Weight loss surgery has been increasingly gaining in popularity. In recent years, many people have turned to this drastic method of losing weight. However, it is not for everybody and there are many things to be taken into consideration before one can undergo this medical procedure.
Aside from the physical well-being of a person, his or her mental and emotional state is also considered. One should be ready to cope with the psychological and emotional issues that are sure to come after the operation. If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is important that you meet with your doctor and get details about how the surgery will be done and what to expect after the procedure. Your doctor must be able to explain the major changes you need to make in your lifestyle after surgery. Below are the factors involved when doctors evaluate the eligibility of an individual for weight loss surgery.
Body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index or BMI is the number that measures the amount of body fat an individual has. Your doctor will determine your success rate based on your BMI before surgery. A patient who is 100 pounds overweight or has a BMI score of 40 or above is more likely to benefit from Bariatric surgery. Those who have a BMI score of less than 40 may still qualify but only if they are experiencing increased blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, emotional problems, or sleep disturbances due to obesity.
Body mass index is generally used in determining an individual’s state of weight. Below is a BMI table of scores provided by health institutes:
Healthy Body Weight – BMI from 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight – BMI from 25.0 to 29.9
Obese – BMI from 30 to 34.9
Severely Obese – BMI from 35 to 39.9
Morbidly Obese – BMI 40 and above
Failure of traditional weight-loss methods
Before an individual can undergo gastric bypass surgery, he or she should have already tried a non-evasive weight loss method. Doctors use this in evaluating a person’s determination to lose weight and willingness to follow post-surgery requirements. Those who have tried many different diets or have gone to weight loss centers have a better chance of being approved for surgery. In addition, only those who have documents that prove previous weight loss attempts would most likely be covered by insurance.
Overall Health and Lifestyle
Before undergoing weight loss surgery, patients are required to commit to make several lifestyle changes which include: giving up smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages and unprescribed medication prior to surgery and after (however occasional alcohol consumption is allowed). Patients should make a permanent switch to a clean and healthy lifestyle.
Commitment
Would-be patients of bariatric surgery should be fully understand the challenging condition they will be faced with after the operation. In addition, they should be ready to focus on implementing the necessary lifestyle changes that would not only sustain the weight loss from the surgery but also allow them to be healthier individuals. After the surgery, patients should make sure to have follow-ups and meetings with health care professionals. The process is long and at times difficult but patients who conscientiously do their part will be able to go through it successfully.
If you are considering getting a gastric bypass surgery, you can start by checking your BMI. If you have had previous attempts at weight loss, you would most likely be given the thumbs up for surgery. Before you take the plunge however, seek your doctor’s advice. He is in the best position to determine whether or not you qualify. Find out his opinion on bariatric surgery as a weight loss option and if he believes that going through it would help you have a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Charles Volcolatte is a health and weight loss researcher for http://www.skinnyasap.com/. He writes and researches actively on Weight Loss Information and shares his knowledge at http://www.skinnyasap.com/ where he works as a staff writer.