Undergoing surgery to lose weight is a drastic step to take and has the potential to be dangerous. Try every other available method of losing weight before even considering undergoing gastric bypass surgery. There are benefits and disadvantages to undergoing gastric bypass surgery, so it is important to know what benefits it provides as well as the drawbacks associated with the surgery.  The pros include:  You can lose weight very quickly  It provides weight loss solutions when other solutions don’t work  It limits your appetite when you are lacking self-control  It requires little to no physical effort    The cons are:  The surgery is dangerous, expensive, and may not be covered by your insurance  You can rupture your stomach if you eat too much  Your stomach can stretch out over time, meaning the surgery is not permanent  It does not solve the underlying issues of weight gain  It can lead to severe dietary deficiencies A medical professional may be able to help you lose weight without undergoing gastric bypass surgery. He or she may recommend alternative treatments, diets, therapies or workout programs that will help you avoid the complications and limitations of gastric bypass surgery. Also, some people who would be prime candidates for gastric bypass surgery are actually too large to undergo the procedure. This is an equally important reason to visit your doctor and discuss the realities of surgery as a solution to your weight problem. A doctor will tell you if you are an eligible candidate for gastric bypass surgery and should also inform you of the limitations you will face after the surgery. These limitations often include extremely limited ability to intake food, severe dietary restrictions on the types of food you can eat, and discomfort in the stomach during or after eating. Gastric bypass surgery is not to be taken lightly. It is an invasive medical procedure that will require you to take time off of work for recovery and will likely require the assistance of a friend or family member in the hours and days after your procedure. So, be sure to plan ahead. Once you have undergone the gastric bypass surgery, you will need to closely follow your doctor’s recommendations for recovery to ensure a successful outcome. Also, gastric bypass surgeries require follow-up appointments to gauge how you are recovering from the procedure. If you are undergoing this procedure ostensibly to improve your appearance, be aware that other surgeries are often required to remove excess skin and to reshape the affected area so that it will be pleasing to the eye.
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One-sentence summary -- Use surgery as a last resort. Know the pros and cons of GBS. Consult with a physician or doctor. Determine if the lost weight is worth the sacrifice. Schedule and prepare for the procedure. Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions.

Q: If you are reading this, then you are old enough to receive an allowance. Good news! Experts report that it is useful to start teaching children about financial responsibility as early as kindergarten. Studies show that kids who earn an allowance better understand the value of hard work.  An allowance also teaches independence. When a child has their own money, they feel more in control of choices, such as what to spend that money on. For example, explain to your parents that you will be able to purchase your own video games, with their permission, of course. Gather some information, such as average allowance amounts, and how often most parents give their kids a set allowance. Most kids receive an allowance each week. Try asking your parents for a dollar for each year you have been alive. For example, if you are 10 years old, you would get $10 a week. Ask your friends and classmates if they receive an allowance, and if so, how much. You can use this information when you make your case to your parents. Your parents will be more likely to listen if you can clearly explain why you need an allowance. Make a list of the things that you are likely to spend money on. Find out how much those items cost. This will give you a good idea of a specific amount of money to request from your parents.  If you are new to making a budget, there are tools that you can use to help you. Look for free apps that you can put on your phone, or online programs that you can use. After you successfully receive your allowance, these tools can also help you keep track of your spending.  When you are listing budget items, make sure that you set aside some money for savings. Whether you intend to use your savings for a new bike or for college, your parents will appreciate that you are thinking ahead. Giving kids an allowance is a great way to teach kids financial responsibility. This is one of the key points that you should make when you are asking your parents for an allowance. There are also many other positive points that you can add to your request. Make a list of them as you prepare so that you don't forget any.  Point out that financial responsibility leads to overall responsibility. When you learn to be in charge of one area of your life (such as buying your own video games), it is only natural that you will start to take on additional responsibilities. Allowances can be used to teach social responsibility. Consider telling your parents that you would like to set aside a small portion of your allowance to give to charity. For example, if you love dogs, you could make small donations to your local animal shelter.  If you have an allowance, you won't have to ask your parents every time you want something. This could be seen as a major benefit for both you and your folks!
A: Do some research. Prepare a budget. List the benefits.

Article: If you forgot your toothpaste as well as your toothbrush, you can use baking soda as a substitute. It is an ingredient in many toothpastes because of its ability to whiten teeth and remove plaque. Simply place some on your finger, paper towel, or washcloth before brushing your teeth. Salt has natural antibacterial qualities and can eliminate some of the plaque-causing germs in your mouth when you don’t have any toothpaste. Combine 1–2 teaspoons of salt to 8 ounces of lukewarm water and allow the salt to dissolve in the water. Then dip your finger, paper towel, or washcloth in the saltwater before brushing your teeth. You can also use the salt water to rinse your mouth out after brushing. Don’t use too much salt or use this method frequently if you have metal fillings, as salt is corrosive. Strawberries contain vitamin C to maintain gum health, a powerful astringent that helps remove plaque, and malic acid which whitens teeth. Alone or combined with baking soda, crushed strawberries are a good substitute for toothpaste.  Be sure to rinse thoroughly after brushing, as strawberries also contain sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay. Be aware that strawberries contain fructose. This is less dangerous to your teeth than sugar, but may still contribute to some decay. Check with your dentist before starting to use a homemade strawberry toothpaste.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Substitute baking soda for toothpaste. Try a mixture of salt and water. Make a toothpaste with strawberries.