Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

Are you struggling with your weight? Are you finding it hard to lose the excess pounds and keep them off for good? Do you feel like dieting has only made things worse and don’t know where to turn next? If so, bariatric surgery might be a viable option for you. Let’s know I you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss surgical procedure that involves making operative changes to the digestive system. Bariatric surgery is a catch-all term for surgeries that cause weight loss. It also generally refers to surgeries in which the stomach has been altered surgically, changing its size and ability to hold food. The most common types of bariatric surgery are gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy.

Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

1. BMI- body mass index of greater than 35 with associated health risks
2. No contraindication to surgery
3. Sufficient motivation and understanding of the benefits/risks
4. Have a realistic expectation on postoperative outcome
5. Have been attempting to lose weight through non-surgical measures for more than 1 year
6. Be at least 18 years of age
7. Make necessary arrangements for aftercare
8. willing to make lifestyle changes post-surgery.

How does Bariatric Surgery work?

Bariatric surgery can be performed in 3 different ways, which are adjusted based on the needs of the patient.

1. Gastric Bypass-involves creating a small stomach pouch, then attaching it to the middle section of the small intestine (the duodenum). This slows down the absorption of food and enables patients to feel full for longer.
2. Adjustable Gastric Banding- involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to form a small pouch. A port is surgically inserted under the skin and connected to the band, which can be adjusted by injecting saline through the port.
3. Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing most of the stomach and creating a tube-shaped stomach or banana shape. Surgery is done via open approach or Laparoscopic method.

Learn more: Types of Weight Loss Surgery.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

1. Weight loss
2. Improved quality of life
3. Decreased risk of disease
4. Higher income potential
5. Can affect genetic predisposition to obesity such as diabetes and lupus
6. Decreased blood pressure.

Bariatric surgery is not the magic pill. It requires an extensive postoperative diet and lifestyle changes in order to be successful. It’s also important to note that bariatric surgery patients are generally advised against smoking, drinking excessively, caffeine intake. If any medical problems arise following the procedure, they may need more intensive treatment than usual. And although bariatric surgery is not a “quick fix” for obesity, it can help some patients develop healthy eating and activity habits. The National Institutes of Health and even the best bariatric surgeons in Mexico recommend it as a last resort option for those who have failed to achieve sustained weight loss through diet and exercise alone.