With the obesity epidemic, it's not surprising weight loss surgery is on the rise. A local doctor says the number of patients has doubled in the past five years. Having the operation can often be a matter of life or death.

Just months ago, Cheryl Walker couldn't get out of bed, let alone exercise. She needed oxygen around-the-clock to cope with severe asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), all made worse by her obesity.

She decided on gastric bypass surgery. "It was a matter of life or death with me because of the other issues that I had medically with asthma. I felt it was best for me because I wanted to live."

Alegent weight loss surgeon Dr. Mike Hovey performed the operation. Since undergoing gastric bypass in March, Cheryl has dropped 141 pounds and her medical conditions are much improved.

Dr. Hovey says the key is to get to patients before they reach Cheryl's point and become high risk.

"A greater significant percentage of our practice is people who are already morbidly obese, but they haven't developed the milestones of the diseases yet and our goal is to prevent those diseases."

Surgery is just the first step. Then there are major lifestyle changes. Cheryl, a reformed soda addict, had to give up not one, but 12 cans of Coke every day.

"I usually only drink maybe two ounces. Once I get the taste, that's it. I don't think about it." Instead, she focuses on the future, losing another 30 pounds, getting back to work and finally enjoying life.

People with a Body Mass Index greater than 40 or with a BMI greater than 35 who have chronic conditions like diabetes are candidates for surgery.

Learn more about the Alegent Health Weight Management Program.