Morbid Obesity - Getting Help

Obesity in America has become a very dangerous epidemic. It is estimated that over 15 million Americans suffer from obesity. Just being over weight can cause health issues, but being morbidly obese can cause very deadly health issues such as; heart disease, diabetes, severe breathing problems and high blood pressure just to name a few. If you have been struggling with your weight and have become morbidly obese, you need to get help. There is no reason to battle this disease alone. The first step is admitting you need help and then you have to seek it.
Start with your family physician. If you have been seeing a physician over the years, he most likely has been monitoring your weight increase. Let him know that you have decided to take control of your weight problem and begin a conversation about what your options are.
Surgery is one of the options available to you to battle obesity. There are two types of surgery. Restrictive surgery is where the stomach is made smaller by either a band or by stapling. Combination surgery is where the stomach is made smaller and the new pouch is connected to the small intestine. Gastric Bypass is one of the most common combination surgeries. The surgeries make the stomach smaller which limits the amount of food you can intake. Your diet will drastically change after having surgery so you should thoroughly discuss with your doctor if this option is viable and if so, which surgery is best for you. As with any surgery, there are many risks to consider from infection to death. These risks should be understood completely before deciding on surgery. Be sure to do your research and ask to speak to patients who have had the particular surgery you are considering.
Diet and exercise is one of the oldest methods of dealing with weight issues. There are countless diets on the market today as well as exercise programs. Your physician can assist you in finding the appropriate diet for you and help monitor your progress. If you are morbidly obese, then the chances are great that you are battling other physical ailments that can be affected by diet or exercise. You should have a complete physical before beginning any diet or exercise programs.
Psychological help is something to strongly consider. Many suffering from obesity also suffer from psychological issues that helped to create the obesity. Therefore, seeking mental help is imperative in treating obesity in these cases. This can be done in conjunction with diet and exercise as well as surgery.
If you are one of the many Americans fighting obesity, as stated above, the first step is to admit you need help and find that help. There are countless professionals available to help you as you begin your battle with morbid obesity. You just have to make the decision that it is time to begin this battle, and then arm yourself with the knowledge and professional help needed to wage your war against obesity.
Jason Kay recommends joining ObeseLikeMe.com, a free obesity social network.

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