What is your ‘why’?
One of my favorite questions for patients, who schedule a consultation with me is, what is your ‘why’? Why do you want to lose weight? Why are you taking the first step towards weight loss surgery?
There are a few reasons why patients may consider bariatric surgery over medication-assisted weight loss:
Effectiveness: Bariatric surgery has been shown to be more effective at producing long-term weight loss compared to medications. In fact, research has shown that bariatric surgery can result in significant and sustained weight loss, with some patients losing up to 70% of their excess body weight.
Health benefits: In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery can also lead to significant improvements in health. For example, bariatric surgery has been shown to improve or resolve conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Durability: While weight loss medications may produce some initial weight loss, the weight loss is often not sustained long-term. On the other hand, weight loss from bariatric surgery is generally more durable, with many patients maintaining their weight loss for 5-10 years or longer.
Personal preference: Ultimately, the decision to undergo bariatric surgery or try medication-assisted weight loss should be based on the individual patient's needs and preferences. Patients should discuss the pros and cons of each option with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
It's important to note that bariatric surgery is a major procedure and is not appropriate for everyone. Patients should carefully consider the risks and benefits of surgery and discuss their options with a healthcare provider before making a decision.
Not bad, ChatGPT!! Well articulated!
