Rethinking Barbie

Our society constantly presents images of women that add to the existing pressure to look thin. The women who tend to endorse celebrity weight loss programs and fad diets contribute to these unrealistic appearance and weight loss expectations. The images are everywhere: on television, in magazines, movies, and even toy stores. Just think about Barbie and how a plastic toy has come to represent the "ideal" body image that young women should strive for.

The truth about Barbie is that she really isn't a healthy model for women to emulate. Although our appearance does relate to self-esteem, it's important to remember that body image is only one small element of happiness. Good health and an active lifestyle are major components of feeling good about yourself and living well.

Many women get stuck in a dieting cycle that has them chasing after weight loss and jumping from one diet to another. This type of approach is doomed to fail, as it doesn't offer the opportunity for real change. Rather than signing on to a program that will really help create a lasting shift in the way they look at food, these women continue trying the latest thing, and most wind up frustrated.

If you've been on that treadmill of weight loss and gain, it may be time to make a more permanent change in your life instead of just trying another fad diet. There is no such thing as easy weight loss, but there are solutions that can help you move forward instead of searching endlessly for the next new diet plan.

At our center for obesity surgery, we can help you do that with a laparoscopic band procedure that is designed to be the first step in revamping your lifestyle. Once you begin, you'll be on a journey to look and feel better. Slimband is a comprehensive program that addresses both internal and external problems related to weight loss and appearance.

It's easy to get trapped into thinking the perfect "Barbie" body is what will make you happy. The fact is that most women will never look like that, and even if they were able to, it would not offer a guarantee of happiness. Most people who are truly content with their lives are balanced and healthy, not striving to attain a goal that is unrealistic.

Changing your life will be easier if you concentrate on overall health rather than focusing on your looks and how much you weigh. Although it's nice to begin losing those pounds, you'll really start feeling better when you gain more control over your lifestyle. As you start eating right and exercising more, you'll have more energy and self-esteem. All these things combined will result in a happier, healthier you.