Perhaps you have been battling obesity most of your life. This is the biggest and most important struggle that millions of people face today. If you want to extend your life and greatly increase its quality, losing some of those extra pounds can be the best thing you can do. Yet, it can be almost impossible and that is why many people are turning to weight reduction surgery. Here are some of the good and bad things you can expect.

Good Things from Weight Loss Surgery - Most people that have a gastric bypass or lap band procedure lose a significant amount of pounds. In fact, it is about the best way to insure that you enjoy long term success. You will not be able to overeat and this is an effective method for exercising portion control and curbing out of control eating.

Blood Glucose - If you can manage to get rid of 10 percent of your weight you will lower a lot of risk factors for ill health. Obesity is a contributing factor to problems like type II diabetes. In fact, millions of people are currently diabetics and are not even aware of it. Losing body fat can lower your risk of developing a blood sugar problem by a substantial amount, and some diabetics can stop taking their medications.

Blood Pressure - As the pounds pile on, it becomes harder on the heart. If you lose fifty pounds or more of fat, the heart does not have to pump as much blood, so it works less. This often lowers blood pressure and it can be significant. High blood pressure is attributed to all kinds of cardiovascular concerns including heart attack and stroke.

Self Esteem - When you are smaller and slimmer you will probably look much better. In fact, you may actually start to love the person that you see in the mirror each morning. You can fit into smaller clothes and feel good about yourself and these are exciting times in life. It is a different world when you have confidence.

The Bad - Surgeries are not without risk and especially bariatric procedures. Your risk is determined by your state of health and how much you weigh. Also, any time you are placed under anesthesia you are at risk for problems. Complications may develop after your procedure and sometimes there is no way to be certain of the outcome.

Not a Cure All - If you are thinking of weight reduction surgery as a "quick fix" or cure for obesity, you will be disappointed. One can still circumvent the procedure and gain back a lot of body fat. You will need to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle to enjoy success.

When you have tried it all and you are at your wits end, you may opt for one of the bariatric surgeries that are available. Make sure and discuss the pros and cons with your doctor and be prepared to make some major changes in your life. Weight reduction surgery is an important tool to help you win the battle against obesity, but it must be used properly for long term results.