Weight Loss Surgery: Not Just For the Obese?

Weight loss surgery is often a last resort, but it may become more of a first step, according to the LA Times. Rates of bariatric surgery have doubled in the last six years and are set to go even higher as we enter the next decade. And while in the past, surgery has been limited mostly to the extremely obese, those who fall into the 'overweight' category are now considering going under the knife to shed the pounds once and for all.

Whereas the bariatric procedures of the past were painful, invasive and hard to recover from, weight loss surgery nowadays is much easier to handle -- it can be done in an hour without even an incision. Some argue that it's the most effective weight loss solution available. "Bariatric surgery is the only efficient method of long-term weight loss," Columbia University diabetes expert Dr. Blandine Laférrere told the LA Times. But he's quick to add that it's not right for everyone, as "none of these procedures is benign."
It seems that some medical professionals who were initially opposed to weight loss surgery are changing their tune, given the strong evidence showing that bariatric surgery can actually cure many weight-related medical problems that existed prior to the procedure. In fact, studies have found that costs of bariatric surgery are actually recovered within two years because of the reduced cost of treating obesity-related health problems.

But it's not all good news for weight-loss surgery. Even minimally-invasive procedures comes with a range of side effects and dangers, including death. There's also the issue of surgery not actually addressing the psychological causes of overeating that lead to the need for surgery in the first place.

There's also the cost to consider. In California, weight-loss surgery costs more than $50,000. Eventually the price could come down to as low as $10,000 for the procedure, but that's still a long way off.

In the meantime, most nutritionists and doctors still recommend good, old-fashioned healthy eating and exercise for those who are merely on the overweight side of the BMI scale, so don't re-mortgage your house just yet.

Dr. Huizenga of "The Biggest Loser" is one medical professional who argues that bypass is not the best option.