4 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Going In For Gastric Bypass Surgery

Being obese has serious health impacts. Those who are 100 pounds above their ideal body weight are considered to be morbidly obese, which carries grave consequences. The repercussions include increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and even certain types of cancers.

These health risks can all be life threatening or cause substantial disability. The World Health Organization (WHO) even cites obesity as a global problem responsible for 2.8 million adult deaths each year. A number of these individuals are increasingly turning to surgical procedures.

While solutions such as gastric bypass surgery can be an effective alternative, there are numerous factors to first take into consideration. Here are four questions to ask before continuing with the procedure.

1. Have you told your friends and family?

If you are seriously considering weight loss surgery, then your family needs to be involved in your decision. More specifically, you need to be clear about your reasons for gastric bypass surgery and to ask for their understanding. Some may not be able to empathize with you but they can also act as a support group and give you encouragement when you need it most.

2. Does your insurance cover it?

Weight loss surgery is expensive and can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $25,000. Depending on your health insurance policy, you may or may not be covered. And even if you are, you need to go through an entire approval process. And then there are out of pocket expenses which can include co-pay, medical appointments, nutritionist consultations, medications, medical tests and additional surgery if needed. If money is an issue, then financing may be available.

3. Have you thought of the consequences?

While it's tempting to think that gastric bypass surgery can solve all weight loss problems, there are also numerous health complications. These issues could stem directly from the procedure or is related to obesity related health problems. Every situation is different so it's important to first consider the consequences and what can be done on your part to decrease the risks.

4. How will you plan your lifestyle afterwards?

The weight loss surgery would be for nothing if your lifestyle habits don’t change. This means taking an honest look at your lifestyle prior to the surgery and what led to obesity problems in the first place. If you repeat what happened before, then you could very well be back on the same path. Consider hiring nutrition specialists and personal trainers who can help with creating an ideal schedule that fits your lifestyle.

Weight loss surgery is not a decision to take lightly but can be absolutely transforming. If you are thinking of having this type of surgery done, then be sure to really consider the questions above in detail.