Health organizations have repeatedly warned that obesity is fast becoming one of the most serious health problems worldwide. Overweight and obese people are prone to develop serious health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and high cholesterol, to name just a few. Most obese people cannot move around freely and they simply cannot enjoy a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. It is not surprising to learn that obese people die at a far younger age. However, with bariatric surgery New York patients can reduce their weight dramatically.

This type of surgery is seen as a drastic intervention and surgeons are very careful before accepting a patient. Patients have to be prepared for the surgery for at least six months. During this period the surgeon wants to make sure that the patient is indeed serious about losing weight and that they are making a sincere effort to change their life styles. Surgeons also want to be sure that patients do not merely see the surgery as a quick fix.

The preparation period is difficult for most patients. They have to make very dramatic changes in their life styles and they have to understand that those changes are permanent. Many patients see therapists in order to maintain their enthusiasm and motivation to lose weight and to change their lives. The therapist can help them to focus on the benefit of a life without all the excess weight.

There are other factors that may disqualify potential patients. Those using tobacco products are summarily refused. Smoking can easily lead to blood clots and this can cause serious complications during the lengthy operation. Patients need to forego all tobacco products for at least six months. It is also highly advisable to stop using any alcohol because it can cause the sugar levels in the blood to fluctuate.

Most surgeons also expect their patients to lose a significant amount of weight prior to the operation. The less the patient weighs the biggest the chance of the surgery succeeding. This means that they have to make serious changes to their diet. They have to stop eating sugar or using caffeine and they have to drink lots of water. The new diet must avoid foods that can increase the cholesterol levels or the blood pressure.

Another requirement is that patients have to follow a strict and regular exercise regime. This needs to become a life long discipline. Exercise releases feel good enzymes that can help to keep the patient motivated. Low impact exercises such as cycling, swimming, yoga and hiking all serve to increase flexibility and muscle strength. This can help to shorten the recover period after the operation.

Because this procedure is dramatically invasive, patients must expect extensive bruising and a period of at least two weeks of severe discomfort. Most patients also struggle to walk or even to bend down. These side effects of the surgery will resolve themselves within two weeks, however. Patients also have to avoid the consumption of any solid food for a few weeks after the operation.

This type of operation is most certainly not a quick fix for a serious weight problem. Surgeons are extremely careful in selecting only highly motivated patients that truly want to permanently change their lives. Those that succeed can most certainly look forward to a new lease on life.