - we have to weigh out the pros & cons. Of course there is always risk, however, we do know the risks of obesity. It is a deadly disease that is the gateway to a plethora of diseases - affecting every organ system of the body. Obesity is more than risk - it is the ticket for chronic illness. Surgery can improve or resolve more than 30 obesity-related conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, hypertension and high cholesterol.
Another aspect of obesity that is rarely discussed is its impact on mitochondrial dysfunction. Our mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells - and more and more every day scientists are discovering the omnipotence of our mitochondria over our health, aging, & metabolic functioning. Suffice it to say, our mighty mitochondrion are paramount in our health & our existence - obesity & type II diabetes wreak havoc in their functioning. Endurance exercise - a serious commitment of time & effort - is the very best way to strengthen their power. Unfortunately, all of our chronic illnesses associated with obesity destroy their power.
Many studies have been done around the world comparing the mortality rate between those who opted for weight loss surgery, and those who remain obese. Every study confirms - Bariatric surgery increases lifespan, as compared to those who do not have surgery by 89%. Risk of premature death can be reduced by 30-40%. Risk of death by diabetes goes down by 90%, cancer 60%, heart disease over 50%.
