Everyone seems to have an opinion about bariatric surgery. Some people are talking from their own experience but many others read something online or heard a bad story from a colleague or think that the whole thing is unnecessary because willpower is all you need.

Each patient has their own reasons for losing weight. Some have had a health scare, others are aware that they’re sitting on the sidelines of life because they don’t have the energy to join in.

Christmas can easily be a time of overindulgence. There’s all those parties, dinners, brunches and cocktails not to mention the scrumptious desserts. For all its many joys, Christmas can be a tricky time when you’re trying to manage your weight. You don’t want to undo months of hard work on healthy habits in a seasonal binge of eating, drinking and being merry.

You’re probably well aware that being overweight puts you at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
But did you know that obesity also weakens your immune system, making you more likely to catch viruses and develop other infections?

So, you’ve decided to see a weight-loss surgeon. It’s a big step but you think it’s the right one. You’re tired of those kilos stubbornly sticking to you despite your efforts to shift them. You want a decisive change.

You’ve done your research, met your surgeon, asked your questions and decided to go ahead with bariatric surgery. Now, you’re wondering what to tell your family, friends and colleagues. How do you handle people’s questions about what you’ll be doing during your time off work?

Can you go to the gym yet? Can you visit Nan in her nursing home? Is it safe to go to hospital for your bariatric surgery now? In the middle of lockdown, we were encouraged to see ourselves as ‘safe at home’ rather than ‘stuck at home’.