Identifying Good Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

Global statistics indicate that obesity is on the rise, and this means that billions of people will develop the associated health problems that come with excessive body fat. Not only will heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes increase, but so too will debilitating problems such as arthritis and disease.

While losing large amounts of weight might be desired in order to improve the health of the individual, there are also far more personal reasons such as self-esteem, acceptance, and comfort too. For those who have already tried to implement a regime of diet and exercise to no avail, the bariatric surgery options are available.

Bariatric surgery is a somewhat “blanket” term for an array of surgical procedures all geared at weight loss on a large degree. Those who are combating obesity without much success can consult with their doctor about weight loss surgery that includes the use of a medically implanted device (such as the LAP BAND), the removal of a portion of the digestive tract, or the resecting of the digestive system (also known as gastric bypass). Each approach greatly reduces the individual’s ability to comfortably ingest all but the smallest portions of food. This forces them to eat smaller meals, while also preventing the absorption of many of the calories.

Because not all bariatric surgical techniques are suitable for everyone, it is going to be necessary for the individual to review their particular options with their regular physician. Most patients will also have to undergo a period of monitored diet and exercise to ensure that there is no alternative to the surgical treatment. If they remain at a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or higher they will usually be viewed as a strong candidate for one of the surgeries.

Most patients who are cleared for a bariatric surgery will see dramatic weight loss and the disappearance of major health problems connected to obesity once their treatment is complete.