Bariatric surgery procedures are a form of surgery designed to help with weight loss by altering the digestive system. These procedures aim to prevent, treat, and manage obesity.

Typically, bariatric surgery is considered when diet and exercise alone have not been effective in managing excess weight. However, not everyone is eligible for this surgery.

Requirements for Bariatric Surgery Procedures

Not everyone who wants to achieve ideal weight or lose weight is allowed to undergo a bariatric surgery procedure. There are several specific requirements that must be met to ensure that bariatric procedures are safe and effective:

Body Mass Index (BMI) Meets the Criteria

Simply being overweight or obese does not automatically make someone eligible for bariatric surgery. In general, two categories of individuals are considered for this surgery:

• Individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) ≥ 40: These individuals are classified as morbidly obese, but they must not have any other health complications.
• Individuals with a BMI between 35 and 39.9: This group includes those who have underlying health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or heart disease.

Meeting these criteria helps reduce the risks that can arise from bariatric surgery.

Failed Weight Loss Efforts

In addition to the BMI requirements, bariatric surgery is typically considered for people who have tried to lose weight through diet, exercise, and other methods but have been unsuccessful. This suggests that their obesity is resistant to lifestyle changes alone, and surgery may be necessary to effectively lose weight.

No Other Health Conditions

Candidates for bariatric surgery must not have certain health conditions that could make the surgery too risky. These include:

• Blood clotting disorders
• Severe liver or kidney problems
• Uncontrolled heart or lung disease
• Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
• Severe mental health issues
• Drug or alcohol addiction

Those are the criteria that must be met to be able to undergo bariatric surgery procedures. Additionally, before undergoing surgery, candidates must undergo a psychological evaluation to assess emotional stability and mental readiness. This is crucial because bariatric surgery can affect mental health, potentially increasing the risk of depression or anxiety.

Even after bariatric surgery, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a strict diet, regular exercise, and appropriate supplement consumption. Surgery alone will not provide immediate or permanent results without these ongoing lifestyle changes.

If you have more questions about bariatric surgery procedures, consider using the health consultation service through the Ai Care app, available on both the App Store and Play Store.

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