A Look At Bariatric Surgery Patients
By Eddie Tobey, Thu Dec 8th
Individuals who are interested in bariatric surgery need to beaware of the ramifications. Although significant weight loss canbe achieved with the procedure, patients need to have realisticweight loss expectations. Even after the surgery, most patientswill not achieve their ideal body weight. Patients with a lowerBMI to begin with generally lose a greater percentage of excessweight, while those with a higher initial BMI will likely losemore total weight. Patients who approach the surgery with a goalof improving their health resulting and quality of life willhave the most success.
Patients also need to be aware that bariatric surgery is justthe first step. Post-surgery, they will require lifelong medicalsurveillance and must go into the procedure with a completeunderstanding of the surgery, the possible risks, and thelifelong changes it will require.
With that said, severely overweight people who have tried dietsand exercise but have not achieved lasting weight loss may becandidates for bariatric weight loss surgery. To be a suitablecandidate, a person must meet certain criteria prescribed by adoctor or insurance company. Example criteria include excessweight of 100 pounds (or 100 percent over ideal weight), agerange between 18 and 60 ears, a BMI (body mass index) of 40 orgreater.
Other qualifying criteria include a BMI of between 35 and 40coupled with one or more of the following conditions: diabetes,hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, ordegenerative joint disease. Also, repeated and failed attemptsto lose weight with the aid of diets, exercise, behaviormodification, or weight loss drugs make bariatric surgery anattractive option. Finally, patients should show no history ofdrug and/or alcohol abuse.
About the author:Bariatric SurgeryInfo provides detailed information on bariatric surgery,including cost, patients, centers, diet, financing, andcomplications, as well as specific procedures like laparoscopicand bypass surgery. Bariatric Surgery Info is the sister site ofGastric BypassSurgery Web.
