About Weight Loss Surgery

Do You Qualify as a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery is not for everyone. There are many people who do not meet the requirements for a successful surgery. Moreover, many risks are involved, making it dangerous for certain individuals to undergo this operation.

To be considered as a candidate for weight loss surgery, the applicant must meet the following specific requirements before consulting a doctor:

Be between the ages of 18 and 65
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40
Have been obese for at least three to five years
Have attempted and failed to lose weight using non-surgical methods for at least two years
Do not abuse drugs or alcohol
Have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness such as heart disease, sleep apnea, or diabetes
Have an absence of endocrine that can cause morbid obesity
Be a non-smoker or have quit smoking
Be motivated to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle
Be aware that weight loss surgery does not guarantee positive results
Be able to follow the doctor’s instructions

If all or most of these requirements are met, a person may be a potential candidate for weight loss surgery. It is also possible for an individual to be too obese to qualify for weight loss surgery, in which case they are usually advised to lose weight before proceeding with the surgery. Ultimately, the doctor will be the one to make the final decision on whether or not a person qualifies for the procedure.

Because there are many health risks associated with weight loss surgery, a potential candidate must be well-informed, and understand all of the consequences involved before deciding to undergo surgery. Be aware of the following possibilities:

Discomforting symptoms such as nausea, sweating, vomiting, faintness, general weakness, and diarrhea
Development of a hernia or ulcers
Hiccupping or bloating if stomach becomes enlarged
Malnutrition that can lead to anemia and osteoporosis
Dumping Syndrome
Gallstones
Infection at the point of incision
Leaking from stomach to other areas of the body
Pulmonary embolism
Excess and sagging skin
Stenosis
Death or stroke

Other repercussions can exist, as is the case in any surgical procedure. It is most important to be knowledgeable on the subject, ask questions, and discuss with your physician any concerns you may have before going through with the operation.