We’ll explore who qualifies for bariatric surgery and what factors might influence your candidacy.

Obesity is a major health concern across the world, affecting millions of people from all walks of life. While diet and exercise are the first lines of defense against this condition, sometimes they just don’t cut it. That’s where bariatric surgery comes in – a surgical weight loss procedure that assists individuals with severe obesity to achieve their desired results. But before you jump into scheduling an appointment, it’s important to know if you’re eligible for this life-changing surgery. In this blog post, we’ll explore who qualifies for bariatric surgery and what factors might influence your candidacy. So let’s get started!

Introduction to Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a life-saving and life-changing tool for people who are struggling with obesity. The surgery can help people lose weight, improve their health, and extend their life expectancy.

To be eligible for bariatric surgery, patients must:

Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, OR

Have a BMI of 35 or more and suffer from at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or hypertension.

In addition to meeting the above criteria, candidates for bariatric surgery must also be:

Committed to making lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet and exercising regularly

Aware of the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery

willing to undergo lifelong follow-up care and monitoring

Bariatric surgery carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, and nutritional deficiencies. Patients should discuss all of the potential risks and benefits of surgery with their surgeon before deciding if it is the right option for them.

Definition and Overview of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a type of weight-loss surgery that is performed on people who are morbidly obese, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. There are several different types of bariatric surgery, but the most common is gastric bypass surgery.

With gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is divided into two sections: a small upper section and a larger lower section. The small intestine is then reattached to the small upper section of the stomach. This means that food bypasses the large lower section of the stomach and goes straight to the small intestine, which reduces the amount of calories and nutrients that are absorbed by the body.

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix for obesity and it is not an easy surgery to recover from. It requires a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and exercise. But for those who are morbidly obese, bariatric surgery can be life-changing. It can help people lose weight, improve their health, and extend their life expectancy.

Who is Generally Eligible for the Surgery?

There are a few requirements you must meet in order to be eligible for bariatric surgery. First, you must be over the age of 18. Next, you must have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with one or more obesity-related health conditions. You must have made several previous attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise without being successful. If you meet all of these criteria, then you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.

What Are the Pros of Having the Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a life-altering procedure that offers a range of benefits for individuals struggling with obesity. By addressing the underlying causes of weight gain and promoting significant and sustainable weight loss, bariatric surgery can positively impact an individual’s physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. In this article, we will delve into the pros of bariatric surgery, highlighting the advantages it provides in terms of weight management and overall well-being.

Significant Weight Loss:
One of the primary benefits of bariatric surgery is the potential for significant weight loss. Surgical procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or gastric banding restrict the stomach’s capacity, leading to reduced food intake and improved satiety. This results in substantial weight loss over time, enabling individuals to achieve a healthier body weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related health conditions.

Improved Health and Reduced Health Risks:
Bariatric surgery can have a positive impact on various obesity-related health conditions and reduce associated health risks. Individuals who undergo bariatric surgery often experience improvements or even remission in conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint problems. Weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery can lead to better blood sugar control, lower blood pressure, improved sleep patterns, and decreased stress on joints, reducing the risk of developing chronic health conditions.

Enhanced Quality of Life:
Bariatric surgery can significantly enhance an individual’s quality of life by improving physical health and overall well-being. Losing excess weight can lead to increased mobility, improved energy levels, and enhanced physical fitness, enabling individuals to engage in activities they previously found challenging. Moreover, bariatric surgery can positively impact mental health by boosting self-confidence, improving body image, and reducing feelings of depression and anxiety, ultimately improving social interactions and overall self-esteem.

Long-Term Weight Management:
Another advantage of bariatric surgery is its ability to facilitate long-term weight management. The surgery helps individuals develop new eating habits and encourages a healthier lifestyle. By adhering to the recommended dietary guidelines and incorporating regular exercise, individuals can maintain their weight loss and prevent weight regain in the long run. Bariatric surgery serves as a valuable tool in assisting individuals in achieving and sustaining a healthy weight.

Increased Lifespan and Reduced Mortality Risk:
Bariatric surgery has been associated with increased lifespan and reduced mortality risk for individuals with severe obesity. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery can significantly lower the risk of premature death and decrease the likelihood of obesity-related complications, such as heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and metabolic syndrome. By addressing obesity and its associated health risks, bariatric surgery can extend an individual’s life expectancy and improve overall well-being.

The Different Types of Bariatric Surgery

There are four main types of bariatric surgery, which are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

Gastric bypass is when the stomach is divided into a small upper section and a larger lower section. The small intestine is then reattached to the lower stomach so that food bypasses the upper stomach and goes straight to the small intestine. This type of surgery typically results in more weight loss than other types of bariatric surgery.

Sleeve gastrectomy is when the stomach is reduced to about 25% of its original size by surgically removing a large portion of it. The remaining stomach is shaped like a tube or sleeve. This type of surgery typically results in moderate weight loss.

Adjustable gastric banding is when an inflatable band is placed around the top part of the stomach to create a small pouch that can hold only a limited amount of food. The size of the opening between the stomach and the small pouch can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the band. This type of surgery typically results in gradual weight loss.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch is when a large portion of the stomach is removed and the intestines are rerouted so that food bypasses most of the small intestine. This type of surgery typically results in dramatic weight loss but also has a higher risk

Preoperative Requirements

In order to be eligible for bariatric surgery, patients must meet certain preoperative requirements. First, patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or more with one or more obesity-related health conditions. Patients must also be able to commit to making lifestyle changes and following postoperative guidelines. finally, patients must undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure that they are psychologically prepared for surgery and the lifestyle changes that will follow.

Postoperative Care / Recovery Timeline

Patients who have bariatric surgery can expect to stay in the hospital for two to four days. They will be able to return to work and their usual activities within two to four weeks. It is important to follow your doctor’s orders during this time and attend all of your follow-up appointments.

During the first week after surgery, patients will need to take it easy and focus on recovery. They will likely be on a liquids-only diet and may need help with activities like bathing and dressing. By the end of the first week, most patients will be able to walk around and start taking short walks.

By the second week, patients should be feeling stronger and more energy. They can start increasing their activity level and adding solid foods back into their diet. By the fourth week, most patients will be able to return to work and their usual activities.

Financing Options for Bariatric Surgery

There are a number of financing options available for those considering bariatric surgery. CareCredit is one option that provides financing for medical procedures. There are also a number of Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence that offer financing options. These options may include loans, grants, and scholarships.

Bariatric surgery can be a safe and effective way for individuals to achieve their weight loss goals. To ensure the best outcome, it is important that you meet all of the eligibility requirements outlined by your healthcare provider. Discussing these with your healthcare provider will help provide you with an understanding of whether this type of surgery is right for you and if so, how it should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise to maximize results.