Why not more Men having WLS?

So, The numbers for those having Weightloss Surgery remain at approximately- 4 to 1 ratio of women to Men. The Latest stats from ASBS puts it at- 84% Women, 16% Men. (Down for Men by about 3%) But, When it comes to Co-Morbidities from Obesity? Men are still carrying the vast majority of the weight. Little has changed since the 2003 Gallup Survey-
Why aren't Men being targeted by the Bariatric Centers? Doctors? I think it is because Men don't go to the Doctor. Thus, the Nursing homes filled with aging Widows But few Widowers...... What's your take? Best Wishes- Dx

Stubborn pride...Man's biggest downfall...

DOWN 4%???   I wonder where they got (or how they came up wtih) that stat?       Last I heard it was up significantly (at least vs. a few years ago), but still considerably less % than women.  I think, based on past posts on the subject, part of the thing is it is somehow "macho" or acceptable still for a man to carry around his excess weight, but not a woman, in American society ..  Hopefully that will change as people get more sensible!   

Following the number of Men having WLS over the last 6 years- We were at 12% in ’03, Up to 19% by ’05, and now down to 16% for ’07 totals. (I’ve been cruising the Lexis-Nexis Research interface through my University) Maybe we've gotten a little more 'macho' in the last few years... Best Wishes- Dx

I think men want to be self sufficient and are embarrassed to go for surgery because so many feel that it shows weakness and inability to solve his problems by himself.  I know that it took me quite a long time to accept the fact that diet and exercise just were not the answer for me.  Also men don't like to go to the MD and we all know how many MD appointments are associated with WLS.

Jim 

Cabin nailed it. also men don't have the patience to jump through all the hoops to get to the finishline. I wanted to throw in the towel several time.

I can't help but think that the economic "slowdown", loss of jobs and insurance, less disposal incomes for uninsured breadwinners to pay out of pocket, less home equity to leverage to self-pay has played some part in these numbers. I'm sure that this does not account for the lower stats part and parcel..... but I am sure that it contributes to the lower numbers in some form or other.  If folks have trouble paying for the "staples" of life (new trucks, beer, ***** etc...)  they can't come up with the cash to "waste" on their health I thank GOD that I make a decent living, and I sure don't take my good fortune for granted (unless I'm pissed at my boss for a short wile).  I read recently that if you want to be assured of retaining your position, it sure don't hurt to volunteer for the crap that no one wants to do, put in 20% extra effort, and maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude....if at all possible. Of course, if you are fortunate enough to have a job that doesn't suck.... it sure doesn't hurt  Say Dx - what are the stats for women these days.... are surgery numbers down or up?  If they are indeed up, I reckon that would shoot my theory all to hell  

Overall numbers are still skyrocketing…. The overall number for men having WLS is up It’s just that the number of Women is up more. Just the distribution ratio of Men to Women is down a touch. LAP-BANDS are Way up as well… (I saw and read but didn’t copy those specific numbers…) Best Wishes- Dx

I would agree with you that many of the behemoths considering WLS are more than likely "eligible" to extort alimony......  not quite sure if too many of these plus-size gals can convince an adjudicator that they are getting sexually harassed