At Total Medical Weight Loss, we understand that losing weight can be a challenging and frustrating process, especially if traditional methods such as diet and exercise have not been effective. Weight loss surgery may be an option to consider for those struggling with obesity, but it’s important to understand who makes a good candidate for the procedure and what to consider before making a decision.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Candidates considered for weight loss surgery are individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one obesity-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Quickly check your BMI with our easy BMI calculator.
There are also other factors that may be taken into account when determining candidacy for weight loss surgery, such as age, overall health, and weight loss history. Your Total Medical team will discuss these with you.
Obesity is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on overall health and quality of life. For those struggling with obesity, surgery can be an effective tool for achieving significant and sustained weight loss. However, it’s important to understand that weight loss surgery requires a long-term commitment to making significant lifestyle changes, including following a strict diet and exercise program.
In addition to BMI and obesity-related health problems, other factors that may be considered when evaluating candidacy for weight loss surgery include:
- Age: It is generally recommended for individuals between the ages of 18 and 65. Patients outside this age range may still be candidates if they are in good overall health.
- Overall health: Bariatric candidates should be in good overall health and should disclose any medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications. Pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or liver disease make weight loss surgery riskier.
- Weight loss history: Candidates for weight loss surgery should have a history of attempting to lose weight through traditional methods such as diet and exercise, but have not achieved their weight loss goals.
- Commitment to lifestyle changes: Candidates for weight loss surgery must be willing to commit to making significant lifestyle changes, including following a bariatric diet and exercise program.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery can have a significant impact on a patient’s overall health and quality of life. In addition to losing moire than 50% of their excess body fat, our bariatric patients are often relieved of a number of obesity-related health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Bariatric surgery can make it easier to move around and perform everyday activities, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem. For those who have not achieved their weight loss goals through traditional methods or have regained weight after previous weight loss surgery, weight loss revision surgery may be necessary. Learn more about “The Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery” in our recent blog!
Things to Consider Before Deciding on Weight Loss Surgery
Before deciding on weight loss surgery, there are several things to consider. At Total Medical Weight Loss, we emphasize the importance of education and willingness to commit to making significant lifestyle changes.
Initial consultations with the qualified healthcare professionals at Total Medical Weight Loss will determine if weight loss surgery is the right option for you. Our team educates all patients on the different types of procedures and their benefits so patients make informed decisions.
It’s important to note that weight loss surgery is not without potential risks and complications, and patients must be willing to accept these risks. Additionally, weight loss surgery is a major procedure that requires a significant amount of preparation and recovery time. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare professional at Total Medical Weight Loss to determine if weight loss surgery is the right option for them.
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