When is it time to consider bariatric surgery? If you are reading this article right now you may already know the answer. If you have been thinking about taking action, your first step is to understand why it’s so important for your health, and then talk to a specialist like Dr. Askew or Dr. Sabo to find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Reasons To Consider Bariatric Surgery
If losing weight has been an impossible task for you even with exercise and dieting, bariatric surgery may be able to help. It restricts how much food you can eat – or shortens the digestive tract which limits the amount of calories you can absorb. The result is you lose weight.
We understand that is the main goal here, but there are other beneficial results of bariatric surgery, and those benefits can prolong your life.
That extra weight and fat we see in our abdomen, thighs, hips and neck contribute to an increased risk of heart attack and strokes. In addition, being overweight contributes to higher risks of many cancers, especially in women.
How To Know If You Are A Good Candidate
Not everyone who wants bariatric surgery is a good candidate. There are certain minimum criteria necessary to be considered for bariatric surgery.
They include the following:
- You must be 100 pounds overweight
- You must have a BMI greater than or equal to 40
- You must have a BMI greater than or equal to 35 with at least one of the obesity related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea, respiratory disorders, non alcoholic fatty liver, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, or gastrointestinal disorders.
- You are unable to lose weight by dieting and exercise
- You have lost weight through diet and exercise but gained it all back
You can check your own BMI here.
Ask Yourself Some Questions
If you still want to proceed with bariatric surgery, you need to be emotionally committed to the pre and post surgery journey you will begin.
Are you emotionally prepared to begin a gradual weight loss program post surgery?
Are you willing to stop smoking or quit one month before the surgery?
Are you willing to follow all of Dr. Askew and Dr. Sabo’s advice?
Will you exercise regularly?
Are you willing to make the lifestyle changes necessary for your success in the long term?
Request a Bariatric Surgery Consultation
If you answered yes to these questions, we are here to help you achieve your goals of weight loss and a healthier life.
If you are truly committed, maybe it’s time to consider bariatric surgery! Contact Dr. Askew’s office at (205) 874-9780 for an appointment.