If you’re obese, losing even 5 percent of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of obesity-related comorbidities like hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. However, losing weight through traditional means (i.e. exercise and well-balanced diet) doesn’t work for everyone. If this is you, you might be a candidate for bariatric surgery.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery covers a number of procedures that aim to help obese individuals lose weight and in return, reduce their risk of obesity-related comorbidities. The surgery does this by reducing the size of the stomach (we don’t offer gastric band) or by resecting and re-routing the small intestine to a small pouch.
Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery?
Although bariatric surgery is an effective procedure for losing weight, it’s not for everyone. There are certain medical qualifications to meet to qualify for this kind of surgery. Some of these are:
- a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
- a BMI of 35 or more with serious weight-related problems such as sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension
- Unsuccessful in losing weight through traditional methods (i.e. exercise and diet)
However, meeting these requirements doesn’t instantly qualify you for a bariatric surgery. At Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville, you will be evaluated first by a group of specialists, which include a doctor, surgeon, and psychologist. The purpose of such evaluation is to determine if you’re physically, emotionally, and psychologically ready to undergo such procedure.
During this evaluation, the healthcare team review your age, nutrition and weight history, past and existing health condition, motivation, and psychological status.
Once you’re approved for weight loss surgery, the Foothills bariatric team will give you instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. These include instructions on your diet, lifestyle changes, and physical activity. Many do not realize that these lifestyle changes must take place even before the surgery happens.
There’s No Time Like the Present!
With the holidays behind us, many are taking advantage of the fresh start that the New Year brings. If you’ve been struggling with weight loss and have seen no improvements through traditional means, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery. Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville offer free educational seminars as a first step for patients considering bariatric surgery. These are available in-person and online. Visit our Seminar webpage to learn more.