In a time when obesity is finally considered a disease, people involved in weight loss programs should be the most concerned about their health. However, as a result of the media, many people who struggle with obesity place the most importance on their appearance, among their weight loss goals. This focus on looks instead of health stems from an overwhelmingly present obesity discrimination in our society.

Biggest Loser Contestant Faces “Overweight” Lawsuit

Tara Costa, who lost 155 pounds on The Biggest Loser and displayed an inspiring body transformation, is now being sued by a fitness company who claims she gained too much weight back, and could no longer be the face of their company. Maintaining a healthy weight and level of fitness was part of her contract with the company, but during the time the company claims she gained too much weight, she (along with most people) felt she was at her greatest level of fitness.

Tara Costa was and is healthy. But the media fears anything that is not skinny, and so she is being discriminated against. This epidemic is not new. Obesity discrimination exists throughout society, especially in the workplace, where overweight people are often not hired based on the way they look.

Additionally, patients who are subject to extreme diet and exercise measures within a secluded setting may lose a significant amount of weight, but often the weight loss is not sustainable when they return to their normal lives. Alternative weight loss methods, such as bariatric surgery, allow patients to lose weight and keep it off within a normal, everyday living setting. The focus of weight loss surgery, in contrast to “boot camp” style weight loss programs, is on health and reclaiming one’s life from limitations set by obesity-related illnesses.

Boy Scouts of America Excludes Obese People

Additionally, the Boy Scouts of America recently barred obese boy scouts (with a BMI of 40 or over) from attending a national camping event. The organization has cited that this regulation is a result of health concerns, and is meant to help encourage boy scouts to lead healthier lives. This is another current example of obesity discrimination, in which those who are obese are excluded from activities or events based purely on their weight.

Obesity discrimination is seemingly the final frontier in social intolerance. But there is obesity help for those who seek real weight loss goals that focus on health, rather than appearance. Our world-renowned weight loss surgeons at the Bariatric Center of Excellence in Los Angeles focus on improving your overall health and self-esteem by helping you achieve your weight loss goals. Through cutting-edge weight loss procedures, our bariatric surgeons can transform you and help you on your road to excellent health.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is a procedure performed to restrict the amount of food or calorie intake, resulting in weight loss. This type of surgery should only be considered after all other methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, have failed. Additionally, only people with specific BMIs and with certain health risks are considered good candidates for bariatric surgery.

To find out if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery in Los Angeles, or for information about treatment options, please don’t hesitate to contact our surgery center.

Different Types of Bariatric Surgery

Because each patient’s biological makeup and conditions are unique, there are many different types of bariatric procedures available.

  • Sleeve Gastrectomy – Gastric sleeve surgery helps patients lose weight by restricting food intake. Los Angeles sleeve gastrectomy involves a portion of the stomach being removed so that the stomach becomes a tube or “sleeve” shape. To learn more about sleeve gastrectomy in Los Angeles, please contact one of our top bariatric surgeons.
  • Lap band – Also known as gastric banding, the lap band procedure is a minimally-invasive surgery that induces weight loss without any incisions to the stomach or intestine. The procedure instead involves a gastric band being positioned on the upper portion of the stomach, dividing it into two pouches and allowing patients to feel full after smaller portions.
  • Lap band removal or revision – Our surgeons are some of the few board-certified surgeons to safely perform band removal in Los Angeles. Under certain conditions, patients may need their lap band adjusted or removed. To learn more about Los Angeles lap band removal, please contact our surgery center.
  • Gastric bypass – This procedure involves reducing the size of the stomach to limit the amount of food it can hold, and redirecting the intestinal tract in order to limit the absorption of calories. If you are interested in Los Angeles gastric bypass surgery, you can schedule a consultation with one of our world-renowned bariatric surgeons.

Los Angeles Weight Loss Surgery

Fight back against obesity and obesity discrimination – the healthy way. Speak with an expert bariatric surgeon in Los Angeles today by contacting the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. You can schedule a consultation by calling (888) 391-0182 or by filling out our online contact form.

Next, learn about body contouring after weight loss.