Before deciding to have weight loss surgery, it is important for you, the patient to understand what's involved and what lifestyle changes you must make. Success of long term weight loss is up to you. Bariatric (weight loss) surgery can provide long-term, consistent weight loss if you exercise and eat a healthy diet. Bariatric surgery isn't for everyone. This is an elective major procedure that has risks and side effects and requires permanent changes in your lifestyle. Weight-loss (bariatric) surgeries change your digestive system, often limiting the amount of food you can eat. These surgeries help you lose weight and can lower your risk of medical problems associated with obesity.
Weight loss surgery is for people who are unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise, are severely overweight, and who have health problems as a result. Surgery may be an option for you if:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity)
- Your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity), and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix and doesn't replace the need for following a healthy diet and getting exercise. Long term success of the surgery depends in part on your commitment to following the guidelines given to you about diet and exercise.
Before you have weight loss surgery, you'll go through an extensive screening process. Not everyone who wants Bariatric surgery is psychologically or medically ready for the surgical procedure.
