Losing weight can be a real struggle. You may have tried every diet, bought every exercise gadget, and taken a mountain of supplements to try and shed pounds, only to find out nothing works.
Depending on your situation, weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) might be the next step for you. But it's important to know that bariatric surgery isn’t the end of your weight loss journey, it’s a step along the way. You’ll need to continue eating right and exercising after your surgery is complete in order to keep the weight off.
Here are a few things you should know about weight loss surgery.
Not everyone is a candidate
To be considered for weight loss surgery you need to meet certain criteria.
Generally, a candidate will have a body weight of 100 pounds or more over their ideal weight as well as a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. If you have a BMI of 35 or higher and have two or more significant diseases, you may also be eligible for surgery. Surgical candidates must be 21 years of age or older.
Additional requirements may include:
- Have attempted non-surgical weight reductions without success.
- Be healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure and understand the risks.
- Commit to lifestyle changes necessary for lifetime success.
- Have no drug/alcohol problems.
- Keep psychological/mental health conditions well controlled.
What surgery is right for you?
There are a couple different weight loss surgery options available at Goshen Physicians Center for Weight Reduction, gastric bypass and a sleeve gastrectomy. Our providers will work with you to discuss which option is the right fit for your situation. If it’s deemed surgery isn’t an option, we also have non-surgical treatment options available.
Health improvements with weight loss
If you have weight loss surgery, you’re going to be losing weight. Not only that, but many of the diseases often associated with obesity, like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, acid reflux disease, arthritis and incontinence can improve or sometimes resolve in patients who’ve had bariatric surgery.
Understand the risks and limitations
Weight loss surgery is safe, but there are risks associated with any type of surgery, including infection, bleeding and surgical errors. It's also important to consider that there are significant risks with obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Your physician will work with you to assess your personal risk level.
It’s important not to set your weight loss expectations from surgery too high. Bariatric surgery isn’t a magic bullet that will make all of your extra weight disappear. In fact, by losing weight from surgery you’ll likely have excess skin, which causes body dissatisfaction for some people. Additionally, you will have to make long-term lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet and exercise.
Choose Goshen Physicians Center for Weight Reduction
Our team of surgeons, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians and exercise physiologists will work with you to help you meet your personal weight loss goals. We’ll develop an individual plan that’s right for you. For more information, call 574-537-8326, complete our contact form or download our resource packet.