Surgical weight loss, also called bariatric surgery, refers to a number of procedures that can help morbidly obese individuals lose weight. These procedures have received a lot of attention in the media in recent years. This guide will help answer some of your questions about this type of surgery, including a discussion about who may be eligible.

Surgery can help reduce important health risks in obese individuals. However, the surgery itself has risks and should not be undertaken lightly. Before considering surgery, you should work with your physician to make lifestyle changes to lose weight. These include changes to your diet, eating habits, and level of physical activity. If these measures are not sufficient and you decide to have surgery, all of these healthy habits must be maintained after the surgery as well.

I. Introduction

Step 1: Understanding morbid obesity

Step 2: The health risks of obesity

Step 3: Treatment overview

Step 4: How weight loss surgery might help

II. Surgical Options

Step 5: Gastric bypass surgery

Step 6: Vertical banded gastroplasty

Step 7: Laparoscopic adjustable banding system

III. Post-Surgical Care

Step 8: Nutrition

Step 9: Exercise

Step 10: Lifestyle changes

Helpful Handouts Body mass index - chart

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