When should you begin to consider weight loss surgery? The answer may surprise you.

Bariatric surgery may be the next step for people who remain severely obese after trying nonsurgical approaches, or for people who have an obesity-related disease. Surgery to produce weight loss is a serious undertaking. Anyone thinking about undergoing this type of operation should understand what it involves. Answers to the following questions may help you decide whether weight-loss surgery is right for you.

Are you:

* unlikely to lose weight or keep weight off long-term with nonsurgical measures?

* well informed about the surgical procedure and the effects of treatment?

* determined to lose weight and improve your health?

* aware of how your life may change after the operation (adjustment to the side effects of the operation, including the need to chew food well and inability to eat large meals)?

* aware of the potential for serious complications, dietary restrictions, and occasional failures?

* committed to lifelong medical follow-up and vitamin/mineral supplementation?

Remember: There are no guarantees for any method, including surgery, to produce and maintain weight loss. Success is possible only with maximum cooperation and commitment to behavioral change and medical follow-upÑand this cooperation and commitment must be carried out for the rest of your life.

Compare different web sites to learn as much as you can about weight loss surgery before proceeding. Prices and services vary greatly, so be prepared to be informed.