7 Factors That May Qualify You for Weight-Loss Surgery

Weight-loss surgery may be a good treatment option for some patients. Not only does it help with weight loss, but it can lower the risk of certain weight-related chronic diseases. Or if you already have a weight-related condition, weight-loss surgery could reduce its impact on your health.

But not everyone is a good candidate for surgical procedures such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, gastric sleeve surgery, and laparoscopic gastric bypass. These procedures are recommended only for people who truly need them. 

All surgery carries some risk, and you should only have weight-loss (bariatric) surgery if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.

At Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, our weight-loss care providers work closely with each patient to identify a treatment plan that is right for them. This plan may include lifestyle changes, weight-management medication, and/or bariatric surgery.

Qualifying for weight-loss surgery

As you educate yourself about treatment options for addressing your weight, our providers invite you to read about the seven factors that may qualify you for weight-loss surgery.

You have morbid obesity

Having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher (morbid obesity) could make you a good candidate for weight-loss surgery. People with a 40-plus BMI are likely to have weight-related medical conditions. To determine your BMI, use this handy BMI calculator.

You have obesity with a chronic medical condition

Weight-loss surgery may make sense for you if you have a BMI of 35 or higher along with a serious weight-related health condition. These include

•  Asthma/reactive airway disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Metabolic syndrome
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis
• Prediabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Unhealthy cholesterol levels
• Urinary stress incontinence

You have obesity with difficult-to-control diabetes

If you have a BMI of 30 or higher and are struggling to control your Type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes and medication, your provider may recommend weight-loss surgery.

You can’t reach your goal weight through diet and exercise

Lifestyle factors such as changing your eating plan, exercising more, and changing your behavior habits can help with weight loss. But for some patients, these lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. 

If you’ve been trying without success to lose weight this way, you may qualify for weight-loss surgery.

You are healthy enough for surgery

Bariatric surgery puts a strain on your body. It is typically not recommended for people with serious health problems that could make it difficult for them to handle surgery and the post-surgical recuperation process, such as severe heart disease or a blood clotting disorder.

You are willing to do the work

Weight-loss surgery isn’t a cure-all. After surgery, you still have to commit to eating a healthy diet, being physically active, and following post-surgery care recommendations.

Your mental health is in a good place

Weight-loss surgery may not be right for you at this time if you have uncontrolled disordered eating or a mood disorder, if you are abusing drugs or alcohol, or you have other mental health issues that should be addressed before considering surgery. 

Our practice includes a psychiatric evaluation as part of the preparation protocol for every patient considering bariatric surgery.

Schedule your surgery evaluation

We recognize that every patient is an individual with their own needs and goals. We work closely with each patient to create a personalized weight-loss treatment plan that may or may not include bariatric surgery. 

If you’re considering bariatric surgery or any other treatment, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our caring weight-loss care providers. Contact us today to request an appointment at our Atlanta, Georgia, office.