In previous posts I have touched on studies that have shown that the dramatic weight loss provided by gastric bypass surgery has proven to have much more value than just a matter of convenience in losing weight.

With the primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes being obesity, and two of the primary causes of heart disease being obesity and diabetes, there is a point where getting rid of the weight is a matter of life and death, and gastric bypass isn’t just a matter of convenience any more than stepping off the tracks when a train is coming is a convenient way to keep your clothes from getting messed up.

I spoke with a client within the past week who had achieved a 130 pound weight loss after gastric bypass. He was being treated for diabetes before the operation and weighed over 300 pounds. Within a few weeks of the surgery his glucose levels were lowered to the point where he was taken off medication. Even off medication his glucose levels never went back up. Now, three years later, at 187 pounds, he is cured of diabetes and has a new lease on life.

Life insurance underwriters are cautious when it comes to gastric bypass because there are some dangers and also, if a person doesn’t have the will to make the lifestyle changes, even gastric bypass can be overcome by slowly stretching the new smaller stomach back out. For this reason underwriters want to see a track record of stability in weight before they will call it a home run. Having said that, those underwriters are keenly aware of and ready to reward the new lifestyle and the risk factors that have gone away because of it.

Bottom line. Eliminating risk factors through life style changes is the right thing to do even outside the scope of life insurance. Quality life and a longer life are a blessing to share with your family.