Alternatives to Weight Loss Surgery

Whether a woman has gained a few pounds with each birthday or has been fat her entire life, it’s easy to see why the seemingly miraculous answer of gastric bypass and other weight loss surgeries far outweigh any perceived risks, including re-gaining the lost weight.

True and lasting weight loss, however comes only with a change of mind and heart, improved eating habits, and regular exercise.

“The best way to lose weight for good,” says Dr. Kevin Brown, who treats obese black women in his Los Angeles general practice, “is to exercise more and eat less.” Dr. Brown believes that in rare instances, gastric bypass surgery may be warranted, but says this kind of operation is not a realistic, long-term remedy for most women.

Suppose, however you are yearning for a quick fix to your weight problem? Perhaps your deepest desires are to be able to cross your legs, to wear a tank top that slips easily you’re your breasts and a miniskirt that shows off you gorgeous, shapely legs. Or, maybe you want to ride the roller coaster at Disneyland, something you have never been able to do because of being overweight or obese.

You’ve tried eating less and working out but you can’t stick with than plan for long and wind up gaining even more weight because of yo-yo dieting. What should you do then?
The Yellow Pages are full of insurance companies that may offer coverage for weight loss surgery. Even so, cheaper, less drastic options for losing weight and achieving optimum health should be considered before going under the knife.

Option 1: Discover whether you have an eating disorder. Contact a psychologist who specializes in body image and depression

Option 2: Are you addicted to food? Turn to a power greater than Ourselves—The Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous.

Option 3: See a nutritionist who, through testing, can educate you as to which foods are best suited for your body and lifestyle.

Option 4: Attend Weight Watchers, the organization that has teaches dieters to how to measure food portions along with the importance of regular exercise.

Option 5: A protein-supplemented modified fast also known as medical fasting maybe just what the doctor ordered.

Author: Robyn McGee is the author of Hungry for More: A Keeping-it-Real Guide for Black Women on Weight and Body Image.
Logon to www.robynwrites.com for more information.