Are You a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery for weight loss is more than a medical procedure. It’s a long-term health commitment that can significantly improve your quality of life and overall well-being. By changing the structure and function of your digestive system, bariatric surgery can reduce how much food you need to eat, how quickly you feel full and, in some cases, the amount of nutrients your body absorbs. Those physical changes make it easier to lose a significant amount of weight and maintain it over time.
This surgery can provide a new lifestyle opportunity if you’ve struggled with diets and exercise programs that didn’t produce lasting results. Obesity isn’t just about appearance. By helping patients lose weight and managing related conditions, bariatric surgery can improve mobility, boost energy levels and lower the risks of long-term complications.
Bariatric Surgery Candidate Criteria
Not everyone qualifies for bariatric surgery. Medical guidelines help ensure that only patients who will benefit the most and can safely undergo the procedure are approved. These guidelines are based on factors such as body mass index (BMI), medical history and past attempts at weight loss.
Candidates often include:
- Adults with a BMI of 40 or higher
- Adults with a BMI of 35 or higher who have at least one obesity-related health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea
- People who have tried supervised weight loss programs for six months or more without success
- Individuals who have completed a thorough medical evaluation with their care team
In some cases, adolescents with severe obesity may also qualify if they meet specific requirements. Physicians often use growth charts in addition to BMI to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
Lifestyle and Commitment Considerations
While the surgery itself can be life-changing, the success of bariatric surgery depends heavily on your willingness to adopt and maintain new lifestyle habits. Bariatric surgery should be viewed as a tool, not a cure. You must make long-term adjustments that will help you manage your weight, support your recovery and protect your health in the years to come.
Lifestyle commitments often involve:
- Eating smaller meals, chewing slowly and choosing nutrient-rich foods
- Incorporating sustainable exercise routines
- Attending medical follow-up appointments and adhering to recommendations
Psychological and Emotional Readiness
Bariatric surgery is also an emotional and psychological journey. That’s why candidates are often required to meet with a psychologist or psychiatrist before surgery approval. The evaluation helps determine if you’re ready to manage the changes and if any mental health concerns need to be addressed.
Key considerations include:
- Mental health assessments: A psychologist or psychiatrist will check for conditions like depression or anxiety that could affect long-term success. Addressing those concerns before surgery can make the process more manageable and sustainable.
- Emotional readiness: You should feel prepared for the significant lifestyle changes that follow surgery. Adjusting to a new way of eating and coping with body image changes requires patience.
- Support systems: A strong support system provides encouragement and accountability, which improves your chance of long-term success.
Types of Bariatric Surgery and How They Differ
There are several types of bariatric surgery. Two of the most popular are:
· Sleeve gastrectomy: This procedure removes about 80 percent of your stomach, leaving behind a narrow, sleeve-shaped area. That limits food intake and reduces hunger hormones, making it easier to feel full with less food.
- Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y): A small stomach pouch reroutes part of your digestive system. That decreases the amount of food you can eat and the calories and nutrients your body absorbs. It’s highly effective but requires strict adherence to follow-up care and nutritional guidelines.
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?
In some cases, certain health conditions or behaviors make surgery unsafe or reduce the likelihood of success. For example, severe heart and lung issues may make administering anesthesia risky. The same is true if you have a blood-clotting disorder or other condition that could lead to surgical complications.
Other situations and conditions that may prevent surgery include:
- Untreated substance abuse or smoking
- Unmanaged psychological conditions or eating disorders
- Lack of readiness to commit to dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes
Taking the First Step Toward a Healthier Future
Bariatric surgery for weight loss can transform lives, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a quick fix. Success comes from a combination of medical expertise and ongoing support. Lifelong changes in nutrition, exercise and self-care are what make lasting results possible.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, the best way to find out if you qualify is to meet with a bariatric specialist. Your care team will evaluate your health, guide you through the requirements and help you weigh the potential risks and benefits. With the right preparation and support, you can be the first step toward improved health, greater mobility and a more active future.
Ready to learn more? Contact Wood County Hospital today to schedule a consultation with our bariatric team and take the first step toward your healthier future.