When Is it Time to Consider Weight Loss Surgery?

Nearly 40% of adults in the United States weigh much more than they should. Fat deposits may be obvious around the belly and extremities, but what you do not see is internal fat deposits, between the heart and sac surrounding it and inside artery walls which puts people at great risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and many types of cancer that lead to premature aging and death. Diet and exercise are the most common approaches to weight loss but when it is time to consider bariatric surgery?

Weight loss surgery, also known as metabolic or bariatric surgery, helps approximately 250,000 people per year achieve the weight loss they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• You’ve been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise, or have repeatedly lost weight only to regain it
• Your BMI is at least 40
• Your BMI is greater than or equal to 35 and you have a weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea
• You are more than 100 pounds overweight and you are committed to making lifestyle changes
• You are motivated and do not have ongoing psychosis or substance abuse
• You are willing to actively participate in follow-up care, including taking a multivitamin for the rest of your life