Find out if you’re a suitable candidate for weight loss surgery.
If you are struggling with your weight and would like to improve your overall health, you might consider weight loss surgery. But how do you know if you’re a suitable candidate? To determine if bariatric surgery is right for you, it’s helpful to begin by determining your body mass index (BMI). Read on to find out how to calculate your BMI, and what other criteria you should meet before going ahead with weight loss surgery…
How do you calculate BMI?
BMI is calculated with a formula that uses both weight and height to estimate one’s body fat. BMI can be worked out by taking your weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square of your height in metres. To find out what your BMI is, simply use our BMI calculator here.
Generally, weight loss surgery may be considered for individuals who have a BMI of 40 or higher. Individuals who have a BMI of 35 or higher, as well as an obesity-related medical condition are also sometimes suited to weight loss surgery.
Mental health plays a role
If you are considering weight loss surgery, you must consider the implications that the procedure may have on your mental health. You will need to be willing to commit to several dietary and lifestyle changes to achieve optimal results. The interaction between the mind and body is key when it comes to enjoying long-term success following weight loss surgery. As part of your pre-operative care, you will meet with a clinical psychologist who will help you to identify any challenges and behaviours that may have previously prevented you from losing weight. This psychological preparation is essential, and something that you need to be willing to take on to be a suitable candidate for surgery.
You have obesity-related health concerns
If you’re struggling with one or more obesity-related health issues, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery. If you have a BMI of over 30 and poorly controlled diabetes, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular risk, weight loss surgery may be recommended for you. If you have a BMI of 35 or higher, as well as one of the following conditions, you might consider weight loss surgery: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, heartburn, asthma, high cholesterol, polycystic ovarian syndrome, stress urinary incontinence, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, degenerative joint disease, or gout.
You’ve tried other weight loss methods
If you have been unsuccessful with weight loss in the past, even with professional guidance and supervision, surgery might be an appropriate option for you. Weight loss surgery is often the only long-term treatment for severe obesity.
If you suffer from obesity and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise have not had a significant impact on your health, it is advisable to consider a bariatric procedure. Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease that can lead to some serious health issues, so you must seek treatment for the sake of your overall wellbeing. Weight loss surgery typically produces excellent results — patients generally lose up to 80 percent of their excess weight and notice an improvement in many obesity-related medical conditions.
How can we help?
If you are considering weight loss surgery but are not sure whether or not you are a suitable candidate, we encourage you to come in for a consultation. We offer a number of procedures, including SADI-S, gastric banding, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. To find out more about each of these procedures, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment to see us, please get in touch. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you to achieve your weight loss and general health goals. Our team is available to guide you through the treatment that you choose.