Choosing Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is major surgery. While most patients at the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Newton-Wellesley Hospital enjoy an improvement in self esteem and appearance, health benefits and prolonging life are the major goals.

What To Consider In Your Decision

It is important to remember some key ideas when considering weight loss surgery:

• You should make the decision to have weight loss surgery only after careful consideration and consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon.
   

• Patients should attend the instructional meeting  given by a qualified bariatric surgeon to answer your questions clearly and explain the exact details of the procedure, the extent of the recovery period and the reality of the follow-up care that will be required.

• Weight loss surgery will only succeed when the patient makes a lifelong commitment to health.
   
• There are really no ironclad guarantees in any kind of medicine or surgery - there can be unexpected outcomes in even the simplest procedures.
   
• Although rare, there is always a risk to your health, even the risk of death, when having weight loss surgery.
   
• Lifestyle changes can strain relationships- you should participate in follow-up care that includes support groups and other forms of continuing education. You are encouraged to bring your support person with you to meetings.
   
• Ultimately, the decision to have the procedure is entirely up to you. After having heard all the information, you must decide if the benefits outweigh the side effects and potential complications. This surgery is only a tool. Your ultimate success depends on adherence to the recommended dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right For Me?

Are you:

1. unlikely to lose weight or keep weight off long-term with nonsurgical measures?
2. well informed about the surgical procedure and the effects of treatment?
3. determined to lose weight and improve your health?
4. aware of how your life may change after the operation (adjustment to the side effects of the operation, including the need to chew food well and inability to eat large meals)?
5. aware of the potential for serious complications, dietary restrictions and occasional failures?
6. committed to lifelong medical follow-up and vitamin/mineral supplementation?

Remember: There are no guarantees for any method, including surgery, to produce and maintain weight loss. Success is possible with cooperation and commitment to behavioral change and medical follow-up for the rest of your life.