How to Explore Alternatives to Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery should be seen as a last resort for weight loss, as it is a very serious surgery that drastically alters the anatomy of the digestive tract and requires a complete life change afterwards. Those who suffer from obesity should explore all weight loss alternatives before seeking out bariatric surgery. Read on to learn how to explore alternatives to bariatric surgery.

Instructions

1. Consult a psychologist to determine why you are overeating. While genetics has something to do with how much weight you gain, there are almost always underlying psychological reasons why you over indulge yourself with food. Discovering these issues and working to resolve them will make you more successful with losing weight.

2. Work with a nutritionist or dietitian. Creating and maintaining a healthy diet will help you lose weight. You will have to change how you eat after bariatric surgery, so you might as well try it before you opt for surgery.

3. Hire a personal trainer. People who work out with trainers are more likely to work out because their is someone else to be accountable to. If you don't show up for the gym, you are standing up the trainer.

4. Stop eating processed foods. Processed foods not only have more calories than fresh foods, they also leave you less satisfied. Eating healthy alternatives like organic fruits and vegetables will make you feel more full and help you eat less.

5. Consider a medically supervised liquid diet. Often bariatric surgeons will put patients on a pre-operative liquid diet to help them lose weight before surgery. If the liquid diet works you may not need surgery.

6. Join a weight loss support group or a program that provides a weight loss community. It is easier to lose weight when you are working with other people and are accountable to people other than yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't drink your calories. Drinking water or another beverage with no calories is a great way to cut down on your overall calorie intake without feeling deprived. Even switching to diet soda can make a big difference.

• Explore a new activity such as dance, swimming or martial arts. Choosing an activity that is both fun and good exercise will make you more likely to continue doing it.

• Explore weight loss alternatives and exercise regimens with your doctor before choosing them.

• Beware bariatric surgeons who see weight loss surgery as a first resort. If your doctor isn't willing to help you explore other options, you should find another doctor.