Is Bariatric Surgery Right for Me?
Criteria for bariatric surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure and insurance requirements. The goal of surgery is for you to lose at least 50% of your excess weight in the first year (post-surgery) and to keep it off for the rest of your life. Our providers at UM Charles Regional Medical Center will first help you explore non-surgical weight loss methods.
Generally, weight loss surgery is a good option for you:
- Are over 18 years of age
- Have a BMI over 35 and obesity-related medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, heart disease, sleep apnea, etc.) or a BMI over 40. Estimate your BMI using the National Institutes of Health BMI calculator (nih.gov).
- Are more than 100 pounds overweight
- Have been unable to lose weight through traditional diet and exercise efforts
Under these circumstances, weight loss surgery is usually considered medically necessary and covered by most insurance plans.
Discussing bariatric surgery with your primary care physician can help you learn more about how risks and benefits associated with the procedure specifically affect you. By getting a referral, you can gain a better understanding of what your insurance covers and other specifics.
If you meet all prerequisites, the entire bariatric surgery process, from the time of your first consultation to the procedure itself, can be done in as little as two months. The process, however, varies from patient to patient. Alcohol and nicotine use are among the other factors that can influence one's bariatric surgery timeline. You must avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for at least three months prior to your surgery. You may also have to lose some weight beforehand to ensure a safe and successful surgery.
It is worth noting that your weight loss journey doesn't end with the bariatric procedure itself. You will have monthly follow-up visits and eventually annual appointments. It is important to remember that bariatric surgery is not a cure for weight loss and its effectiveness will depend on the lifestyle choices you make the rest of your life.
Regardless of the type of procedure you have, your life after surgery will be drastically different than what it was before. What, when and how you eat will change, as will your level of activity. Your social interactions and health will also change. Bariatric surgery can provide effective long-term weight management when combined with lifelong healthy lifestyle changes.
Contact Us
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 301-609-5006.
