Is Surgery For Me?
There are several factors to consider when deciding if weight loss surgery is right for you. The first is to determine if you are considered morbidly obese. There are several medically accepted criteria for defining morbid obesity:
- Weigh more than 100 lbs over your ideal body weight, or have a BMI of 40 or higher.
- Weigh more than 50 lbs over your ideal body weight, or have a BMI of at least 30 and are experiencing severe health related conditions, such as: diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol.
- You must demonstrate an inability to achieve a sustained healthy weight despite significant efforts at weight loss which may include diet, exercise and medications. Some insurance companies will require documentation of a medically supervised weight loss program in order to qualify.
- You must be ready to making the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes. Remember that surgery is only a tool. It is not a "quick fix" and is definitely not the "easy way out." Bariatric Surgery requires a commitment to a special diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation as well as a regular exercise program in order to be successful.
- You must not have any untreated psychiatric conditions
- You must be fully committed to the necessary follow up required. Both Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass and Adjustable Gastric Banding require regular follow up with the surgeon in order to remain safe and maximize outcome.