What I really think about weight loss surgery

Bariatric surgery, commonly called weight loss surgery, is one of those “touchy” issues for many dietitians. We like to preach healthy eating, lifestyle change, and encourage our clients to keep on going. For so many clients this is a perfectly appropriate approach to  weight loss goals. A dietitian can coach clients through those changes and many will see results.

But what happens when a client has 80 pounds, or 180 pounds, that they’d like to lose? What happens when their blood sugar is out of control and causing damage in the body? Or when someone’s lost a lot of mobility and can no longer walk from their home out to the car to do errands, what are their options?  Should dietitians encourage them to just “keep on going”?  These individuals might be able to lose significant weight over the course of years through diet …but should they wait that long when their health could be improved dramatically in a shorter time period?

For five years I worked in an outpatient diabetes center. When I saw clients that were preparing for bariatric surgery, some felt ashamed and felt surgery was a last resort. Many were told by others that it’s an “easy way out”.  After counseling hundreds of clients, I can tell you that the vast majority wrestled with the choice to pursue surgery and they did not see it as an easy way out.  When a client decides to pursue surgery and meets with me, it is 100% my job to support them and advise them so they can see the best results for their health.

Of course, there are risks with any surgery and weight loss surgery is not for everyone.  It is , however, a valuable tool  in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.  If you’re considering bariatric surgery, preparing for surgery, or post-bariatric surgery, you are welcome at Chesapeake Nutrition Company!