Is Weight-Loss Surgery Right for You?
Weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a medical procedure that helps individuals struggling with obesity lose weight and improve their overall health. While it can have many benefits, weight-loss surgery is not a suitable option for everyone.
Learn what criteria makes someone a good candidate for weight-loss surgery.
Who is a Good Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?
Although the criteria may vary, some general guidelines to know whether you’re a good candidate for weight-loss surgery include:
Having a history of unsuccessful weight-loss attempts
Some people may struggle to lose weight despite consistent and medically-managed dieting and exercise efforts. In these cases, weight-loss surgery can be a beneficial option.
Bariatric surgery can be a jumping point for further weight-loss, as it offers a structured approach to lasting weight reduction. It can act as a supporting tool in achieving health goals and improving well-being.
Having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher indicates morbid obesity. This makes the person a good candidate for weight-loss surgery, as their weight may pose significant health issues that may be alleviated or even resolved by surgical interventions.
Having a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions
Similarly, a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher with accompanying obesity-related health conditions also makes someone a good candidate for weight-loss surgery. Obesity-related conditions may include but are not limited to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.
These conditions, as well as the excessive weight, can have life-threatening effects on a person’s life, making weight-loss surgery an invaluable tool.
Being motivated to make long-lasting lifestyle changes
In addition to the previous criteria, a good candidate for weight-loss surgery should be motivated and prepared to make long-lasting lifestyle changes.
Weight loss surgery is not a once-and-done type of procedure. To the contrary, weight-loss surgery requires thoughtful preparation and consistent effort to make the appropriate changes both before and after weight-loss surgery.
After weight-loss surgery, patients must be able to adhere to a healthy diet, eliminate fat foods from their meals and incorporate exercise in their lives. Gaining excessive weight again after weight-loss surgery can potentially be dangerous, as weight-loss procedures typically involve reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold.
Displaying no indication of active alcoholism
Finally, another important criteria for weight-loss surgery candidates is having no indication of active alcoholism.
Alcohol consumption can significantly impact the outcome of surgery and increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure. As a result, being alcohol free helps ensure the safety and effectiveness of the weight-loss procedure.
Consulting with a medical professional can help you address any underlying substance abuse issues before undergoing weight-loss surgery.
Reshape Your Tomorrow
If you’ve struggled with other weight-loss methods, change is possible with the right treatment and an experienced team by your side.
Surgical Weight Control Center in Las Vegas offers effective, noninvasive surgical weight treatment options. We provide you with long-term management to help you reshape your tomorrow, take control of your lifestyle and regain your health.
To learn more about your options, reach out to us at 702-313-8446, sign up for one of our seminars, or get in contact with us today.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.