Who is eligible for Bariatric Surgery?

Published on February 19 , 2019 | 3 Minutes to Read

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We have become victims of our life style. Our perception of what is acceptable has changed. We see obesity rampant in our society and it still does not bother us. Excess body weight puts you at risk of several diseases, such as diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, polycystic ovarian disease and increased incidence of certain cancers. Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain a healthy weight.

What is a healthy weight

The best and easiest way to find out your weight status is by using the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated using the following formula:

BMI = weight (kg)/height²(m)

The resultant value is your BMI. The BMI range in the following table will tell you which category you fall into:

BMI > 30 indicates obesity, and with every 5-point increment in the BMI, your health risk increases exponentially. With a BMI more than 40, diets and exercise won’t cut it. Bariatric surgery is the only option in such cases.

Bariatric surgery aims at reducing the morbidity & mortality associated with obesity and helps improve not only the quantity but also the quality of life.

Who is eligible for Bariatric Surgery

This surgery is ideal for people who are obese and have tried various diet regimens and exercise programs unsuccessfully to lose those extra kilos. It is recommended for those with lifestyle diseases like diabetes and sleep apnoea, conditions that stem from obesity. Bariatric surgery makes changes to your digestive system, thereby helping you lose weight.

People who fulfil the following criteria are ideal candidates for bariatric surgery:

• BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²
• BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² with obesity-induced health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disorders, and sleep apnoea

Teenagers

In case of teenagers, bariatric surgery may sometimes be used to treat severe obesity and related health disorders. This is mainly an attempt to curtail health issues that may worsen if the weight issue is left unresolved. This surgery is a good option for teenagers who:

• Have reached their optimal height (after going through puberty)
• Have a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² along with health issues like type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnoea that are caused and worsened by obesity.
• Have a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²

Related Read: Gastric Bypass Procedure to Fight Teenage Obesity

Finally, anyone who’s contemplating undergoing bariatric surgery needs to be mentally prepared to make some strict lifestyle changes, be regular with doctor follow-ups, and take the necessary vitamin and mineral supplements regularly to ensure best post-operative results.

Related Read: A Post-Operative Care Guide to Achieve the Desired Results from Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is shown to have worked wonders for teens as well as adults. It has demonstrated better blood sugar control and managed to keep the weight off for up to 3 years postoperatively in teenage patients. For more details and a personalised consultation, get in touch with one of the best bariatric surgeons in Perth today or call us at 0865581901.

Reference Links:

• https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/bariatric-surgery/definition-facts
• https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/know-your-risks/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator
• https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/bariatric-surgery/potential-candidates
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26544725