Bariatric surgery has helped thousands of people lose weight when all other methods had failed, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Before undergoing a procedure like this, you not only have to meet strict surgical requirements but also have to consider the impact it will have on the rest of your life. If you’re currently wondering if bariatric surgery is the right choice for you, here are a few things you’ll want to think about first.
Surgery Requirements
There are guidelines in place to help surgeons determine whether a person is a good candidate for bariatric surgery. While exceptions are sometimes made for extenuating circumstances, these are the typical requirements that must be met.
- Extreme Obesity
First of all, you generally must be in the class III obesity range on the body mass index (BMI) scale, which is sometimes referred to as extreme obesity or super obesity. This means that you have a BMI of 40 or higher.
However, if you fall within the class II obesity range, with a BMI of 35-39, you can still be considered for bariatric surgery if you are suffering from a weight-related condition as well. These include conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.
Surgery is generally not recommended for people falling within the class I obesity range, with a BMI of 30-34, but if multiple weight-related illnesses are present, an exception may be made.
- Failed Weight Loss Attempts
Bariatric surgery is reserved for people who have already attempted to lose weight through more traditional means such as diet and exercise. These procedures are not the first line of defense in combating obesity, but rather should be seen as a last-ditch effort.
- Psychologically Eligible
Finally, your doctor will probably require a psychological examination as well as a physical one. This is because certain conditions can complicate the weight loss process with bariatric surgery. Binge eating disorders, a history of substance abuse, or depression may make it difficult for you to maintain a healthy post-surgery lifestyle. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be rejected for surgery, but they should definitely be addressed before you proceed.
Life after Bariatric Surgery
If you manage to meet all the requirements for bariatric surgery, you still need to consider the long-term changes it will have on your life. Many of these procedures are not reversible, which means that you will be stuck with them for the rest of your life. It’s important to take a good amount of time to seriously consider both the physical and emotional ramifications of such a big commitment. If there’s any doubt at all in your mind, you may want to postpone your decision to pursue other avenues for weight loss first.
