How to Get a Doctor's Approval for Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery can offer truly obese people the opportunity to not only lose weight, but also to start a new, healthier lifestyle. It may seem like an easy solution to your weight problems, but not everyone is a candidate for the procedure. When considering weight loss surgery, you must first discuss your candidacy with your doctor. You will need to get your doctor's approval to proceed with the surgery. You can help expedite this process by understanding what the doctor will consider when pondering this request.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Medical records
• Therapist

1. Explain to the doctor in detail why traditional dieting and a consistent exercise regime have not produced the weight loss results you desire. It is important to give examples of specific diets and workout routines that you tried in order to prove your sincere attempt at these weight loss methods.
2. Express your commitment to making a needed lifestyle change following the surgery. People who have historically struggled to achieve a healthy lifestyle may still have difficulty keeping the weight off after the surgery. It is important to explain how you will avoid falling into an unhealthy pattern once again.
3. Communicate your desire to visit with a therapist for assistance in preparing mentally for the surgery and for help in pursuing a healthier lifestyle once the surgery is complete. A therapist can help you determine the source of your bad habits.
4. Prove your understanding of the principles involved with the surgery to get a doctor's approval. This includes the procedure, recovery time, side effects and post-surgery requirements.
5. Offer proof of your medial history (if not on file) to your doctor. You will not be able to get a doctor's approval unless you are healthy enough to withstand the surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• Most doctors will only consider surgery for people who are truly obese, which means they possess body mass indexes (BMI) of 40 or more. A BMI of 35 to 39.9 may be considered if the patient also has an obesity-related health problem. Calculate your own body mass index with help from the National Heart Blood and Lung Institute (see Resources below).
• Do not assume the doctor is an expert on weight loss surgery. Be armed with your own research to fill him in on what you are considering.