Is weight-loss surgery right for you?
Knowing if you meet medical guidelines for bariatric surgery is an early step in your bariatric surgery decision-making process.
The guidelines for bariatric surgery are brief and fairly simple. Surgeons use the guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) when considering treatment options for patients. Keep in mind that these are only guidelines. An experienced surgeon or other healthcare professional will evaluate each patient using a larger set of criteria.
NIH Guidelines for Recommending Bariatric Surgery Patients should have:
• 100 pounds or more of excess weight; or a BMI of 40 or greater
• A BMI of 35 or greater with one or more co-morbid conditions (Calculate your BMI)
Other Common Guidelines
• Understanding the risks of bariatrics surgery
• Committing to dietary and other lifestyle changes as recommended by the surgeon
• Having a history of weight loss treatments having failed the patient
• Undergoing a complete examination including medical tests
Those interested in learning more about weight-loss surgery are invited to an evening seminar presented by The Bariatric Program at Mercy Hospitals. During the session, the scope of the program is explained to participants - from the pre-enrollment assessment to the nutritional counseling and support groups offered after the surgery.
Lap-Band / Gastric Sleeve Seminar:
First Wednesday of every month
Gastric Bypass Seminar:
Second Wednesday of every month
Seminars are held from 6:00PM - 7:00PM on the Mercy Southwest Campus, 400 Old River Road, adjacent to the Emergency Department in the Friends of Mercy Foundation Conference Room . Please call 661.663.6765 to register.
Health Complications of Obesity
For those who are more than 100 pounds overweight, obesity is much more than a quality-of-life issue. Without this surgery, most patients are looking at severe health consequences (diabetes, hypertension, stroke) not to mention arthritis and other conditions because their joints just wear out.
Obesity can have serious health implications. Among the obesity related illnesses and diseases are:
- Sleep Apnea
- Acid Reflux
- Heart Failure
- Diabetes
- Cancer (Breast, Colon, Endometrial)
- Knee and Back Arthritis
- Hypertension
- Some types of Infertility (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)
- Asthma
- Depression
