I frequently receive emails from those who are struggling with whether or not to undergo weight loss surgery, wondering if it is the right choice for them. There are so many questions to be answered?

• What will life look like after surgery?
• How do I know if surgery is the right choice for me?
• How can I enjoy life without my favorite foods?
• Will I always be hungry? 

I remember asking the same questions when I was considering surgery. If you are asking yourself these questions, you need answers. You need to know how to make these decisions. You need to understand the truth about weight loss surgery.

The reasons to have surgery will vary from person to person, however, the reasons one chooses to undergo such a life-altering surgery are extremely important.

Bariatric surgery does have risk, but living with obesity carries risk too. My advice is to:

• Learn all the facts you can about bariatric surgery procedures.
• Make a list of your personal goals and reasons to have surgery.
• List the pros and cons of surgery and ask yourself if you are willing to make permanent lifestyle changes.
• Find a reputable, qualified, bariatric surgeon and discuss your current health and your weight loss options. Your surgeon determine if you qualify for surgery and also assist in choosing the surgery that best fits your health needs.

Surgery isn't just about how much you weigh, it's also about improving your overall health and gaining a better quality of life. It's based on your personal health and quality of life. 

Weight loss surgery creates a smaller stomach and curbs your appetite—allowing you to make changes in your eating habits. It physically helps you eat less food, further mal-absorptive surgeries assist and weight loss occurs as a result. But you must also take an active role in choosing healthier food options, eating smaller portions, and getting more physically activity and exercise for a lifetime. In turn, you lose weight, change your quality of life and discover how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Making healthier food choices for a lifetime must become, not only a priority but a focus. Appetites do return. But that doesn't mean you have to give up all your favorite foods, forever. During the weight loss phase, you can learn to assume a "normal" well-balanced and healthy diet—and still control your weight.

Personally, I found that gaining long-term success requires a change of mindset, learning how to overcome challenges, and refocusing my attention to attaining health. I had to change the way I viewed food and I had to discover why food was controlling me. I had to be willing to learn how to control my emotional eating and how to make the choices that would result in maintaining my weight and my health—enjoying my new-found health and food at the same time. I do have to give up certain indulgences to maintain my health, I still enjoy food more than ever, without "dieting" or feeling deprived or "cheated".

No matter why you decide to have surgery, your strong motivating factors and personal convictions will lead you into better health so that you can enjoy life to the fullest. Much success in your journey. Yes, you can. You have many more miles to go!