How to Decide to do Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a surgical method used to rid the body of excess weight and achieve a healthier lifestyle. This could be either achieved by stapling a small area of the stomach or by rearranging a portion of the small intestine so that the food bypasses a large section of it. Follow these steps to decide if bariatric surgery is right for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Gather information about different types of bariatric surgeries, like gastric bypass surgery and lap band surgery. Find out about the procedure, precautions, recovery period, reversibility and cost.
2. Consider bariatric surgery only if you are twice your ideal weight or are overweight by at least a hundred pounds.
3. Remember you need to be at least 18 to be eligible for bariatric surgery. Ideally, you should not be older than 65.
4. Note that bariatric surgery is meant for people who have been overweight for over five years and those who, in spite of sincere attempts at losing weight, have not been able to keep weight off.
5. Note this surgery is right for you only if your obesity is not due to any other major disease that you might be suffering from.
6. Note that you must be emotionally and physically stable to handle the surgery. Most likely, you should not have any major diseases or should not be prone to depression. Remember, it takes time to recuperate from this surgery, both mentally and physically.
7. Visit blogs and personal websites of people who have undergone bariatric surgery. This will help you gain insight into their experiences. You might identify with a few. Their stories will help you know if you're taking the right step.
8. Are you prepared to make significant changes in your lifestyle after the surgery? Many insurance companies and surgeons require that you deomonstrate a willingness to make substantial adjustments in your eating habits, maintain an exercise schedule and be monitored by doctors continually for a long time before approving the surgery.
9. Have realistic expectations about the surgery. You may not get exactly what you envision. Remember to discuss with the surgeon about how your physical appearance will change and whether you'll be fine with that.
10. Consult a surgeon and discuss your medical history. Let them make the final call. Also clarify any doubts you might have about the surgery.