by Erin Able

Created on: February 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 20, 2007

EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS

America, in general, is a company that thrives on living life in the fast lane. Why sit down to a complete and well-balanced meal, when you can pop through a drive through and get an entire meal for under $5? This type of behavior and decisions add up to a big problem packing on some extra pounds.

Now another obsession that seems to be ever-growing is that of the lust for "thin-ness" and the "perfect body." Now at first glance, these two things don't seem to really be related fast, fatty food and a svelte physique? This is where extreme weight loss comes into play. As the media has recently made us aware, several celebs have gone under the knife, not for a nose job or breast implants, but for a skinnier version of themselves a small portion of their original selves.

But what exactly is weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery? Who can benefit from it?

Dr. John Hernried, medical director of the Obesity Treatment Center in California says that nearly all patients in the morbidly obese category, and many in the obese category, qualify for weight loss surgery.

"First of all, surgery must be considered as a tool and not the cure for weight loss," stresses Dr. John Hernried, medical director of the Obesity Treatment Center in Sacramento, CA

"The standard guidelines dictate that those with a BMI over 40, or BMI over 35 with a condition such as diabetes, could be candidates for bariatric surgery" explains Dr. Henried. However, he wants to make it clear that there are exceptions to this rule and patients need to be evaluated individually by their doctor for their specific case.

Mary Gregg, R.D., Director of Health Care at NutriSystem, feels that bariatric surgery should be used after other attempts have failed. "I would not say that I am opposed to weight loss surgery, but I feel that it should be the "last resort" for those individuals who have been unsuccessful at dieting (after several attempts using different approaches)," comments Gregg.

Jeff Novick, Director of Nutrition for the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa, agrees. "Weight loss surgeries should be a last resort after all other options have been tried," comments Novick. "In my nearly 10 years at the Pritikin Longevity Center, I've seen hundred of men and women lose 50 to 100 pounds and more just by exercising and following diet and exercise plans."

What some people don't realize is that weight can return after surgery and it requires lifestyle change. "It is important to try to have lost

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