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a woman who decided weight loss surgery is for her

Weight Loss Surgery: Is It for You?

Weight loss surgery is no doubt an effective way of reaching a healthy body weight—some procedures will help patients drop as much as 50% of their unwanted weight. However, this approach is not for everyone.

In addition to meeting the physical requirements of surgery, there are some other important factors you should consider in terms of your life after the surgery. These procedures are not something that should be taken lightly, and it’s best if you take your time in reaching a decision. Below are some key things to think about as you explore the possibility of weight loss surgery.

Do you meet the physical requirements of the surgery?

There are different requirements for each kind of weight loss surgery, but all types are reserved for those who have a significant amount of weight to lose. For example, most surgeons won’t consider performing a gastric bypass procedure unless a person has a body mass index of at least 40, which places him or her well within the “obese” range. A BMI of this level translates to about 80 to 100 pounds of excess weight.

Are you otherwise healthy?

Obviously being overweight poses some serious health risks, but patients should be in good health otherwise, especially when undergoing the more invasive weight loss surgeries, like gastric bypass or a sleeve gastrectomy. Patients with a history of blood clots, heart problems, or respiratory problems may not qualify or may need to wait until these problems are under control. Additionally, lifestyle issues, such as smoking or substance abuse may pose serious health risks during surgery.

Are you mentally prepared for the procedure?

There is a misconception that once you undergo weight loss surgery all of your problems will suddenly disappear. However, this typically not the case. While you will be physically unable to eat as much as before, the mental issues surrounding your relationship with food will still need to be addressed. This may include things like resisting the urge to overeat even when you know you’re already full, fighting off a negative body image, or in extreme cases, dealing with an underlying binge eating disorder.

Have you tried other weight loss techniques?

Even under ideal conditions, surgery comes with some significant risks, and making the choice to undergo it is not a decision to take lightly. Before going under the knife, be sure that you’ve exhausted all your other options. Diet and exercise are technically the only things most people need to lose weight, and if at all possible, you should try to stick with this method. However, if it becomes a struggle, weight loss surgery may be a good choice for you.

Can you afford the procedure?

Some insurance companies may cover some or all of the costs of weight loss surgery, but this will vary from provider to provider. If you have to pay out of pocket, there is a good chance that your expenses will exceed $5,000, depending on the procedure. If you’re in dire need of weight loss, this may be an investment worth making, but some people may find equal success with a less expensive method. As mentioned earlier, be sure to exhaust all your other options before deciding on surgery.

Have you talked with your loved ones?

Even though you’re the one who will actually undergo the procedure, surgery of any kind will have an effect on your friends and family. While it’s not entirely necessary, having the support of loved ones can make your life after weight loss surgery that much easier to deal with.

Last Updated: January 20, 2017