For some of us, losing weight is impossible without some extra help. Diet and exercise remain the preferred method of shedding pounds, but even they don’t always cut it.
If you’re one of the 650 million adults worldwide who struggle with obesity, this situation may sound familiar. If you can’t seem to lose weight despite your best efforts, surgical intervention may be the best option.
Have you found yourself wondering “Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?” If so, keep reading for five signs that you may be ready to go under the knife.
1. Your BMI Is 40 or More
One of the primary qualifications for bariatric surgery is a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher. To find out your BMI, use a calculator like this one. Be aware that BMI isn’t always an accurate indicator of health — because of this, some doctors prefer to operate on patients who are at least 100lbs (45kg) overweight.
Some doctors will also perform weight loss surgeries on patients with a BMI of 35 if they have significant obesity-related health concerns.
2. You Have Obesity-Related Co-Morbidities
Untreated obesity can result in serious health concerns including hypertension, sleep apnea, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If you have one or more of these conditions, you may benefit from bariatric surgery.
Depending on the severity of your conditions, you may need to reach certain health milestones on your own before you can be cleared for surgery.
3. You’ve Been Unsuccessful with Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery is a serious medical procedure and should never be your first attempt at losing weight. If you can show your doctor that you’ve been unsuccessful despite improving your diet and exercise, you may qualify for an operation.
4. You’re in Good Mental Health
You don’t have to have a perfect bill of mental health to meet the criteria for bariatric surgery. In fact, losing weight can actually improve your mood. That being said, there are some conditions that may decrease your chances for long term success.
If you struggle with binge eating disorder, substance abuse, or other severe mental health disorders, your doctor may want to put off surgery until they’re properly managed.
5. You’re Motivated to Succeed
Gastric bypass surgery can lead to significant long-term weight loss, but only if you’re dedicated. Without a serious change in lifestyle, you might find yourself gaining back the weight you’ve lost and more.
That’s why it’s so important to stay motivated by focusing on the non-scale victories that bariatric surgery can bring. According to United Medical Bariatric Surgery, some of the other benefits can include:
- Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol
- Healthier heart and lungs
- Improved blood sugar levels
- Better sleep, less snoring, and a lessened chance of sleep apnea
- Decreased joint and muscle pain
- Higher quality of life and longevity
If all of these benefits get you motivated to make a change for the better, you’re more likely to stick with it for the long haul.
Do I Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery?
It’s time to quit asking yourself “Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?” Only your doctor can tell you for sure, so if you meet the criteria listed above, schedule a consultation with them. They will discuss the risks and benefits with you to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a bariatric operation.
Don’t wait any longer to take the next steps toward living a healthy, happy life. If you’re serious about your weight loss journey, click here to learn about setting a realistic goal.
