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If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you may be wondering how to qualify for the procedure. In this blog post, we’ll outline the criteria that doctors typically use to determine whether or not someone is a candidate for weight loss surgery.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Weight loss surgery is a big decision. It’s not right for everyone. You may be a good candidate if:
-You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.
-Your BMI is 35 to 39 and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea.
-Your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have a serious weight-related health problem and haven’t been able to lose weight with other methods, such as diet and exercise.
Even if you qualify for weight loss surgery, the decision to have surgery is yours. You’ll need to be sure that you’re ready to make lifelong changes in your eating habits and activity level. You’ll also need to be sure that you understand the risks and benefits of surgery.
Weight loss surgery isn’t right for everyone. But if you’re committed to making lifelong changes, it may help you achieve your goal of significant, long-term weight loss.
What is Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery is a type of surgery that is performed to help people lose weight. There are several types of weight loss surgery, and the one that is right for you will depend on your individual situation.
Weight loss surgery can be an effective way to lose weight, but it is not for everyone. You will need to meet certain criteria to qualify for weight loss surgery.
Your doctor will consider several factors when determining if you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery. These factors include your:
-BMI (body mass index)
-Health history
-Weight loss goals
-Motivation to make lifestyle changes
If you are considering weight loss surgery, you will need to consult with a doctor who specializes in this type of surgery. They will be able to assess your individual situation and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Qualifying for Weight Loss Surgery
The journey to weight loss surgery is not an easy one. There are a lot of steps involved and the process can be quite overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have gone through this process and come out successful on the other side. In this section, we will go over everything you need to know in order to qualify for weight loss surgery.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Most insurance companies require that you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with another obesity-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc., in order to qualify for weight loss surgery.
You can calculate your BMI using our BMI calculator. Once you know your BMI, if it is above the qualifying BMI for weight loss surgery, the next step is to consult with a bariatric surgeon to see if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.
Health Conditions
To be eligible for weight loss surgery, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with one or more obesity-related health conditions.
The most common types of weight loss surgery are gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Surgery may also be an option for people with a BMI of 30 to 34 who have not been able to achieve and maintain significant weight loss through other means.
During gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is divided into two sections: a small upper section and a larger lower section. The small upper section is then connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and part of the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food that can be eaten and also decreases the absorption of calories and nutrients.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a less invasive type of weight loss surgery in which about 80 percent of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits the amount of food that can be eaten and also decreases hunger hormones.
Weight Loss History
To qualify for weight loss surgery, you must have a history of unsuccessful attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise. In addition, you must be able to prove that you have tried other methods of weight loss, such as weight loss programs or medication.
To prove that you have a history of unsuccessful weight loss attempts, you will need to provide medical records from your physician or from a weight loss program. These records should show your current weight, your highest weight, and your lowest weight during the time period in question. In addition, you should include a description of the diet and exercise program you were following at the time.
To prove that you have tried other methods of weight loss, you will need to provide records from a weight loss program or from your physician. These records should show your current weight, your highest weight, and your lowest weight during the time period in question. In addition, you should include a description of the diet and exercise program you were following at the time.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery
There are several types of weight loss surgery, and the type that’s right for you will depend on your individual situation. The most common types of weight loss surgery are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding.
Gastric bypass surgery is the most common type of weight loss surgery performed in the United States. It involves creating a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake and rerouting the small intestine to bypass a portion of the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of weight loss surgery that removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving only a narrow “sleeve” of stomach remaining.
Adjustable gastric banding is a type of weight loss surgery that involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch. The size of the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach can be adjusted by adding or removing saline solution from the band.
Conclusion
To qualify for weight loss surgery, you will need to meet certain criteria. In general, you should:
*Be more than 100 pounds overweight
*Have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through diet and exercise
*Have a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health conditions
*Be 18 years of age or older
*Be committed to making lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet and participating in regular exercise
If you think you may qualify for weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about your options. He or she can help you make the decision that is best for you.
