Bariatric surgery is recommended for individuals with severe obesity who have been unable to achieve significant weight loss through diet, exercise, and medical interventions.
Typically, candidates must meet specific bariatric surgery requirements, including having a BMI for bariatric surgery of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
This surgery is considered when excess weight poses serious health risks and when other weight loss methods have failed to provide lasting results.
In this article, we’ll explore what bariatric surgery is, the qualifying factors, and the necessary steps to determine “Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?”
Table of Contents
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also called weight-loss surgery, is a medical procedure that changes your digestive system to help you lose weight.
It’s often considered when traditional weight-loss methods—like diet and exercise—haven’t worked or when obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, are severe.
But bariatric surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several types, each with its own approach to helping you achieve and maintain a healthier weight. Let’s break them down:
- Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): This procedure reduces the size of your stomach and reroutes part of your digestive system. It limits how much you can eat and how many nutrients you absorb.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this surgery, a portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits food intake and may reduce hunger.
- Adjustable Gastric Band: This procedure involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch, which restricts food intake.
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: This is a complex procedure that involves removing a large part of the stomach that bypasses a significant portion of the small intestine, leading to reduced calorie absorption.
These surgeries work through two main mechanisms:
- Restriction: Some procedures limit the amount of food the stomach can hold, which can reduce calorie intake.
- Malabsorption: Some procedures shorten or bypass parts of the small intestine, decreasing the absorption of calories and nutrients.
While these procedures can be effective tools for weight loss, they also require a commitment to lifelong lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and possibly supplementation, to ensure success and maintain health.
Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery? Key Criteria to Consider
Bariatric surgery can be life-changing, but there are specific qualifications you need to meet.
To determine if you’re a candidate, healthcare providers evaluate several factors, including your BMI, health conditions, and readiness for lifelong lifestyle changes. Here are the key criteria to consider:
Body Mass Index (BMI) Requirements
You’ll need to meet one of these BMI requirements to qualify for bariatric surgery.
- BMI of 40 or higher: Those with a BMI of 40 or above typically qualify for bariatric surgery due to the significant health risks associated with severe obesity.
- BMI of 35 or higher with at least one obesity-related condition: Individuals with a BMI of 35 or more accompanied by serious obesity-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes or severe sleep apnea, may also be considered for surgery.
- BMI of 30 or more with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes: Individuals with a BMI of 30 who struggle to control their type 2 diabetes with medical treatments and lifestyle changes may be considered for bariatric surgery.
Failure of Non-Surgical Methods
Before considering surgery, the individual must have attempted weight loss through traditional means like diet, exercise, or medications but haven’t achieved significant or sustainable results.
If you haven’t already, document your efforts with non-surgical methods. This can help your medical provider understand your history and determine if surgery is the right next step.
Medical Evaluation
Your healthcare provider will perform a thorough medical assessment to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery and free from contraindications.
Psychological Readiness
Your medical provider must evaluate your motivation, understanding of the risks and benefits, and commitment to long-term lifestyle change. These are also vital for your success after surgery.
Age Considerations
While bariatric surgery is typically recommended for individuals aged 18 to 65, exceptions can still be made based on individual circumstances and health assessments.
For example:
- Adolescents with severe obesity and related health issues may qualify in certain cases.
- Older adults may still be candidates if they’re otherwise healthy and likely to benefit from the procedure.
If you’re asking yourself “Is bariatric surgery right for me?”, consulting a medical professional can help determine if you meet the criteria.
The Decision-Making Process for Bariatric Surgery
Deciding on bariatric surgery isn’t something anyone should rush into. Here’s what you should do before finalizing your decision:
Consultation With Specialists
A bariatric surgeon will explain your procedural options, like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, and help determine which is best for you.
You will also consult with a registered dietitian. They’ll guide you through the dietary changes before and after surgery.
Then you need to consult a psychologist. They’ll assess your mental readiness, helping you navigate potential stressors and understand the emotional impact of this life-altering decision.
Comprehensive Medical Workup
This phase involves thorough evaluations, including blood tests, imaging scans, and heart exams, to ensure you’re physically fit.
If any untreated conditions—such as sleep apnea or heart problems—are identified, they’ll need to be managed before surgery to reduce risks and improve outcomes.
Understanding the Process
You need to gain a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. It’s a lifelong commitment to healthier habits. Here’s what you need to know:
- Before surgery: You may need to follow a pre-operative diet to shrink your liver and reduce surgical risks.
- During surgery: The procedure itself typically takes a few hours, and you’ll likely stay in the hospital for one to two days for monitoring and pain management.
- After surgery: Recovery involves gradual dietary changes, starting with liquids and progressing to solid foods. You’ll also need to commit to regular physical activity and portion control to maintain your results.
Building a Support Network
Recovery can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Having a strong support system can make all the difference. Here are some tips on how to build one:
- Family and friends: Let them know how they can help, whether it’s driving you to appointments, preparing meals, or simply offering encouragement.
- Support groups: Connecting with others who’ve had bariatric surgery can provide valuable insights and motivation.
- Post-op tools: Products like the Post Op Starter Kit can simplify your recovery by providing essential medications and supplies in one place.
How To Assess Your Own Situation
Choosing bariatric surgery means committing to a new way of life. If you’re wondering, “Is bariatric surgery for me?” Here’s what to consider.
Evaluate Obesity’s Impact
Excess weight can lead to many health complications, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and joint problems. It can also make certain activities difficult. Evaluate how having excess weight is impacting your personal life to help you determine if surgery is right for you.
