Is Bariatric Surgery an Option for You?
In general, bariatric surgery may be an option if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. This is called extreme obesity. However, it can also be considered if your BMI is 35 to 39.9 and you have a serious weight-related health problem. These health problems could include severe sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
However, just because you are severely overweight does not mean bariatric surgery is the right option for you. There are other medical guidelines that must be met to qualify. During your consultation for Seattle bariatric surgery, you go through an extensive screening process and must commit to making permanent changes to your lifestyle habits. Additionally, you should engage in a long-term follow-up plan that includes tracking your lifestyle choices, behavior, and medical conditions.
Bariatric surgery works in two ways. The surgery can physically limit the amount of food your stomach can hold and, therefore, reduces the number of calories you can eat. Depending on the surgery, it can also shorten or bypass the small intestines, which reduces the number of calories and nutrients your body can absorb.
In each case, your nutritional status will likely need to be tracked to ensure you do not become vitamin deficient. The benefits often include substantial weight loss within the first year and the resolution of some of your obesity-related health conditions. Additionally, many people experience a better quality of life, higher energy, and improved self-esteem.
