Wondering if you are a potential candidate for the surgical weight-loss treatment? While it’s considered one of the most effective ways, there are specific criteria candidates must meet. Highly experienced surgeons reveal the leading indicators. Get to know 3 factors that show you might qualify for the bariatric operation.
High BMI
Firstly, you must have a high body mass index. Patients’ BMI usually ranges from 35 to 40. Still, sometimes it could be as low as 30, especially when there are high-risk comorbid health conditions. Any professional weight loss surgery should be seen as a long-term treatment, not a quick one-time solution.
Suppose your BMI is a bit over 25. Even though it indicates overweight, likely, you’d be offered non-interventional weight-loss methods. Usually, it’s a combination of a strict diet, medication, and regular physical activity.
Obesity-Related Health Conditions
Another critical factor here is obesity-related health conditions. Depending upon each patients’ individual case, most of them suffer from co-existing medical issues. Such as:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Sleep apnoea
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- NAFLD, NASH
- Osteoarthritis
Obviously, excess weight loss is the primary candidates’ goal. But the best part about losing up to 80% of the excess body weight is improved or resolved conditions mentioned above.
Prior Non-Interventional Weight-Loss Attempts
Now, surgical treatment is recommended only when the non-interventional weight-loss methods are inefficient. Have you already tried a strict diet and physical activity plan, but it didn’t bring any desired result? Then, a surgical procedure might be the first step to a healthier lifestyle.
There is a reason why surgeons name it as the first step. Some of the changes in the gastrointestinal tract limit the food intake, and some – reroutes the usual food path. Still, the only way to get to a more balanced lifestyle is following a strict diet and activity plan.
Found out you meet all the above-discussed factors? When it comes to bariatric surgeries, seek a highly skilled team of like-minded professionals. Find the ones who are willing to lead you all the way through this journey.
