If you are living with extra weight, you know how frustrating it can be. It can limit your activity and hinder how you want to live your life. For people that have tried various forms of diet and exercise and have seen little to no results, weight loss surgery can be an alternative option.
But, how overweight do you have to be for weight loss surgery? Morbid obesity is much different than wanting to lose some weight so you can fit into an old pair of jeans that are just a little tight. A complete lifestyle change needs to be accepted as well as being in the correct mental state.
Bariatric Surgery Requirements
Generally, candidates for gastric surgery need to be over age 18 with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. They also need to have diagnosed medical conditions or health problems that are related to obesity or being overweight. Some of these could include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
Our experienced and caring doctors at WeightWise look closely at each patient’s medical history to determine if weight loss surgery is the right path, asking questions about past diet and exercise routines. We will also talk to you in detail about your medical conditions.
If you have a history of heart, lung, or gastrointestinal problems, we will evaluate that carefully. Having these kinds of conditions can make you at high risk for complications during weight loss surgery. WeightWise takes a holistic approach to gastric sleeve, bypass, and duodenal switch procedures to ensure success – and safety – for you.
Work With Bariatric Surgery Experts
Not sure if you are a candidate for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery? It’s a big decision to make and we want to ensure that you have all the answers to your questions. We will go over your options and give you plenty of opportunities to get all of the information you need.
If you do decide to go forward with a surgical procedure, we will also go over what things you can do ahead of time. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes will need to take place, such as eating smaller meals and reducing your intake of higher-calorie foods. Increased physical activity will also be required.
But you won’t have to go it alone. At WeightWise, we feel the best way to lose excess weight – and keep it off – is a combination of diet, exercise, and bariatric surgery. Every patient will work with a dietitian and exercise physician both before and after the surgery.
In addition to monitoring the amount of food you eat and following an exercise program approved by your doctor, we also provide a patient advocate. Gastric banding, sleeve, or bypass surgery is a big decision and is much of an emotional decision as physical. Our advocates will be there for you through the good times and the bad.
Offering high fives, a shoulder to cry on, or just dealing with questions from your insurance company, these “personal cheerleaders” offer the support you may need in the months after surgery. And you won’t have to travel all over town for this support: you’ll find everything you need in one place with WeightWise.
Contact our team at WeightWise to get your weight loss journey started. It’s a new year and it’s a great time to consider how you can transform your body, reduce your risk of health issues, and give yourself the quality of life you deserve? Do you have a BMI of 35, 40, or higher and health issues? When you’re ready to do something about it, WeightWise will be here for you.