Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
The term bariatric surgery is used to describe a range of surgical procedures that are performed on people who need to lose weight. These surgeries are not appropriate for everyone, but they can be very successful in helping morbidly obese patients reduce their weight and improve their quality of life overall.
There are many different types of bariatric surgery, and it can be difficult to know which procedure will work best for you. Dr. Mark Colquitt and his team at Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville understand that bariatric surgery is a big decision and offer this helpful information to help guide you in understanding if you qualify for bariatric surgery.
What are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?
If you’re like most people, you probably think of weight loss surgery as something that is only for people who are obese. And while it’s true that bariatric surgery can help people lose a significant amount of weight, it’s not just for people who are overweight. In fact, bariatric surgery can be an effective tool for anyone who wants to lose a significant amount of weight and improve other aspects of their health such as hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery?
To qualify for bariatric surgery, you must meet the following criteria:
• Have a BMI >35
If you have a body mass index over 35, then you may qualify for bariatric surgery, even if you don’t have other underlying health conditions.
• Have a BMI <35 and Obesity-Related Condition
If your body mass index (BMI) is less than 35 along but you also have an obesity-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure, you can still qualify for surgery.
To find out your BMI, try our Calculator.
Other qualifications for Bariatric Surgery:
• Be 18 years or older
• Have tried other weight loss methods without success
• Be committed to making lifestyle changes, including following a healthier diet and getting regular exercise
• Understand the risks and benefits of the surgery
• Be prepared for a lifelong commitment to taking care of your health
Bariatric Surgery procedures offered at Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons
There are several types of bariatric surgery that offer specific benefits and risks. Two of the most common bariatric procedures are gastric bypass and gastric sleeve.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common types of bariatric surgery. It is also one of the most effective, with patients typically losing 60-80% of their excess body weight.
During gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon will create a small pouch at the top of your stomach. This pouch will be connected to a section of your small intestine, bypassing the rest of your stomach and part of your small intestine. This allows food to bypass much of the digestive process, which results in fewer calories and nutrients being absorbed.
One of the benefits of gastric bypass surgery is that it can help improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Risks of gastric bypass surgery include the possibility of nutrient deficiencies, dumping syndrome (a condition where food moves too quickly through your digestive system), and hernias.
Learn more about gastric bypass.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the newest types of bariatric surgery. It involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a long, thin “sleeve” that holds food.
Gastric sleeve surgery is less invasive than other types of bariatric surgery and has a shorter recovery time. It is also effective, with patients typically losing 50-60% of their excess body weight.
One of the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery is that it can help improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Learn more about gastric sleeve surgery.
Speak to the Experts at Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons
If you’d like more information or speak to someone about whether bariatric surgery is right for you, you can visit https://www.foothillsweightloss.com/get-started/ to get information about watching our FREE online seminar. Our seminar will answer all of your FAQs about bariatric surgery, and you’ll get detailed information about our program.
If you have any questions, reach out to us. We are happy to help! Call the Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons office at (865) 984-3413.
We look forward to meeting you!
Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. Foothills is affiliated with the Fort Sanders Regional Center for Bariatric Surgery, a member of Covenant Health Bariatric Services.