Dr. Daniel Cronk Jr., Erlanger Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery CenterQ: Is bariatric surgery a cop-out for people who don’t want to live a healthy lifestyle?
A: I often see patients who are reluctant to undergo bariatric surgery because their family members and/or friends think weight-loss surgery is somehow “cheating.” Nothing could be further from the truth. A successful surgery outcome requires the same level of commitment to dietary change and exercise as traditional weight-loss plans.
Those who are not ready for a long-term lifestyle change will not do well after bariatric surgery. When used correctly, bariatric surgery is an extremely powerful weight-loss tool that can make a world of difference in patient success. Research has demonstrated surgery is far more effective than other nonsurgical methods of weight loss for patients who have a significant amount of weight to lose. If you choose surgery, you must put in the same level of effort as anyone else trying to lose weight. Bariatric surgery is simply a stepping stone to help patients with a significant amount of weight to lose.
– Dr. Daniel Cronk Jr., Erlanger Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Center; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society