Bariatric surgery is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves modification of the digestive system through minimally invasive surgery. This surgery enables your intestines to regulate your caloric consumption and absorption. It’s considered the most effective treatment for class III obesity, which affects 6% of US adults. People with Type III obesity often find it impossible to lose weight by diet and exercise alone.
Common bariatric procedures include gastric band, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and sleeve gastrectomy. Bariatric surgeons like Dr. Joel Aronowitz and others recommend these procedures for those prone to obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and fatty liver disease, but not everyone is eligible. So, who’s the best candidate?
The Best Candidate for Bariatric Surgery
Use the following criteria to determine if you’re a good candidate for bariatric surgery:
- You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher: BMI is an estimate of how much fat you have based on your weight ratio. A score of 40 means you’re overweight and at risk of weight-related diseases.
- Have a BMI of at least 35 and at least one related health problem. For adolescents, a BMI score of 35 is considered class II obesity, but coupled with a severe obesity-related condition like diabetes, it becomes class III.
- Weigh less than 450 pounds: Most radiology equipment can hold up to 450 pounds, so anything higher may complicate the procedure.
- Have weight-related high blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure is sometimes a consequence of increased weight loss, putting you at risk of a heart attack. Bariatric surgery regulates blood pressure by making the body get leaner.
- History of unsuccessful weight-loss attempts: Your doctor may recommend bariatric surgery if options like dieting and exercise have failed.
Sometimes, you may require to lose some weight before the procedure is done. If you have a good doctor like Joel Aronowitz, you may also undergo counseling or physical therapy to prepare you mentally for the procedure or determine your eligibility. The following may be evaluated:
- Current psychological function: To determine if some factors, such as stress and anxiety, are causing body fat accumulation. According to research, 20% and 60% of people with extreme obesity suffer from psychiatric disorders.
- Current eating behaviors: To determine if factors such as the addition of food and emotional eating are contributing to your increased body weight.
- Level of physical activity: To determine if you do enough exercise to sustain a healthy body weight.
- Blood: Tests may be done to determine blood count and other elements like blood urea nitrogen (BUN), electrolytes, prolactin, cortisol, creatinine, TSH, etc.
During this evaluation, your surgeon may educate you on behavioral changes that you need to maintain good post-operative results as well as the possible cognitive changes post-surgery.
Bottom Line
Bariatric surgery is one of the revolutionary procedures helping hundreds of overweight individuals achieve a healthy BMI. Be sure to consult a qualified doctor before deciding to undergo this procedure. When choosing your surgeon, take your time and vet carefully because this is a life-changing decision.
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