The COVID-19 pandemic impacted almost every part of our lives—including our waistlines. As we spent more time indoors and balanced ever-changing personal and family schedules, the struggle to lose weight became all too real, especially for people who have battled with their weight for their entire lives.
Now, as pandemic restrictions ease and a sense of normalcy returns, many people are taking a second look at whether weight-loss surgery can help them make lasting change. They’re wondering, is today the day to reconsider weight-loss surgery?
Why take a second look at weight-loss surgery now?
People investigate weight-loss surgery for many reasons. Some want to keep up with their children or grandchildren and not sit on the sidelines. Others want to reverse obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Others may feel limited in social settings and want to rejoin life activities with confidence. Weight-loss surgery provides a long-term solution for people who haven’t had success with traditional diets.
If your body mass index (BMI) wasn’t high enough to qualify for surgery prior to the pandemic, now might be a good time to learn if that’s changed. Use this BMI calculator. If your BMI is 40 or more—or if it’s 35 and you have other weight-related health problems—you may qualify for weight-loss surgery.
How do I make a decision about weight-loss surgery?
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, free information sessions are a great way to learn about the process, meet other people going through the same journey and discover whether it’s right for you. Grand View Health offers these sessions online.
Weight-loss surgery includes far more than just an operation. You’ll receive nutrition and behavioral health counseling to help you develop a healthier relationship with food. You’ll learn about which types of exercise are best for you and how much exercise you can handle at each point of your journey. The Grand View Health Bariatrics team, led by weight-loss surgeon Michael Fishman, MD, will guide you through the entire process and stay by your side at each step of your journey.
What if I don’t qualify for weight-loss surgery?
If your BMI is between 30 and 35, you may benefit from a medical weight loss program. These programs combine diet, exercise, behavior modification and medication to help you shed pounds and live healthier.
Are you ready to look and feel your best?
Learn more about weight loss surgery. Attend our free information session online at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5. Register now.
And if you want some motivation, check out these stories of local women and men who have benefitted from weight-loss surgery.