The lap band is really only a band-aid unless the person has come to grips with the fact that to change one's weight, one has to change one's lifestyle. You have to change your habits.

Many patients experience a "honeymoon period" following their surgery, during which it seems pretty easy. However, unless there is a fundamental change in the relationship with food, bariatric surgery can feel like a permanent diet that continues to consume their life.

By now, you've probably heard about Al Roker's unfortunate bathroom-related incident at -- of all places -- the White House. Perhaps almost as surpris...

Bariatric surgery, whether a stomach bypass operation or sewing together bits of a stomach lining, is not sufficient to prevent emotional overeating or the failure to accept a permanent commitment to health eating and exercise.

Dear Carnie: It's not surprising that you gained back most of the weight you lost after your first weight loss surgery -- so many people do.

I wish Ms. Wilson success and health on her journey toward permanent weight loss. But I also wish strong consideration of ways to lose weight other than gastric bypass or lap band surgeries (either separately or 12 years apart) to those facing the battle of the bulge.

Yes, obesity is a tenacious problem, but surgery is only a Band-Aid solution, albeit one that is growing in popularity.