Sure, you’ve thought about bariatric surgery. Your (niece, co-worker, brother-in-law’s sister, etc.) had it and looks and feels like a new person. But how do you know if you fit the criteria to have the operation?
Bariatric surgery is a broad term that encompasses several types of weight loss surgery — gastric sleeve, lap-band, gastric bypass and even revision bariatric surgery, done if the first operation was not successful. Most people approach weight loss surgery because obesity has brought on additional health issues.
As a general rule, good candidates for bariatric surgery will demonstrate some of the traits and behaviors discussed below.
Start with your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Your body mass index (BMI) serves as a key factor qualifying you (initially) for weight loss surgery. It is a ratio of your height to your weight.
START HERE » Calculate your BMI
If your BMI is greater than 30, you should consider losing weight to better your health and improve your quality of life. If your BMI is greater than 35, you may be eligible for bariatric surgery. Discuss this obesity surgical solution with your personal physician or a highly regarded, board-certified bariatric surgeon.
Do you have any Weight-Related Medical Conditions?
There is a long list of chronic disease and medical problems that are caused by obesity:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Infertility
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Gallbladder and liver disease
- Depression
- Cancer
If you have any of these medical problems and your BMI is greater than 35, you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.
NEXT STEP » How do I find the right bariatric surgeon for me?
Have you tried to lose weight before?
Most bariatric surgery patients have been unsuccessful losing weight even when supported by of a doctor, a commercial weight-loss program (such as Weight Watchers) or a dietitian in the past. For many people, these traditional weight loss efforts just don’t work for them.
Most medical insurance companies want to see that patients have tried these avenues before moving to a surgical weight loss solution.
General Qualifications for Bariatric Surgery
Even people that fulfill the above requirements for weight loss surgery must undergo an extensive physical and psychological evaluation prior to being accepted as a surgical patient. This evaluation will assess an individual’s overall physical health, emotional well-being and general ability to undergo and recover from surgery.
A high-quality bariatric program will also focus on the patient’s willingness to commit to a long-term change in their lifestyle. All of these factors play a key role in predetermining if someone understands and is mentally and physically prepared to make major changes in the way they live.
The goal of this pre-op vetting process is to increase the likelihood of achieving long-term success and empowering the patient to defeat obesity — permanently.
If you read our Prime Surgicare patient testimonials, you’ll see that for many, bariatric surgery is not just a life-changer, it’s a life saver.
Learn More About Bariatric Surgery in Central New Jersey
If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Seun and the Prime Surgicare bariatric team, join us at our next New Patient Seminar, coming up soon at a hospital near you.
FREE SEMINAR » NJ Weight Loss Seminar Registration
You may also call 732-980-2002 to arrange a private consultation with the doctor to discuss your medical history and weight loss goals.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.