Bariatric Weightloss Surgery
Weight Loss Surgery - 5 Questions You Need to Answer
Posted Tuesday, May 29, 2007
1. Am I a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric weight-loss surgery is not for everyone. In most cases, bariatric surgeons will only recommend this type of surgery for "morbidly obese" individuals. I know that's not a pleasant phrase, but it's one used by the medical community to describe a certain level of weight problem. Morbidly obese means that the person's obesity is a legitimate threat to his or her health and wellbeing.
Typically, doctors will only start the review process when a person's body mass index (or BMI) is greater than 40. Body mass index is a measurement that takes into account a person's gender, height and weight. When a person has a BMI of 40 or greater, doctors will generally proceed with the assessment to determine a patient's candidacy for bariatric weight-loss surgery.
2. What Type of Bariatric Surgery?
Another decision you'll have to make up front is the type of bariatric weight-loss surgery you want to pursue. Over the last few years, there have been many advancements in the field of bariatric surgery. The use of laparoscopic techniques, for instance, provides a minimally invasive alternative to full surgery in some cases. New products have also come onto the scene, such as the LAP-BAND system. So before you proceed with this list of questions, you'll need to research your surgical options and choose the one that's best for you.
3. Do I Understand the Bariatric Surgery Effects?
Bariatric surgery has long-term effects, and these effects will differ based on what type of surgery you undergo. For instance, with gastric bypass surgery, your capacity for food consumption will be greatly reduced. That's the whole point of the surgery, and it's more or less a permanent effect. With some of the new lap band surgeries, on the other hand, the stomach's capacity can be altered post-surgery by making adjustments to the band. This type of surgery can even be reversed, in most cases. So before you choose a type of bariatric weight-loss surgery, be sure you know the long-term effects of each one.
4. Do I Know the Bariatric Surgery Risks?
Every type of surgery has risks, and bariatric surgery is no different. The risks will vary depending on which type of weight-loss surgery you pursue (which is why the type of surgery was question #2). Once you decide on a type of bariatric weight-loss surgery, you need to learn about the risks associated with that surgery. Do some research online to find out what type of risks you might face, as well as any percentages / statistics you can located. Only when you understand these risks can you make an informed decision about bariatric weight-loss surgery.
5. Which Bariatric Surgeon Should I Choose?
Once you have (A) determined you are a viable candidate for bariatric surgery, (B) researched the different types of bariatric surgery, and (C) learned about the long-term effects and possible risks, you are ready for the next logical step in the process. You are ready to ask question #5, "Which doctor should I choose?"
In many regards, choosing a bariatric surgeon is like choosing any other surgeon. You want to find a surgeon who is experienced in the field, as well as one who makes you comfortable. Some surgeons are highly skilled but lack a pleasant "bedside manner." While other surgeons are great with people but less experienced in bariatric surgery. You want to find a surgeon with a combination of these qualities, one who is both highly skilled and easy to talk to.
One of the places you can go to research bariatric surgeons is the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (www.asbs.org). We also offer a variety of resources through the Bariatric Learning Center website, listed below.
People who read this article also read:
