Shedding the Extra Weight: 3 Signs You May Be a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery

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Bariatric surgery is an increasingly popular method to address severe obesity in individuals who have tried but failed to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this procedure. In this article, we will discuss three signs that may indicate you are a suitable candidate for bariatric surgery.

Sign #1: Body Mass Index (BMI) Criteria

One of the primary factors that determine eligibility for bariatric surgery is BMI, a calculation based on an individual’s height and weight. Generally, candidates for bariatric surgery fall into one of the following two categories:

A BMI of 40 or more, which is classified as severe obesity.
A BMI of 35 or more, accompanied by at least one obesity-related health issue.

If your BMI falls within either of these categories, it’s worth considering if bariatric surgery may be a viable option for you.

Sign #2: Obesity-Related Health Complications

Obesity can lead to numerous health complications, and sometimes bariatric surgery is the most effective method to alleviate or eliminate these issues. Individuals with a BMI of 35 or more may be candidates for surgery if they are experiencing any of the following health problems:

Type 2 diabetes
Obstructive sleep apnea
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Insulin resistance or insulin abnormalities
Coronary artery disease
Severe joint pain due to osteoarthritis

These conditions not only affect quality of life, but also lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve or even resolve many of these issues in individuals with severe obesity.

Sign #3: Tried and Failed Traditional Weight Loss Methods

Bariatric surgery is not a ‘quick fix’ for obesity, and it is typically reserved for individuals who have tried and failed to lose weight through traditional lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. If you can demonstrate that you have made serious efforts to lose weight through medically supervised programs or other attempts but have not seen sustainable results, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.

It is important to recognize that bariatric surgery requires a lifetime commitment to specific dietary and lifestyle changes. It’s not merely about losing weight but also maintaining weight loss and managing your overall health. For the best results, you must be prepared to make lasting changes to your habits and mindset.

Additional Requirements

Before being approved for surgery, candidates may be asked to undergo various tests to learn more about their overall health, medical history, and current physical condition. Additionally, you may need to attend counseling sessions to learn about the risks and possible benefits of bariatric surgery.

To Sum Up

If you meet the criteria mentioned above, bariatric surgery may be an option to help you overcome obesity and associated health problems and ultimately improve your overall quality of life. It is essential to discuss all available treatment options with a qualified healthcare professional for bariatric surgery in New Mexico to make the most informed decision about your health journey. With a commitment to lifelong changes, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing experience for those who are the right candidates.