Bariatric surgery supports weight loss by alternating the patient’s digestive system. There are a few different bariatric medical procedures, but the most commonly used method involves restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. Another popular approach is to reduce the number of nutrients a patient’s body can absorb.
This type of surgery has been proven highly successful, however, it is not recommended for everybody. Who can qualify for bariatric surgery? How can this particular surgery help? Let’s find out.
Who Is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?
The official qualifications for bariatric surgery typically include:
- A body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40, having a BMI between 35 and 40 and an obesity-related condition (heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure), or being more than 100 pounds overweight.
- A patient must be between 16 and 70 years of age, some exceptions might occur, but this is the general rule.
- Inability to achieve a healthy weight loss for an extended period.
Bariatric surgery may also be available for adolescents. The guidelines include:
- BMI of 40 or higher and any obesity-related medical condition,
- BMI of 35 or higher and a severe obesity-related medical condition.
In most cases, all criteria must be fulfilled to be granted permission to undergo such a procedure. The surgery is intended for individuals who plan to make lifestyle changes following the procedure, lose weight, and improve their overall health.
Some patients that are 450 pounds or more might get rejected for the procedure, because of the limit of the maximum weight that most radiology equipment can accommodate.
The Evaluation Process
Before the decision about your bariatric surgery will take place, you should expect an extensive screening process. The preparations include a consultation with a team of professionals, most probably a dietician, psychologist, doctor, and surgeon.
Your weight history will be evaluated, along with eating habits, diet attempts, exercise, daily stress levels, and so on. You can also expect questions regarding your overall health, for example about kidney stones, heart problems, nutritional deficiencies, or blood clots.
Another part of the evaluation process is to assess your mental health. The doctors will be interested whether you have a history of an eating disorder, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, or other mental issues that can have an impact on the outcome of the surgery.
All this information is required to evaluate your eligibility for the surgery and to make sure that it is safe for you and your body.
Bariatric surgery has the power to help you change your life for the better and regain health. It is a major procedure that will make you safely lose weight. If you are eligible for it, contact a clinic that specializes in quality bariatric surgery in Poland, to undergo the procedure and fight back your weight-related health issues. After the surgery, you will see an improvement in your everyday life and your medical results.
Manu5, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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