Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 10/29/2007

Question
Hello,
I am a 38 yr old male and about 325 lbs.  I have  been considering a lap band procedure but I thought i would give exercise and diet some more time.  I have installed a home gym in my house but I have a friend who thinks waiting another two years is pointless and I should move ahead with my plan in order to maximize the benefits.  I think the earlier I have the procedure the soon I will lose the weight and lessen the impact on my heart and body but I am not sure I want to do an invasive procedure until I am sure I will not be able to lose weight by exercising and diet control.  I have a long Hx of being overweight and failing at exercise and diet.  What do you think?  Should I get the surgery now or is waiting not going to be too harmful?

Answer
Chris,
I have a two part answer for you:

1)  It is medically and statistically logical for you to go into surgery without any planned delay, because it is predictable that your weight will gradually increase and that the weight will hurt you more (and cause progressive damage) over time.  ON THE OTHER HAND,

2)  I believe it is absolutely essential that a person go into surgery for weight loss ONLY when he/she has a deep and certain sense of conviction that they are at a place where they must have surgery.  You should feel there is no choice for you.

So on balance, since you are not sure and since the weight is not "killing you" right now, I recommend you weight until you have that sense of conviction.  Don't give up the fight against the weight, and you will know when the time is right.

Best of luck!
Dr JP