Factors To Consider When Deciding For Bariatric Surgery

Most weight loss surgeons will tell you that in order to qualify for bariatric surgery, you must not only have a body mass index of 35 or greater, but you must also have one or more obesity related medical conditions. Those who are at a high risk for weight related disease or have a life-threatening condition or those who are disabled from their weight will be good candidates for the surgery. In addition, if you suffer from a genetic condition that causes your weight gain, you might be a good candidate as well.

Factors that your doctor will consider before declaring you as a good candidate for a weight loss surgery will include,

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can cause many complications and those who are overweight often suffer from high blood pressure. Many times, those with high blood pressure can alleviate this problem by losing weight and exercising. 

Diabetes

Adult on-set diabetes is almost always caused by being overweight. Some people can control their symptoms by diet and exercise and others must depend on daily doses of insulin. In addition, diabetes has many complications it can cause as well. Diabetics who are overweight can alleviate their symptoms many times by losing the excess weight. 

Arthritis

Added weight can put a strain on your bones and muscles and many people who are overweight will suffer from debilitating cases of arthritis. 

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious problem that can affect your daily activities in ways you may not consider. First of all, when the added weight puts pressure on your chest, you will suffer from sleep apnea. This can cause you to not sleep well at night from constant waking. In addition, sleep apnea will also cause you to feel tired throughout the day, irritability, snoring, impaired brain function and headaches.  

Coronary Heart Disease

Another serious complication of obesity is coronary heart disease. Those who have excess body fat, especially around the mid-section are at a much higher risk for heart disease. This can also lead to stroke. The added weight to the body makes the heart work harder all of the time and this will raise blood pressure as well as triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Losing weight can help lower the risks of serious heart problems that are often associated with obesity. 

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome

This is a condition that those who are severely overweight will suffer from and it can cause serious complications. Overweight people tend to have a harder time breathing and cannot breathe in deep enough to support good oxygen levels. This can result in low blood oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels. This is also related to sleep apnea. This condition is a health risk because it can put a strain on the heat and can cause heart failure, leg swelling and other problems. Sometimes ventilation can help, but mostly losing weight can alleviate this problem. 

High Cholesterol

Another problem that is almost always associated with obesity is high cholesterol. When you have high LDL levels, or low HDL, you can suffer from heart disease and stroke. This can be caused by a fast food diet and a diet that is not rich in healthy foods. You will also find that high cholesterol can run in families, so if you have this in your family and you are overweight, you are very likely to suffer from high cholesterol. 

Pseudotumor Cerebri

This condition is common to those who are overweight. This happens when you have pressure inside your skull that causes a variety of problems such as symptoms similar to a brain tumor, even though no tumor exists. This problem can often be alleviated with weight loss. 

Other factors taken into consideration when looking into bariatric surgery include,

Physical problems that interfere with daily activities (these can include joint and back pain)

Having a BMI greater than 40 along with several other medical conditions.

Weight and body size interferes with the ability to make a living, or cause problems with moving around or taking care of the family or children.

Between the ages of 20-60 years of age and have tried several other weight loss methods with little to no success.

Have tried unsuccessfully several attempts to lose weight through supervised dietary changes, behavioral changes and medical therapy.

Have realistic expectations of what the surgery can and cannot do for you and you are motivated to make it work.

You are capable of understanding the procedure and the complications and possible implications of the surgery.

You can show that you are willing to make a life-long commitment to the changes that will take place after the surgery and that you can handle the long term follow up care that is required.

Have had a high body mass index for five years or more.

You have no history of drug abuse, alcohol use or emotional or psychiatric disorders.