Signs It's Time To Seriously Consider Bariatric Surgery

People who are significantly overweight often toss around the idea of weight loss surgery for a few years, wondering if it's right for them. Some of these people eventually lose weight via other methods and no longer need bariatric surgery. Others, however, reach a point where they are finally ready to commit to weight loss surgery. So, what are the signs you should start seriously considering bariatric surgery rather than just tossing the idea around casually?

Your BMI is over 40.

Most doctors consider patients to be candidates for bariatric surgery if their BMI is over 40. If you're not sure what your BMI is, you can use one of many online calculators to compute it. The higher your BMI, the more weight you need to lose in order to achieve a healthy weight, and the harder it becomes to lose that weight without the jump-start that bariatric surgery can provide.

You have a weight-related health condition.

If you have a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or GERD, then losing weight may be a key factor in your healing. As such, doctors often recommend bariatric surgery, even if your BMI is not quite 40. In this case, the benefits of losing weight with surgical assistance tend to outweigh the risks of continuing on at your current weight with your underlying medical condition.

You've tried several different weight loss programs.

No one weight loss program is suited for everyone. So, if you have tried one weight loss program and failed, that does not necessarily mean you'll need bariatric surgery to lose weight. Try another method or two. Work with a personal trainer or start meeting with a registered dietitian. If you've tried three or four different methods, given them an honest effort, and still are unable to lose weight, then surgery could be called for.

You have a support system.

Undergoing bariatric surgery is not easy. You'll be in the hospital for at least a few days afterward. Once you get home, you'll have to follow a liquid diet for a time, and then you can go back to soft foods. You may need help changing bandages and moving around at first. As such, you're only ready for bariatric surgery when you have someone available to help you. In fact, it's best to have a support system of friends and family members in place.

If you think you're ready for bariatric surgery, contact a surgery center that offers bariatric surgery, such as The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles. They can talk to you more in-depth about your personal health and weight loss journey.  

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