Biaiatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Do I qualify? Is it right for me?
Weight loss surgery is a complex field and a big commitment for both the patient and the surgeon. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise in the Unites States. 1 in 3 people on average are obese with nearly half being overweight.
Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Severe Obesity Among Adults Aged 20 and Over: United States, 1960–1962 Through 2017–2018 by Cheryl D. Fryar, M.S.P.H., Margaret D. Carroll, M.S.P.H., and Joseph Afful, M.S., Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity-adult-17-18/obesity-adult.htm. Page last reviewed: February 8, 2021.
The sad truth is that of all people that qualify for weight loss surgery in the United States, only about 1% ever seek out weight loss surgery. The benefits are profound. Not only is there a significant loss of weight with an overall improvement in your quality of life, but there are also significant improvements if not corrections of a long list of medical problems that are correlated with obesity.
So, Who Qualifies?
According to most insurance companies the answer is pretty cut and dry.
Your BMI (Body Mass Index) needs to be between 35.0-39.9 with at least 1-2 obesity related medical problems. If your BMI is greater than or equal to 40 irrespective of medical problems, you would typically qualify for weight loss surgery. The American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery has condoned performing weight loss surgery on people with a BMI as low as 30. There are a lot of exciting less invasive devices in clinical trials right now that target the patient with a of BMI 30-35. Most apart from gastric balloons are consider investigational by the FDA.
Weight loss surgery is a “tool” that can revolutionize your life, but it requires lifestyle modifications and a strong commitment from the patient.
The details of which surgery is best for you is a tailored approach that you and your surgeon will discuss to find a plan that is ideal for you as an individual.
Please call our office to set up an appointment. I look forward to helping you in obtaining your weight loss goals and a healthier lifestyle.