Understanding Lifestyle Commitment
Bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment to healthy habits. After surgery, you’ll need to adhere to specific dietary guidelines, engage in regular physical activity, and attend routine medical follow-ups.
Also, there’s a need for ongoing supplementation to prevent nutrient deficiencies, as the body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals can be altered.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Bariatric surgery is a tool to aid weight loss, not a cure. While many experience significant weight reduction and health improvements, the process involves both challenges and opportunities.
Make sure you have a realistic understanding of the potential risks and complications of bariatric surgery.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Beyond losing excess weight, bariatric surgery can impact many areas of your life.
Significant Weight Loss
One of the most immediate benefits of bariatric surgery is the ability to achieve significant weight loss. Studies show that individuals can lose 12% to 70% of their excess weight, depending on the procedure and their commitment to lifestyle changes.
Health Improvements
The health benefits of bariatric surgery extend far beyond weight loss. These health improvements can reduce your reliance on medications and lower your risk of life-threatening complications.
While results vary from person to person, many experience several health improvements after surgery.
- Type 2 diabetes remission: Research shows that 33% to 90% of patients experience remission or better management of diabetes after surgery.
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol: Surgery can reduce cardiovascular risks by improving these critical health markers.
- Better sleep and reduced pain: Conditions like sleep apnea and joint pain often improve, making daily life more comfortable.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Beyond the physical changes, the surgery often brings remarkable mental and emotional benefits.
Patients report better mobility, increased self-esteem, and a higher sense of control over their lives, contributing to overall mental health and well-being.
Using post-op kits can also help simplify your routine, giving you the tools to manage your diet with ease.
Increased Longevity
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce the risk of death from heart disease by 40%, from diabetes by 92%, and from cancer by 60%. These statistics highlight how it can extend life expectancy and improve overall health.
To support these health improvements, incorporating appropriate supplements is essential. For instance, Multivitamins with Iron provides essential nutrients in a convenient, single-dose format for daily use.
Additionally, Calcium Chews support bone health. To simplify your routine, the Just One + BariBurst Calcium Duo combines multivitamins and calcium, offering an easy way to stay on track.
Potential Risks and Limitations
While it comes with great benefits and promises good outcomes, bariatric surgery isn’t without risks. If you’re wondering about bariatric surgery, here’s what you need to know before making a decision.
Short-Term Risks
While bariatric surgery is generally safe, it’s not without risks. Here are some short-term complications to be aware of:
- Bleeding and infection: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of bleeding or infection at the surgical site. These issues require prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
- Anesthesia reactions: Some people may have unexpected reactions to anesthesia, such as difficulty breathing, allergic responses, or prolonged drowsiness during or after surgery.
- Blood clots: Surgery increases the risk of blood clots, which can form in the legs or travel to the lungs. These are serious conditions that need immediate treatment.
- Gastrointestinal leaks: In rare cases, leaks can occur at the surgical connections in the gastrointestinal system, leading to infections that require urgent care.
Long-Term Complications
Bariatric surgery also carries potential long-term risks that require ongoing management. These include:
- Nutritional deficiencies: Due to the changes made to the digestive system during bariatric surgery, nutritional deficiencies are common. You can take a high-quality bariatric multivitamin designed specifically for post-surgery needs to prevent deficiencies.
- Dumping syndrome: This is a common side effect that involves rapid gastric emptying, leading to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and fainting. According to a study, you can avoid it by sticking to smaller, balanced meals and foods that are easier to digest.
- Weight regain: Without adherence to recommended diet and lifestyle changes, there’s a risk of regaining weight after the surgery.
Surgical Revisions
In some cases, additional surgeries may be necessary to address complications or achieve desired weight loss outcomes.
This can happen if the initial surgery doesn’t lead to enough weight loss or if complications arise.
Cost
The cost of having bariatric surgery can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies. It’s best to consult with your insurance provider to understand your financial responsibilities.
Conclusion
Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool for weight loss and improving health, but it’s not a quick fix. It’s a life-altering decision that requires careful consideration and professional guidance.
Candidates must also show a commitment to lifestyle changes, as surgery is only part of the journey.
If you’re struggling with obesity and its complications, consult a qualified healthcare provider to explore your options. The right plan can help you reclaim your health and quality of life.
How Bari Life Can Help
Bari Life understands the unique nutritional challenges that come with life after bariatric surgery.
With a range of high-quality vitamins and supplements designed specifically for post-op needs, Bari Life helps you stay on track with your health and weight-loss goals.
Don’t let nutrient deficiencies slow you down—fuel your body with the right support.
After bariatric surgery, proper nutrition is essential. Patients must follow specific dietary guidelines and take supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Some recommended products include:
- Bariatric vitamins for hair loss to support post-surgery hair health.
- Bariatric protein shakes and bariatric protein bars to meet daily protein requirements.
- Bariatric calcium chews to maintain bone strength.
- Liquid bariatric vitamin for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills.
- Bariatric probiotic to support digestive health.
- Bariatric snacks designed for post-surgery dietary needs.
Explore Bari Life’s trusted supplements today!
If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:
- How To Pass a Bariatric Psych Evaluation?
- Can You Have Bariatric Surgery If You Have H Pylori?
- How Quickly Can I Get Bariatric Surgery?
- What Can Disqualify You From Bariatric Surgery?
- How To Get Bariatric Surgery Fast?
- What is a Bariatric Patient?
References
Bariatric Surgery. (2022). Cleveland Clinic.
Susmallian, S., et al. (2019). Bariatric surgery in older adults: Should there be an age limit? Medicine.
Weight-loss (Metabolic & Bariatric) Surgery. (N.D.) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?