Is Surgery really the answer??

Hey everyone. I recently received a comment regarding my opinion on Gastric Bypass Surgery. I actually contemplated getting a similar surgery. The surgery is called lap band and it entails putting a band around your stomach in order to shrink it to a size that requires small amounts of food to fill you. I also know of many family members and friends who have opted for these types of surgeries. I am not against these surgeries however; I do strongly believe that it is possible to lose the weight without surgical assistance. This is due not only to my success in doing so, but the increasing number of others who are conquering obesity as well. For many overweight and obese people food is a mental addiction. The problem with these surgeries is that although they correct things such as portion sizes by shrinking your stomach, they do not correct your mind. I believe that everyone is obese or overweight for a reason, whether the reason is genetic, environmental, or emotional, there is a root cause to peoples food and weight issues. Having surgery in my opinion, only allows for a quarter of the transformation since it enables for weight loss without exercise and other lifestyle changes necessary to make a complete transformation. Surgery is also an easy way to end up with plenty of loose and excess skin. Many people who get these surgeries neglect exercise, which in the form of weight training is crucial for developing muscle for your skin to wrap around while losing the weight. Also many people have gotten gastric bypass surgery and been unsuccessful. A recent real life example of this is Ron from the biggest loser.
Gastric Bypass didn't work for Ron who was obese his entire life.

During my transformation, which I am still enduring today, I worked on my body as well as my mind. I myself worked to truly change how I viewed food and was successful in doing so. I also worked with an eating disorder psychologist to get to the root of my eating and weight issues. I believe that all of these steps and changes are important for anyone trying to not only lose the weight, but keep it off for a lifetime. So while I do not condemn surgery as an option, I strongly advise people to take the challenge of doing it on their own. You will not only feel transformed, but also incredibly accomplished and proud. By losing the weight on your own you will truly test yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally and you will emerge from the journey stronger than ever before!

Before...

After! Although I believe the biggest loser provides unrealistic expectations because the people on the show have professional trainers, doctors, and nutritionists on hand 24/7, this couple was only on the show a few weeks and lost most of the weight on their own. The fact that they transformed themselves so late in their lives is truly incredible and inspiring.