Obesity, and the health problems it inevitably causes, is a physical and emotional dilemma that more Americans than ever are experiencing. Consider this sobering fact- according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a staggering 66% of all U.S. adults are obese or overweight. So it’s not surprising that many individuals are opting for bariatric surgery, rather than traditional diet and exercise, to help them lose the weight and keep it off. However, just like a diet and exercise regime, there are certain factors to take into consideration before undergoing weight loss surgery. The following five tips, compiled by Nick Nicholson, a Plano, Texas M.D. that specializes in weight loss surgery at Baylor Regional Medical Center, are to assist you in choosing a weight loss surgery program that suits you best.

1. Explore your options- a weight loss procedure that may have worked for one person may not have the same effect on another. Set up a consultation with one or more surgeons who perform different kinds of weight loss surgeries, so you can decide whether gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding or the gastric sleeve procedure is best for your particular situation.

2. Research potential surgeons- the success of your weight loss surgery is strongly based on the surgeons’ prior experience. The more procedures a particular surgeon has performed, the better your chances are of having him or her perform a successful operation. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect.

3. Choose a supportive surgeon and staff- unlike other surgeries, you may see your surgeon at least four or five times throughout the first year following your weight loss surgery. Make sure that the surgeon and support staff is genuinely interested in you and your success, are friendly and helpful, and are willing to offer their guidance to help you accomplish your goals.

4. Have a post-operative plan- in order to achieve the desired results, weight loss surgery requires hard work from you after your procedure. To maximize these results, find out if the program you choose offers post-op support groups and psychological counseling, as well as physical therapy and exercise programs. You should also find out if a dietician is available to help you adjust to new and healthy eating habits so you don’t revert to old, counterproductive eating patterns.

5. Take your time- like any smart consumer, shop around and research at least two different weight loss surgery programs. A quality program will tell you up front what will lifestyle changes will be required of you before and after each type of surgery, such as diet and necessary exercise plans. And remember, although weight loss surgery is not a magic bullet, if you adhere to the lifestyle changes suggested to you, your chances for living healthily and happily will only increase!