Weight Loss Surgery - Health Expert Explains

I have been trying to lose weight for most of my life and have been gaining weight steadily during the last couple of years. My doctor says I am at risk for diabetes and has recommended weight loss surgery. Is it possible that I can be a candidate for this type of surgery?

Bariatric surgery (also known as weight loss surgery) is a great solution for obese patients who have been struggling in their attempts to lose weight. There are several different types of procedures a patient may consider, all of which reduce food intake and may decrease the amount of food absorbed allowing for significant weight loss. Bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment in order to maintain weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

So who qualifies for this type of surgery? Criteria is predicated upon a patient’s basal metabolic index or BMI and potentially co-morbidities. A person’s BMI is determined by their height and weight and will then put you into one of the following categories:

BMI Category

8.5 - 24.9 Healthy

25.0 - 29.9 Overweight

30.0 - 39.9 Moderately Obese

40+ Morbidly Obese

Bariatric surgery is recommended in most patients who have a BMI of 40 or more or have a BMI greater than or equal to 35 with two or more co-morbidities present. The following is a list of just some of the conditions considered to be co-morbidities: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, weight-related arthritis or joint pain, weight-related respiratory disease, reflux disease, serious diseases caused or aggravated by moderate or morbid obesity. After surgery, bariatric patients will usually see improvement and sometimes resolution of these co-morbidities.

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