Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatment options for combating obesity, often resulting in sustainable and significant weight loss along with a resolution of weight-related health conditions. Bariatric surgery involves making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight and is considered an option when dieting and exercise aren't successful or if serious health problems persist. Some Bariatric surgery procedures may limit how much you can eat. Other procedures work to reduce your body's ability to absorb nutrients; and some do a combination of both.
Health Benefits Of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery can offer a wide range of benefits associated with your health and overall wellness. These benefits go far beyond sustained weight loss, including:
- Long-term remission for type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular health improvements
- A decrease in blood pressure complications
- Relief of depression and improved mood
- Elimination or a decrease in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea
- Improved fertility
- Alleviates pre-existing and future weight-related medical conditions
What Are The Risks Involved?
With any surgery or procedure, there is always the potential for short-term and long-term risks and side-effects. It's always important to speak with your physician to garner the most accurate assessment, regarding any risks that may be associated with your type of bariatric procedure.
Am I A Candidate for Surgery?
Patients considering HUCWWLS must meet the following criteria:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 40, or more than 100 pounds overweight
- BMI is greater than 35 and at least one or more obesity-related comorbidities such as Type II diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, sleep apnea, and other respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, or heart disease
- Inability to achieve sustained & healthy weight loss for a period of time after prior weight loss efforts
- Must be 18 years of age or older
Patients who meet the above criteria and are interested in bariatric surgery have two options to get started:
Check with your health insurance plan to find out if your policy covers weight loss surgery.
Calculate Your Body Mass Index
You are a candidate if the following applies to you:
- BMI is greater than 40, or more than 100 pounds overweight
- BMI is greater than 35 and at least one or more obesity-related comorbidities such as Type II diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, sleep apnea, and other respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, or heart disease
- Inability to achieve sustained & healthy weight loss for a period of time after prior weight loss efforts
The Centers for Disease Control has an abundance of resources related to Body Mass Index. View the Body Mass Index Calculator to determine your own individual BMI.
