Am I a Candidate?

Am I A Candidate For Weight-Loss Surgery?

Is your weight problem becoming a health problem? The uphill challenge with obesity is often marked with failed diets, excessive calorie counting and unsuccessful exercise attempts. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone in your struggle with obesity. Bariatric surgery may be the answer you have been searching for.

There are medical conditions that are related to, or made worse by, obesity. These conditions are called co-morbidities because they are largely caused by obesity itself. Bariatric surgery can improve, eliminate and often reverse many of the following co-morbidities.

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• GERD or acid reflux
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
• Weight-related arthritis or joint pain

Body mass index (BMI) is a screening tool used to measure an individual’s body fat. It is based on the ratio of someone’s height and weight using a simple calculation (BMI = kg/m2). Research shows the higher a person’s BMI the greater their chance of having heart disease, diabetes, cancer and an increase in overall mortality. As your BMI is lowered these health risks, and associated complications, will significantly be reduced or completely eliminated.

Patients with a BMI of 40 or greater are candidates for bariatric surgery. Patients with a BMI of 35 or greater with two or more of the above weight-related health issues are also candidates for gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

Should I Consider Bariatric Surgery?

Consider the following questions:

• Am I more than 100 pounds overweight and have a BMI of 40 or more?
• Am I limited in my daily activities because of my weight?
• Is my weight affecting my overall health?
• Do I suffer from longstanding morbid obesity?
• Do I have realistic expectations related to the surgical outcome?
• Do I understand the operative procedure and its associated risks?
• Have I failed attempts at medical weight-loss programs?
• Will I commit myself to permanent life-style changes in my diet and exercise regimen?
• Will I participate in long-term follow up care with my physician and surgeon?
• Will I complete the required pre-operative tests, education and evaluations?
• Do I want a second chance at a healthier life?

Bariatric surgery has a high success rate and can be life-changing but surgery itself is not a guarantee of permanent weight loss. Success requires your complete commitment to follow your bariatric protocol and making healthy behavioral changes in your diet and exercise plan for the rest of your life.

What Excludes Me From Bariatric Surgery?

While bariatric surgery can help reduce your risk of weight-related problems, weight-loss surgery isn’t for everyone. As with any major surgical procedure there are health risks and side effects. The following situations can increase your risks and will need to be addressed in depth if deciding to proceed with surgery.

• Current smoker
• Obesity that is related to a metabolic or endocrine disorder
• History of untreated substance abuse or major psychiatric disease
• Risks of having bariatric surgery outweigh the benefits
• Medically unstable and unable to tolerate major surgery and general anesthesia
• Women who delivered a baby within the past 12 months
• Women who want to become pregnant within 18 months following surgery
• BMI below 40 without any 2 obesity-related health issues
• *Under age 18
• *Over age 65

* Age does not determine whether or not you are a candidate to have bariatric surgery however, certain ages can present increased health risks. If you are under age 18 or older than age 65 Dr. Suh will discuss these special considerations with you in detail at your consultation.

Your overall health, and safety, is of the highest importance to Dr. Suh and our staff. Please contact our office at 951-256-8191 and our staff will gladly answer your questions.

Does my BMI increase my health risks?