Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss option for people who struggle with severe obesity, but it’s not for everyone. Doctors use specific guidelines to decide if someone is a good candidate for this type of surgery. In this section, we’ll explain the main factors that determine if you qualify for bariatric surgery, including your Body Mass Index (BMI), health conditions, and past attempts at weight loss.
■ Body Mass Index (BMI)
The first factor doctors look at is your Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. It helps doctors determine if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
- BMI of 40 or Higher: Most people who qualify for bariatric surgery have a BMI of 40 or higher, which is classified as severe obesity. For example, if you’re 5'6" and weigh over 250 pounds, you likely fall into this category. People with a BMI of 40 or more are at high risk for obesity-related health problems, which is why surgery may be recommended.
- BMI of 35 or Higher with Health Problems: You may also qualify if your BMI is 35 or higher and you have serious health problems caused by your weight. These conditions might include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or sleep apnea. Even though your BMI might not be as high as 40, these health issues can make bariatric surgery a necessary step to improve your overall health.
■ Other Health Issues
In addition to BMI, doctors also look at other health problems that could be linked to your weight. Bariatric surgery might be recommended if your weight is causing serious medical conditions that affect your quality of life. Some of these conditions include:
- Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Many people find that their diabetes improves or even goes away after bariatric surgery.
- High Blood Pressure: Obesity puts extra strain on your heart, leading to high blood pressure. Losing weight through surgery can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep, which is often caused by excess weight. Bariatric surgery can help reduce or eliminate sleep apnea by leading to weight loss.
- Joint Pain: Carrying extra weight puts stress on your joints, especially in the knees and hips. Bariatric surgery can help relieve joint pain by reducing the strain on your body.
Doctors will review your medical history and current health issues to see if bariatric surgery is a good option to help manage these conditions.
■ Failed Attempts to Lose Weight
Bariatric surgery is usually recommended for people who have tried other ways to lose weight but haven’t had success. Before considering surgery, doctors will ask about your history of weight loss efforts, such as:
- Diet and Exercise: Many people who qualify for bariatric surgery have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise programs. However, even with these efforts, some people are unable to lose a significant amount of weight or keep it off long-term.
- Weight Loss Medications: Some people may have tried weight loss medications prescribed by their doctors. If medications haven’t helped you achieve your weight loss goals, surgery may be the next step.
Doctors will want to know about your past attempts at losing weight to ensure that surgery is the right option for you. Bariatric surgery is considered a major, life-changing procedure, and it’s typically recommended only when other weight loss methods have not worked.
■ Conclusion
Not everyone qualifies for bariatric surgery, but for those who do, it can be a life-changing procedure that leads to significant weight loss and health improvements. The main factors doctors consider when determining if you qualify include your BMI, any weight-related health conditions, and your past efforts to lose weight through diet, exercise, or medications. If you meet the qualifications and are considering bariatric surgery, your doctor will carefully evaluate your overall health and help you decide if this option is right for you.
