Bariatric surgery should only be considered if you have made a serious attempt at losing weight through a structured weight loss program. This DOES NOT mean simply trying some of the popular diets out there, since they typically do not result in substantial and permanent weight loss.

The best weight loss programs are professionally or medically supervised, and incorporate a balanced combination of diet/nutrition and regular physical activity. Any program you choose should help you establish healthy behaviors that help you change your lifestyle so that you can maintain your weight loss over time.

When searching for a weight loss program, the first place to start is by asking your family physician for a recommendation. Your doctor should be able to provide you with several options for programs that other patients have found to be successful.

Ideally, you should do a lot of research, ask a lot of questions, and find a weight loss program that you are comfortable with (even excited about participating in!)

Here are the basic things you should consider when researching weight loss programs:

• How much weight do you wish to lose?
  Your program should encourage you to set realistic and attainable goals.
• How much support will you receive from the program?
  Find a program that offers support in ways that suit your lifestyle (online classes, personal counseling, support groups, etc.)
• Can the program be customized to meet your lifestyle?
  The program you choose should fit the way you live. If they simply make you eat things you don't like, it will be hard to stick with it.
• What kind of maintenance program is provided?
  The best programs include a maintenance regime that focuses on helping you change your eating and exercise patterns.

For a more detailed description of what to look for in a weight loss program, click here.

Would you like to learn more about weight loss surgery from the comfort of your own home? Then visit the Clarian Bariatric blog, which includes information on insurance, bariatric procedures, health and nutrition and patient success stories. Written by the medical professionals of Clarian Bariatrics, the blog serves as a great resource for those interested in learning more about weight loss surgery and also pre- and post-operative patients.