Surgery for weight loss

Many obese individuals have it rough and wish they could lose weight fast. Many individuals would like to have bariatric surgery but often feel afraid (sure, cannot blame anyone- Who is not afraid of surgeons?). Complications of bariatric surgery are plentiful on cyberspace. Many people who have undergone weight loss surgery, but success is never guaranteed. Sometimes it is the individual who has unrealistic expectations and other times it is the surgeon hyping up the treatment.

In any case, surgery for weight loss today is more refined and generally safe. Many newer minimally invasive procedures have been developed which means less time mucking around with surgery, less risk of anesthesia and no large incisions. Surgery is much superior to drugs when it comes to weight loss. However, not everyone can undergo weight loss surgery. Obese patients are always at risk for complications when they undergo any type of surgery. Over the years, certain criteria have been developed to ensure both patient safety by selecting the right patient.

Candidate for bariatric surgery

The surgeons do agree that just looking at an obese patient is not adequate to determine his/her eligibility for weight loss surgery. The current guidelines in North America for selecting patients for weight loss surgery include the following:

- Individuals who have failed to lose weight
with drug therapy. The drug therapy should
have been tried out for at least 3-6 months
- Individuals who have failed to lose weight
after enrolling in an intense exercise program
of more than 12 month duration
- Individuals who have a BMI in excess of 40 kg/m2
- Individuals with a BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m2
and also have on or more co morbid conditions.
This may be uncontrolled diabetes, arthritis,
poor life style or bed ridden.