Obesity is one of the leading causes of fatality in America. Blame it on our lifestyle. Blame it on our eating habits. But do we have an answer to this problem? Some people would go leaps and bounds to solve this health issue. And yes, they are willing to go under the knife.

In recent years, surgery has become the last resort for people who want to lose those extra pounds. People who are on the "bigger side" are finding it hard to lose weight no matter what type of exercise they do or what kind of diet they take. For them, surgery is the only solution left--or so they think. Before taking any weight loss surgery (or bariatric surgery), it is important for you to consult a doctor first, so that you will know the risks or if there are other options you can take.

One of the most common types of weight loss surgery is the Gastric band. For this operation, the stomach size is reduced by an adjustable band placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a pouch where food passes through. Since this band's capacity is smaller than your stomach's, it quickly fills ups--making you feel full even when eating just a small portion of food.

Similar to Gastric Band, Gastric bypass surgery also accounts for a large majority of the weigh loss surgery procedures. The only difference between the two procedures is that with gastric bypass, the gastro-intestinal tract will be reconstructed. The stomach will be partitioned or divided into two parts. It also involves taking away portions of the bowel. Also, there are parts of the stomach and intestines that are bypassed. It is believed that 70 percent of your body weight can be lost in just two years after undergoing this procedure. And once you reach your ideal weight, it will remain stable for the rest of your life. Experts believe that this is the most effective bariatric procedure for people with high BMI or Body Mass Index.

Sleeve gastrectomy, on the other hand, involves the removal of a big portion of your stomach--three quarters to be exact. The greater curve of the stomach will be removed, making it appear like just a narrow tube. As your stomach becomes smaller, your food intake will decrease. In a few months, you can lose as much as 50 percent of your body weight. After a year or so, your stomach will eventually expand so the operation can be repeated (or the patient can also undergo other bariatric procedures to achieve a desired weight). For people with a not-so-high BMI, this procedure alone can solve the weight issues.

The fight against obesity is a tough one. And we can't blame those people who suffer from morbid obesity for undergoing weight loss surgery. After all, a one-time surgery can actually change their lives in an instant.

But hope is not yet lost. Even without surgery, a person can still lose that weight. The participants of the show "The Biggest Loser" can prove that with a proper program, one can get back his or her life back. It may entail hard work, but it is possible.