Is Bariatric Surgery Right For Me?
When diet and exercise cease to produce sufficient weight loss results, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing and even lifesaving option.
Bariatric surgery (also referred to as weight loss surgery) is considered extremely safe, but as with any surgery, it does carry some degree of risk. For this reason, it is not for everyone. An individual must meet certain specific criteria in order to be considered as a candidate.
Qualifying For Bariatric Surgery
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed five criteria points for determining whether a person is a candidate for weight loss surgery. These points are listed below. An individual must meet either the first or second point in the following criteria as well as criteria points three, four, and five.
Weight Loss Surgery May Be An Option For You If You Have:
- A body mass index of greater than 40 (use our BMI calculator to check your BMI); or
- A BMI of greater than 35, and also have obesity-related health issues that may become better with weight loss (examples of such conditions are: obstructive sleep apnea, severe arthritis and diabetes).
- There is one exception to the above two points of criteria. In 2011 the FDA approved the Lap-Band restrictive surgery procedure for those with a BMI of 30 or higher who have at least one obesity-related condition, like diabetes. The decision made this procedure an option for many people.
- If you fall into one the above categories, you must also meet each of the following points in order to fully qualify for weight loss surgery:
- You must be able to prove that traditional weight loss programs, diets and exercise have not been successful for you.
- You must be ready to commit to healthy lifestyle changes post surgery.
- You must understand the risks and rewards of weight loss surgery.
Why These Specific Criteria Points?
Bariatric surgery may seem like the easy road or the lazy person’s approach to weight loss. Nothing could be further from the truth. Successful bariatric surgery requires hard work and effort on the part of the patient. It is also much more ideal to lose weight without the associated risks of surgery.
Bariatric surgery should only be considered as a last resort and only when traditional methods have been proven unworkable or insufficient. Providing a person is willing to continue doing their part, weight loss surgery can open the door to dramatic health improvements and significant weight loss over time. It is not, as some may believe, an immediate or quick-fix solution. It is an answer for those who face potentially severe health issues and who have truly tried all other available methods.
Associated Risks Of Bariatric Surgery
When considering weight loss surgery, one must also be fully aware of all the associated risks and potential rewards and be able to make an informed decision. At The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles, your journey begins with a private consultation with one of the doctors. At this time, one of our experienced surgeons will take the time to explain all of the risks and benefits of this type of surgery so you can make an informed decision.
If necessary, your pre-surgery assessment will include a series of tests, with our board-certified gastroenterologists and cardiologists. These tests will help determine whether weight loss surgery is right for you and what unique risks, if any, you may be predisposed to. You may be better off or feel more comfortable working to lose weight without surgery. Once you have all the facts, this will be your decision to make.
Benefits Of Weight Loss Surgery
Obviously the primary benefit of bariatric surgery is weight loss, but with this can also come restored self-confidence and, most importantly, dramatic improvement in one’s general health. Obesity-related medical conditions typically improve or even vanish after surgery. Such conditions may include:
- Diabetes
- Severe arthritis
- High cholesterol & triglycerides
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- High blood pressure
Contact The Weight Loss Surgery Center Of Los Angeles
You don’t have to fight obesity alone. Here at The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles, you will find a friendly and knowledgeable support team to guide you through each step of the process.
If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or over and you would like to explore surgery as a means of losing weight, contact our offices today to schedule your consultation.
