Is gastric bypass a good option to overcome obesity?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am feeling down today, as I stepped on the scale and found that my weight is 315 pounds, and I am 5 feet 4 inches tall. I never thought I would let myself get this big. I have tried all these diets, keto, intermittent fasting, and even those sketchy pills from social media. Nothing works long-term. My joints hurt, can not play with my grandkids, and I have sleep apnea now. My husband tries to help but he does not get how hard this is for a woman of my age.

I am 63 years old. My daughter keeps suggesting surgery but I am scared. What is the real deal with gastric bypass? Will insurance cover it? I can barely walk upstairs anymore, is it too late for me?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Many factors can contribute to being overweight or obese, including:

Diet: Consuming more calories than you burn through physical activity, especially from fatty and sugary foods
Lack of exercise: Not getting enough physical activity.
Sleep: Not getting enough good-quality sleep.
Stress: High levels of stress.
Medications: Some medications, including steroids, epilepsy and diabetes medications, and some antidepressants, can contribute to weight gain.
Genetics: Family history and genetics can play a role.
Environment: Environmental factors, such as food advertising, lack of access to healthy food, and lack of safe physical activity options.
Health conditions: Some health conditions, like an underactive thyroid gland, can contribute to weight gain.

Investigations to be done:

Triglycerides test- a blood test that measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. High triglycerides may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Thyroid function test.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.