Obesity and the resulting health issues not only affect the person who suffers from this epidemic disease, but also those around them. Family and friends often struggle with their loved ones’ obesity while feeling helpless as to how to help. That’s why we believe that family participation is an extremely important part of our surgical program. We’ve dedicated this section of our website to the families and loved ones who know and care for someone considering weight loss surgery. We hope that this information will help others to better understand the options that their loved one may consider as a means to improve their lives. Learning about the options they have, and better understanding the weight loss surgery process and the changes that go with it can be very helpful and comforting. The months and years ahead will present an exciting, challenging and inspirational time for you and your friend or family member.
Dr. Watkins was dedicated to putting my family at ease and making sure we understood the ins and outs of surgery. In fact, both my husband and I had surgery and we’ve never felt better!
Kristina, Lap-Band® Patient
Whether you are the parent, child, relative or friend of one of our patients, it can be scary to know that they will be undergoing a major surgical procedure. We understand that. First and foremost, we want you to know that we spend a great deal of time before surgery understanding our patients’ unique challenges and ensuring that weight loss surgery is truly the most effective solution to address their health concerns. We will never perform surgery on someone who is not physically, mentally or emotionally prepared for the life-changing effects of weight loss surgery.
To determine if weight loss surgery is right for someone, first, we analyze the patient’s body mass index, or BMI, which is a ratio of weight versus height. BMI provides a general guideline as to whether the patient qualifies for weight loss surgery. We then determine what tests, if any, are needed for the patient’s safety during and after surgery. Finally, we have every patient meet with a mental health specialist on our staff to help them talk through their reasons for having surgery and to help them understand how their lives may change after surgery.
Ultimately, it is far riskier to remain obese than to have weight loss surgery. Each patient – along with their loved ones – must weight the benefits and risks of having surgery versus the complications that arise from obesity. But among those who decide to have the surgery, every single one will find that their life has been improved in many ways through the addition of this powerful weight loss tool.
Feel free to speak to a UC Health Weight Loss Center staff member anytime to help you better understand your loved one’s feelings and experiences, and to learn new ways to support them in their journey to a new and healthier life.
For Families
Obesity and the resulting health issues not only affect the person who suffers from this epidemic disease, but also those around them. Family and friends often struggle with their loved ones’ obesity while feeling helpless as to how to help. That’s why we believe that family participation is an extremely important part of our surgical program. We’ve dedicated this section of our website to the families and loved ones who know and care for someone considering weight loss surgery. We hope that this information will help others to better understand the options that their loved one may consider as a means to improve their lives. Learning about the options they have, and better understanding the weight loss surgery process and the changes that go with it can be very helpful and comforting. The months and years ahead will present an exciting, challenging and inspirational time for you and your friend or family member.
Whether you are the parent, child, relative or friend of one of our patients, it can be scary to know that they will be undergoing a major surgical procedure. We understand that. First and foremost, we want you to know that we spend a great deal of time before surgery understanding our patients’ unique challenges and ensuring that weight loss surgery is truly the most effective solution to address their health concerns. We will never perform surgery on someone who is not physically, mentally or emotionally prepared for the life-changing effects of weight loss surgery.
To determine if weight loss surgery is right for someone, first, we analyze the patient’s body mass index, or BMI, which is a ratio of weight versus height. BMI provides a general guideline as to whether the patient qualifies for weight loss surgery. We then determine what tests, if any, are needed for the patient’s safety during and after surgery. Finally, we have every patient meet with a mental health specialist on our staff to help them talk through their reasons for having surgery and to help them understand how their lives may change after surgery.
Ultimately, it is far riskier to remain obese than to have weight loss surgery. Each patient – along with their loved ones – must weight the benefits and risks of having surgery versus the complications that arise from obesity. But among those who decide to have the surgery, every single one will find that their life has been improved in many ways through the addition of this powerful weight loss tool.
Feel free to speak to a UC Health Weight Loss Center staff member anytime to help you better understand your loved one’s feelings and experiences, and to learn new ways to support them in their journey to a new and healthier life.