Obesity is a Disease. Drop the stigma.

It is December 27, 2014.

Today I am writing my first blog post. The one thing I've discovered in my decision to pursue a bariatric method of weight loss, is that SO many people still have strong reservations and negative opinions of bariatric surgery. It is in large part because of a lack of understanding of what bariatric surgery entails, who candidates actually are, and the ever-prevailing stigma associated with obesity.

First things first, in order for you to read this with empathy, you must firmly grasp one concept from the get-go: Obesity is a disease. It is a genetically-predisposed inability to keep your physique at a healthy weight, and can lead to a plethora of other, serious, secondary medical issues.

Bariatric surgery is for anyone who has a BMI of over 40, or whose BMI is over 35, but who also has obesity-related medical issues such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea. My current BMI is 45, and I suffer from high blood pressure, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease in my spine. I have tried and failed at weight loss on my own many, many times. I have also tried and failed in using Atkins and Weight Watchers - more than once. My parents and grandparents have suffered from obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other related issues.

Bariatric surgery is not an easy way out. It is not for the lazy or the uncommitted. It is a life long physical change that will require committed changes in how you look at food and exercise. You must utilize doctors, nutritionists and yes - even psychologists, before you're even given the approval to have such a surgery - and you will continue to be required to utilize these professionals post-surgery.

Bariatric procedures have been proving successful for many years now. There have been hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone who have benefited from this, and countless years of life saved. What's frustrating to me, though, is how many people feel they must keep their experience with it private. I truly believe that this miraculous medical breakthrough would be more widely accepted, less feared and stigmatized and more encouraged if people talked about it.

Which is why I've made the decision to bite my pride and make my experience public. If I can help others conquer their fear, gain support and move forward towards saving their own life also, I will feel I've done well. Please feel free to post your comments and questions and I will be happy to answer them as best I can, or direct you to someone who can.