Making the decision to have Bariatric Surgery performed is a major decision that takes careful consideration. It’s important to remember that it’s not an overnight fix that will yield lasting results, but rather, it’s a commitment to lead a healthy lifestyle – forever. How successful this type of surgery is depends on the commitment level of the patient to eat healthy, exercise regularly and make a number of healthy lifestyle changes. Only after a serious commitment has been made on the part of the patient should they move forward with their plans.
Common Indicators and Qualifications…
Age. A patient must be at least 18 years of age before a Bariatric Surgery procedure can be considered. Additionally, patients that are over the age of 60 must meet a number of health requirements since there are increased risk with performing this surgery in older patients.
Realistic expectations. A patient should have a realistic expectation of what the final outcome of a Bariatric Surgery procedure will be. If a patient is expecting to wake up from surgery 100 pounds lighter, they may not be an ideal candidate.
BMI. An ideal candidate needs to have a serious obesity-caused health condition, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension or heart disease. Additionally, they should have a BMI between 35 and 39.9
Made previous efforts. An ideal candidate needs to have exhausted other methods before looking to surgery for weight loss. He or she should have made lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise changes first that were unsuccessful.
It’s Important to Remember…
If you are unwilling or unable to commitment to lifestyle changes, Bariatric Surgery may not be the best option for you. It takes hard work and dedication to yield successful results from this type of operation. Additionally, individuals who suffer from some medical conditions or have limited mobility may not be ideal candidates because of the risk involved with the operation. Physicians will generally review these patients on a case by case basis to make the best decision.
It’s important to keep in mind that only a skilled physician can make the determination if a Bariatric Surgery Fairfield County procedure is right for you. Talking with your health care provider about any concerns or questions you have is essential to making the right health care choice for you.
