The Obesity Struggle.

[Paul Murphy]

I have been obese for 35 years. It's easy to say obesity runs in the family. Well of course it does because we were all raised in the same way within a family of obese people. I have lost weight many times through diet and exercise. I would lose 60-65 lbs, and then hit a plateau that would last for months and finally I'd slowly slip back into the old habits and gain all the weight back and then some. I know that you all have the same story. It seems to be universal among the obese. I tried weight watchers, TOPS, curves, Atkins, South beach, you name it , I've tried it. 4 years ago I started in investigate Bariatric Surgery, and specifically LAP band. with a BMI of 49 I was approved as a patient in Washington and in Ontario, but didn't like the idea of the cost or of spending time away from all my support systems. When I heard the procedure was being offered in my home town, that included a pre-op and a 2 year post op program, I was elated . I started dieting and exercise under the Dr's supervision and in the 12 weeks pre-op was able to lose 15 lbs. Thats a good weight loss, why have surgery you might say. The problem was the hunger and temptaion that came along with it. I had my surgery on April 21 2010, and have plateaued twice (which was solved by filling the band a little) but as of Today, the 1st anniversary of  the start of my weight loss journey, I have lost 70 lbs. I am not the same person I was, I am more confident than ever, I don't get hungry, as a small meal will fill me up, and am very happy that I have had the procedure done, even though we had to take out a loan to do it. Our medical coverage still considers it elective. To say that overweight people won't try diet and exercise, In My Opinion , is wrong. Do you think they just woke up one morning to find out that they were obese? I don't think so. Lap band surgery is not available to every one . You must fall within the criteria in order to have it done. You must have tried many weight loss programs and failed, You must have a BMI over 35, and be at least 35 years of age. I am sure these rules can be bent, and here-in lies the problem. People having the surgery instead of trying a standard weight loss program. There are many people who just don't care about the cost of the surgery any more than they care about the cost of plastic surgery. There is a place in society for the LAP band surgery, and it solves so many weight related problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease and diabetes that are all associated with obesity. The benefits out weigh the cost  and bring down the overall cost of healthcare to the obese. I don't believe that bariatric surgery should be taboo, but rather a solution to a fast growing problem in North America today.

 

 I have added this wonderful writing piece  to recognize the complex issues surrounding obesity.