My wife is 24 years old. Just a couple of months ago she decided she wants to have a gastric bypass. I really didn't like the idea at first because of all the risks involved. So we went to the meetings, then to meet the dietician. First of all she is about 5'4" and 230 pounds. She is roughly 100 pounds overweight. There is a couple of reasons why I really don't want her to have it done. We have been together for 8 years. I love her the way she is, I've told her this numerous times, I told her I wouldn't want her to change anything with her body. I really couldn't picture her looking any other way than she already is. Another thing is that I'm scared of the health risks involved. I think she should try to diet on her own first, before going into this. She's never really tried that hard to diet. She is very self conscious about herself. She tells me she wants to do it for herself. She doesn't want to look the way she is anymore. I mean with this procedure you have to make tons of lifestyle adjustments, which I don't think she is ready for just yet. Do you understand what I am saying?? Do you think she should have it done?? any help would be appreciated. Shane.

You should definitely make sure she goes to one of the seminars on gastric bypass surgery. You may also see some TV shows on the Discovery Health Channel documenting people going through the procedure.

Though you may be comfortable with her body, it's obvious she is not. She will learn in the education material that it is going to be a major lifestyle change. I haven't had the procedure myself and am trying to lose my extra weight through diet and exercise, but I think that insurance companies require documentation of a person going through nutritional and diet plans to show history of being unable to lose the weight before they will pay for the procedure.

You might want to see if your wife is willing to try one more weight loss attempt by diet and exercise (with you participating) and perhaps getting a membership to Curves. It's a lot slower than GP, but if you stick it out with her, it might just work.

wb