Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery?
Because weight loss surgery (at Cernero Surgery, we perform sleeve gastrectomy and Lap-Band) involves a major, permanent change to your body, there are certain criteria that must be met in order to obtain eligibility for one of these operations.
While these surgeries offer many benefits – such as the reduction of weight-related health problems: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea – there are risks involved as well. This is why health care teams must ensure a patient meets all eligibility requirements before a surgery is conducted.
Are You Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery?
In general, weight loss surgery (gastric sleeve or Lap-Band) is an option for you if you meet the following criteria:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is 40+,
- Or your BMI is 35+ and you experience severe weight-related health issues (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.),
- And past efforts to lose weight with diet and exercise have failed.
When the above guidelines are met, there is still more that needs to be done to determine whether you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.
A team of health care professionals will evaluate the following in addition to the physical requirements listed above.
Your Current Psychological Condition
If you suffer from certain mental health disorders, such as substance abuse, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder, your doctors, and possibly a psychologist, may postpone surgery to ensure these stressors are properly cared for and will not interfere with your weight loss surgery and recovery.
How Old You Are
There is no real age limit on potential weight loss patients, but in the past, these procedures were considered too dangerous for teens and older adults. Recent studies have revealed that bariatric surgery can be an effective and safe method of weight loss for people in a wider age range suffering from weight-related health complications. That being said, our surgeon will still take your age into account when considering you as a candidate for surgery.
Are You Motivated?
Weight loss surgery has proven to be a great method for weight loss, but it is by no means an easy process after the operation is completed. Your health care team will evaluate your willingness and capability to adhere to the recommended changes in diet and exercise. If you don’t follow the rules after surgery, you may cease to lose weight or begin to gain it back.
Do you believe you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery? Contact Cernero Surgery today to get started on your journey to a healthier life.
Posted in: Weight Loss Surgery