Bariatric surgery, otherwise known as weight loss surgery, is a type of surgery that helps you lose weight. Through a variety of procedures, a small pocket is created in your stomach where all food you eat is routed to. You eat less and begin losing weight over time. It has a high success rate, but it saved only for individuals who fit certain criteria. One of the main factors is if you are obese as it is meant for those with a certain BMI and who have sustained this level of obesity.
You Have a BMI of 40 or more
Bariatric surgery is meant for individuals who are obese, morbidly obese or super obese. This means in most cases, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. Your BMI is calculated by your height, weight and age and is a standard scale used to determine someone’s level of obesity. If you have a BMI of 35 to 39 and are at least 100 pounds overweight or you have a life-shortening medical condition such as heart disease or Type II diabetes, you may also be a candidate for bariatric surgery.
Your Weight Affects Your Lifestyle
Another sign that you are ready for bariatric surgery is due to how your level of obesity affects your lifestyle. If, because of your weight, you are being kept from daily activities that you should otherwise be able to do, you make a good candidate for this surgery. It is possible that even starting a fitness routine to try and lose weight on your own is difficult. These are the types of obstacles that the weight loss surgery can help you with.
You Have Been Obese More Than 3 Years
Long-term obesity struggles also show you are obese enough to have bariatric weight loss surgery. Usually doctors want to see that you have been obese for at least three years, and have been trying to lose weight for at least two years without success. There are exceptions to this if you can show your doctor the different ways you have tried losing weight, even if it has not quite been two years of effort yet.
Obesity Has Lead to a Severe Medical Condition
Some medical conditions are life shortening diseases, which pose a major risk to your mortality. Doctors encourage weight loss surgery in patients who have conditions or diseases like heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea or other similar diseases. If you have tried losing weight on your own with no success, these conditions can worsen over time. If you have the right level of BMI, you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
Speak to your doctor about having this type of surgery if you still believe you have signs that you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.