Excess weight is a reality for many people. Some even see it as a hindrance to living a life of good health and happiness. So, bariatric surgery might be an option worth exploring.
However, not everyone is a good fit for this kind of surgery. Curious about who is eligible for bariatric surgery and what the procedure entails? Read on to discover more!
Obesity and Its Impact
Obesity is a complex health issue defined by having excess body fat that may negatively impact your health. To figure out if you’re overweight or obese, doctors use a number called BMI. A BMI of 30 or above means you’re in the obese range.
The condition could lead to a bunch of other health issues, like:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Joint pain
- Reproductive issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Gallstones
- Certain types of cancer, like endometrial, kidney, and liver cancer
Beyond the physical toll, obesity could also take a mental and emotional toll. Many people with obesity often experience self-esteem issues and have depression or anxiety.
Bariatric surgery Perth and other clinics near you offer should be able to eliminate the excess weight from your body through various methods. After that, they’ll continue to provide personalized care and long-term support to ensure the positive effects of the surgery are sustained.
Medical Criteria for Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery requirements are in place to identify individuals who are most likely to benefit from the surgery and minimize risks.
BMI and Health Conditions
One of the main factors that doctors consider when determining if you’re a good candidate for bariatric surgery is your BMI. This number gives a general idea of your body fat based on your height and weight. Generally, a BMI of 30 or higher qualifies you for surgery.
But what if your BMI is between 35 and 40? Don’t count yourself out just yet. If you’re dealing with serious weight-related health issues that are impacting your daily life and putting your health at risk, you could still be eligible.
Your Mental Health Matters
Your mental health is also important. Preparing for surgery isn’t just about your physical health. You’ll likely go through a psychological evaluation, too. Why? It helps pinpoint any underlying issues, like eating disorders or body image concerns, that need addressing beforehand. And guess what? A positive outlook could actually boost your chances of success post-surgery!
Other Considerations
Other factors that might influence your eligibility include age – you usually need to be at least 18 – pregnancy plans, as surgery can affect fertility, and substance abuse, which can be a barrier. Most importantly, you need to be committed to making lasting lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
Support systems are also crucial. Do you have people you can rely on for encouragement and help? Having a strong support network could make a big difference in your weight loss journey.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Now that you know who is eligible for bariatric surgery, ready to learn about the different types? Understanding the options and why your doctor might choose one over another can be eye-opening.
Overview of Different Procedures
There’s more than one way to do bariatric surgery. You’ve got choices, and each one works differently. Here they are broken down:
- Gastric Bypass: You may already have heard of this type. The surgeon creates a tiny pouch in your stomach and reroutes part of your small intestine. This limits how much food you can eat and how many calories your body absorbs.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: With sleeve gastrectomy, your surgeon removes a big chunk of your stomach, leaving a smaller, tube-like pouch. It restricts how much you can eat.
- Gastric Band: This nifty device wraps around the top of your stomach. It creates a smaller pouch, so you feel fuller faster. The band can be tightened or loosened as needed.
These are the main types of weight loss surgery. Your doctor can discuss them with you in more detail and help you decide which one is right for you.
Factors Influencing the Choice of Procedure
So, how does your doctor decide which procedure is best for you? They’ll look at the whole picture – your BMI, overall health, and medical conditions you’re managing. Their expertise and experience also play a role. And, of course, your personal preferences are important, too.
Risks and Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Like any surgery, bariatric surgery has a few downsides. Get to know them more before you talk to your doctor.
Potential Benefits
Now for some good news! Bariatric surgery might bring some great benefits. Many people see the pounds melt away quickly after the procedure. And guess what? Those stubborn health issues you’ve been dealing with might improve or even disappear entirely.
Potential Risks
There are some potential bumps in the road after surgery. There’s a chance of things like infection, bleeding, or even problems with your nutrition afterward. Ever heard of dumping syndrome? It’s when food passes by too fast from your stomach to your small intestine. And in rare cases, you may need another operation.
Importance of Realistic Expectations
Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix. It’s a tool, not a miracle. You’ll still need to eat right and exercise. And remember, everyone’s body is different, so outcomes can vary.
The Bariatric Surgery Process
Getting started with bariatric surgery involves several steps. Your first step is meeting with a surgeon to chat about your options. They’ll conduct a series of medical tests and evaluations to get a full picture of your health.
Before surgery, you’ll likely need to practice better exercise habits and eat healthier. Getting your body ready for surgery is important. Having the right mindset could also work wonders for your long-term weight management after surgery.
Post-surgery, you’ll need some time to recover. But the journey doesn’t end there! Regular check-ins with your doctor will be key to your long-term care.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, this article has given you a better picture of who is eligible for bariatric surgery. Deciding on this treatment is a big step since it could lead you to other positive outcomes other than weight loss.
Your healthcare provider or a bariatric surgeon can help you figure out if this is the right path for you. Remember, surgery is just one part of the puzzle.
Bariatric surgery can change your life, but it’s not a walk in the park. Make sure you consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
