Part 3 - "Am I a Suitable Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?"If you are considering weight loss surgery to help you obtain your ideal weight, you need to know all of the facts. Remember that this is major surgery and must be treated like any medical procedure. Before proceeding, be sure to consult your doctor about the risks and benefits to your health. You must make the final decision about whether weight loss surgery is the right path for you. If you are determined to live longer and healthier, then you may be a good candidate for weight loss surgery. However, if you are seeking this surgery for cosmetic reasons, you may want to consider another route. The risks and lifestyle changes associated with the surgery may be extreme, so you will want to be informed before considering this surgery as an option for you. There are several ways to determine if you are suitable for this surgery. One way to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure is to determine your Body Mass Index. Doctors report that people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher are considered severely obese and are likely to need the surgery to lose weight. Ask your doctor to help you figure out your Body Mass Index. Also, men who are at least 100 pounds overweight and women who are at least 80 pounds overweight may need help shrinking their waistline by undergoing the procedure. Another way to determine if you are a good candidate is to decide if your current health problems are related to weight. If you have a BMI of 35 to 40 and are experiencing medical problems due to your weight, such as sleep apnea, heart disease, or diabetes, you may need to undergo weight loss surgery. According to WebMD, “The risk of death from not having surgery is greater than the risk of complications from undergoing the procedure [for these patients].” Before allowing this surgery, most doctors will require that you provide proof that you have tried other weight loss methods, such as dieting and exercise, with little or no results. They may ask you if you have tried any type of weight loss therapy such as a support group or counseling. You may want to consider keeping a food journal to document your calorie intake. Your doctor may also want to make sure that you are dedicated to the dietary restrictions and exercise regime post-surgery. If you are not dedicated to changing your lifestyle, the surgery will be unsuccessful. These procedures must be followed for the rest of your life to avoid health risks from the surgery. As with any surgery, there are complications and risks that may occur from the surgery. Some may be mild symptoms, such as nausea, but extreme cases have resulted in death. Some patients who have undergone weight loss surgery experienced no weight loss at all. Consider whether you are willing to take the risk of complications before agreeing to this procedure. Before surgery, your doctor may require you to meet with a nutritionist to explain your dietary needs after surgery and a therapist to help guide you in any “post-operative behavioral changes” you may experience. A therapist can also help you prepare for any strains your surgery may place on your family and friends as they adjust to the “new” you. Your doctor may even refer you to a support group for emotional needs and a dietician for dietary needs. If you find that you are physically and emotionally ready for weight loss surgery, be sure to consult with your doctor on any questions and concerns you may have.
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