Your decision to have bariatric surgery is a decision to be committed to living a healthy life. Success after surgery depends upon your commitment to proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes. The best way to know if weight loss surgery is right for you is to consult with a bariatric surgeon and attend a seminar to see if you are a candidate.
Your decision to have bariatric surgery is a decision to be committed to living a healthy life. Success after surgery depends upon your commitment to proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes.
Overweight and obesity are terms that classify ranges of weight (based on height) greater than what is generally considered healthy. Obesity and overweight have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and health problems.
What's Your BMI?
For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the "body mass index" (BMI). For most people, BMI correlates with their amount of body fat. Obesity is usually defined as 20% or more above normal or as a BMI of 30 or more. "Morbid obesity" means a person is either 50%-100% over normal weight, more than 100 pounds over normal, or overweight enough to severely interfere with health or normal functioning.
Overweight - BMI between 25 and 29.9 Obese - BMI of 30 or higher Morbidly Obese - BMI>40 (or weighing more than 100 pounds over ideal body weight) Bariatric surgery is recognized and accepted as a safe and effective treatment for both weight-loss and many of the conditions that occur as a result of severe obesity. The surgery brings about metabolic or hormonal changes that play a major role in hunger (the desire to start eating) and satiety (the desire to stop eating). In addition, obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and others are often reduced or may go into remission. Most patients find they require fewer medicines over time and many discontinue their medicines completely.
Not all people affected by severe obesity will qualify for bariatric surgery. Candidates for surgery have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or a BMI greater than 35 with significant obesity-related conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or high cholesterol).
There are certain criteria a person must meet to be a candidate for a bariatric procedure, including:
• No endocrine causes of obesity
• Acceptable operative risk
• Understands surgery and risks
• Absence of drug or alcohol problem
• No uncontrolled psychological conditions
• Failed attempts at medical weight-loss (diets and other options)
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Within two to three years after the operation, bariatric surgery usually results in a 40 to 80 percent loss of excess weight, depending on the chosen procedure. Those considering surgery should talk to a surgeon about what their personal expectations should be.
The best way to know if weight loss surgery is right for you is to consult with a bariatric surgeon and attend a seminar to see if you are a candidate. The decision to move forward is made only after your surgical team has completed a thorough evaluation and are in agreement that you are truly a good candidate.
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