Those who have had the procedure say you should weigh your options
MARQUETTE -- According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 30 percent of U.S. adults over age 20 are obese. That's a hefty portion of our society. But bariatric surgery has helped many escape that statistic.
At just 31 years old, Adrianne Flaska tipped the scales at 331 pounds just eight months ago. And when her weight caused her to need a hip replacement, Adrianne had a wake up call.
After multiple diets failed, she resorted to bariatric surgery. Since October, Adrianne has dropped 126 pounds.
"It's a totally different life," said Flaska. "I have so much more energy! I feel great; I can walk around and do things now. I can play with my daughter."
And while Adrianne can now tread more lightly through life, she said you should weigh your options when it comes to bariatric surgery. It's difficult and it's not for everyone. Food intake can be cut by up to 75 percent.
"A lot of people think it's an easy way out, which I thought it was, at first, myself," Flaska said, "and after learning everything about it, I realized it's not an easy way out...it's a whole lifestyle change."
To qualify, you must have a body mass index of 40 or more, and you must be diagnosed as morbidly obese. Also, if you are a smoker, you need to be nicotine free for at least six weeks prior to surgery. And most importantly, a patient should be treated for all mental and physical disorders prior to bariatric surgery.
The average cost for bariatric by-pass is $35,000, but many insurance companies cover the procedure.
Jessica Siedlecki asked us on Facebook: "What are the alternatives? I am in no way, shape, or form a good candidate for this type of surgery. What else can I do?"
Well, most bariatric surgery offices, including Marquette General's weight loss center, offer counseling for patients who don't qualify for the procedure. They can also prescribe appetite suppressants like phentermine and lay out a proper diet and exercise plan.
For more information on your options, visit The Marquette General Weight Loss Center, Bariatric & Metabolic Medicine website.
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