Are you having a hard time losing weight even after dieting and exercising? Then you might be a candidate for weight loss surgery! Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a medical procedure that is designed to help individuals who are severely obese lose weight and improve their overall health.
While weight loss surgery can certainly be an effective option, not everyone is a candidate. Certain factors must be taken into consideration before undergoing the procedure. Here’s a look at the top factors that determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for weight loss surgery.
Body Weight
Body weight is one key factor used to determine whether or not someone is a candidate for weight loss surgery. In general, individuals who are severely obese, with a body weight that is 100-pounds or more above their ideal body weight, may be considered for weight loss surgery.
It’s important to note that body weight alone is not enough to determine candidacy for weight loss surgery. Other factors such as BMI, overall health, and weight-related health conditions are also taken into consideration, which we’ll look at next.
Body Mass Index
Body mass index (BMI) is another key factor used to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for weight loss surgery. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight and is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared.
In general, individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher are considered severely obese and may be candidates for weight loss surgery. However, individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher who also have weight-related health conditions may also be considered for weight loss surgery.
Weight-Related Health Conditions
As previously mentioned, individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher who also have weight-related health conditions may also be candidates for weight loss surgery. These conditions are often associated with obesity and can have serious health consequences if left untreated. Examples of weight-related health conditions include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease.
Weight loss surgery can be an effective treatment for these conditions, as it can help individuals achieve significant and sustained weight loss, which in turn can lead to improvements in overall health. For example, weight loss surgery has been shown to help improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure, and improve sleep apnea symptoms.
Previous Weight Loss Attempts
Your previous weight-loss attempts are an important factor in determining whether you’re a candidate. It’s important to remember that weight loss surgery is a major medical procedure that comes with risks and potential complications, as such, it should only be considered after other methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, have been attempted and proven unsuccessful.
If you’re unable to achieve a healthy body weight for a sustained period of time, then weight loss surgery may be considered. Additionally, previous weight-loss attempts can also help predict the likelihood of success following surgery. People who were committed to healthy lifestyle changes in their previous weight loss attempts typically are more successful in achieving and maintaining weight loss after surgery. Therefore, your doctor will certainly take your previous weight loss history into consideration when deciding if you’re a good candidate.
Other Considerations for Weight Loss Surgery
Your doctor will also need to consider your overall health. Individuals considering weight loss surgery should be in good overall health and free of any conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after the procedure. Your willingness to make lifestyle changes will also be considered as you must make necessary changes to support long-term weight loss and overall health.
Weight loss surgery is not a guarantee of permanent weight loss and should be considered a tool to support healthy weight management, rather than a quick-fix solution. As with any medical decision, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider who can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your health needs and goals.
How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?
The cost of weight loss surgery in the United States can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of procedure, location, and individual health insurance coverage. That said, generally, weight loss surgery can cost anywhere from $7,400 to $33,000 before insurance coverage. This cost typically includes pre-operative evaluations, the surgical procedure itself, post-operative care, and follow-up appointments.
While weight loss surgery can be costly, it is important to consider the potential long-term health benefits and cost savings associated with significant and sustained weight loss. Obesity can lead to a variety of health complications and conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep apnea, which can be costly to manage and treat. In contrast, weight loss surgery can help improve these conditions and reduce the need for ongoing medical care, medications, and other treatments.
It is important to do your research and compare costs across different providers and locations, as well as explore options for health insurance coverage and financing. Many insurance plans cover weight-loss surgery, but each policy may have different requirements and coverage. Healthcare providers and hospitals may also offer financing options or payment plans to help make weight loss surgery more affordable.
