Bariatric surgery has gained huge popularity as a method for reducing weight. Bariatric surgery is basically performed on the stomach as well as intestine causing a reduction of the patient’s food intake.
Bariatric surgery results are significant long-term weight loss, improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, recovery from diabetes, and a reduction in mortality. Candidates with potentially life-threatening obesity are rapidly increasing, turning to one or various other forms of bariatric surgery as a lifesaver option and often as a last resort.
Bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision for morbidly obese candidates. Review the criteria to see whether bariatric surgery is the right option for you.
- Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater is a must for the surgery.
- If your BMI is between 35-40, then the candidate needs to have at least one significant co-morbidity medical problem. Individuals with a BMI of 30 – 35 with at least one significant co-morbidity qualifies for the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System and BMI of 30-40 for Intragastric Balloon.
- The majority of patients are between the ages group of 18 and 65 years old, but considering for surgical treatment of morbid obesity does not depend on the age factor alone.
- The candidate should not have any severe psycho-emotional or any medical problems that would make bariatric surgery unnecessarily risky.
- One shouldn’t be a drug or alcohol dependent, and if the candidates have any such history, he/she should be into a qualified treatment program with a minimum of one year of sobriety.
- Willing to abstain from using alcohol is a must.
- If you smoke, that needs to stop at least three months prior to bariatric surgery, and quit smoking forever.
- Candidate must have healthy teeth, to grind food properly. If there is missing multiple molar teeth, it is strongly suggested for you to see the dentist who will evaluate methods to address this problem.
- You should have an ongoing commitment to follow the nutrition, medication, exercise, and laboratory protocols provided by the surgeon post the surgery.
- An ongoing commitment to attend face-to-face support group meetings on a regular basis or participate in an online support group is essential.
- Commitment to return to the office for follow-up appointments is required for better results.
Understanding the above criteria is important for a candidate to figure out if bariatric surgery is the right option for weight loss. Consult a professional Bariatric surgeon to get the correct advice on the same.
