When Weight Loss Is More Than a Fad: 3 Things to Consider If Obese

They’re on TV, in magazines and all over the Internet: Stories about the latest way people shaved off fifty pounds, twenty pounds or even as few as ten. Seeing the latest weight loss fads thrown in your face when you have a serious weight problem can impact your frame of mind and self-esteem. But losing weight isn’t about becoming more appealing to others—whatever those advertisements say. It’s about becoming healthier and achieving a healthy amount of weight that will enable you to get the most out of life.

Ignore the diet fads if those measly ten pounds won’t make a significant impact on your health. Speak to a doctor about your best weight loss options and begin by exercising and changing your eating habits under a doctor’s guidance. Of course, for many people with significant weight problems, exercise is difficult or painful. A doctor can discuss some low-impact exercises you may be able to complete or refer you to a surgical specialist so you can get to a weight that will enable you to exercise after your recovery from the surgery. Contact the surgical specialist directly if you think you’ll need surgery in order to increase your mobility. The sooner you get started on your significant weight loss, the sooner you’ll start living a happier, healthier life.

Bariatric Surgery

Surgery may seem like an extreme option, but it’s entirely appropriate for many obese people. The kind of weight loss you need to achieve to enjoy better mobility may not be possible without surgery or will otherwise be much more difficult without it. You have enough to deal in order to lose weight without having to fight yourself along the way. You need to get to the point where moderate exercise isn’t painful or difficult, and your hunger from eating reduced portions isn’t distracting. Bariatric surgery can help you achieve both, and it’ll significantly reduce the amount of time it takes you to lose weight.

There are multiples types of bariatric surgery that may be suitable for you; speak to a surgeon specialist about the option that will work best for you. Some involve removing part of the digestive track while others involve only bypassing it. Either way, it’ll become more difficult for your body to absorb calories, and your appetite will decrease.

Aquatic Exercises

Used in conjunction with bariatric surgery (once you’ve recovered from the initial surgery) or on their own, aquatic exercises can prove extremely helpful to someone who finds exercise painful. The water makes your muscles and body work harder burning more calories while softening the impact on your joints and bones. Aquatic exercises are among the most beneficial low-impact exercises out there, especially for people who struggle with weight. Look for a program at a nearby fitness club or better yet, a physical therapy center, which may be better equipped to safely and securely get you in and out of the water.

Reduce Temptation

Your family or roommate may moan about it being unfair, but ask everyone to cooperate when it comes to your weight loss by enacting a "no junk food policy" in your home. Even if they don’t need to lose weight, they’ll have more energy and be overall healthier if they cut out junk food, too. When food that’s not on your diet isn’t within reach, you’ll find it easier to lose weight.

Stop thinking of yourself as trapped inside your own weight. You can absolutely get to a healthy weight, even when the fads don’t work. Work with a doctor and a surgeon specialist to plan your significant weight loss plan, and you’ll enjoy greater mobility and a better quality of life sooner than you ever imagined.

About the Author: Hal Petersen is a counselor from Florida who works with people who are or have been overweight to overcome their self-esteem issues. If surgery is feasible, he recommends you find a dedicated surgery practice for the best experience.

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