Weight loss surgery can be an extremely effective tool for people who are struggling with their weight or have developed a poor relationship with food over the years. Obesity is an epidemic in the US right now, with over 70 million people classed as obese and a further 99 million falling into the overweight category.
Carrying excess weight can put a lot of strain on your body, and it can impact your quality of life, leaving you susceptible to increased health risks such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, liver disease, and more.
However, weight loss is not always as simple as eating less. For some people, more extreme measures are required, such as undergoing weight loss surgery to help them regain control of their weight and health.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric or weight loss surgery is an option for those looking for help to lose large amounts of body weight. However, only some are eligible for this type of action, and candidates must meet strict requirements to qualify for surgery.
First, you can talk to bariatric surgeons, who can explain the surgery and determine your eligibility. LoneStar Bariatrics can also explain the eligibility criteria and what to expect going forward if you decide this is the right option for you.
Weight loss surgery can be performed in many different ways, from a gastric sleeve to a
gastric bypass and magnetic surgery options for less invasive options.
Who Is Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery?
Generally, for a person to be considered for weight loss surgery, they must have a BMI of over 40. This is because general medical guidelines stipulate that this is the qualifying marker. BMI is your body mass index, and it is the formula used to calculate body fat. The number is determined by using your weight and height.
However, if your BMI falls below 40, you can still get the surgery if your BMI is over 35, you have at least one obesity-related medical condition, and you have had at least six months of supervised weight loss attempts. For adolescents, there are slightly different criteria to meet.
If you meet these medical guidelines, talk to your surgeon and their team to ensure you are fully prepared for the procedure and life after surgery.
They will make sure that you understand the impact it will have on your life, what you will and won’t be able to do, and how it can affect your mental health. Weight loss surgery isn’t a magic cure, and you will still need to put in the work and be committed to making massive lifestyle changes to get the results you seek and make positive changes to your life and health.
You must demonstrate a good understanding of what will happen, what will be expected of you, and how to maximize your results. Candidates for weight loss surgery will be expected to follow a strict diet and exercise plan, be monitored and assessed for mental health concerns and eating disorder risks, and stop smoking if they are smokers.
For those wishing to find out if bariatric surgery suits them or to learn more about what it entails and if they qualify, talking to weight loss specialists such as LoneStar Bariatrics can help you start the process.
