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Who Should Consider Weight Loss Surgery?

Posted: February 17, 2020

Each year, approximately 45 million Americans go on a diet with the intention of losing weight, but some experts estimate that 95% of diets fail. Bariatric surgery has a much better success rate than dieting, yet only about 250,000 people opt for weight loss surgery each year — fewer than 1% of the people who may be eligible for it. 1

So, instead of another diet, should you look to a surgical solution? If you would like long-term weight loss success backed by a supportive medical team, then you may want to consider bariatric surgery. The Weight Loss Specialists at Alabama Surgical Associates have helped many people from Huntsville and beyond find weight loss success.

Bariatric Surgery Qualifications

More people are candidates for bariatric surgery than you may think. You may be a candidate for surgery such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass if you have a body mass index (BMI) over 40, or if your BMI is over 35 and you have weight-related medical issues such as diabetes or sleep apnea. Non-surgical weight loss procedures, such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or gastric balloon, are designed for patients with a BMI of 30 or above. In general, candidates for weight loss procedures are:

  • Over the age of 18
  • Motivated to change their lifestyle
  • Committed to adopting healthy habits
  • With a BMI over 30

Keep in mind that every patient is unique and you may benefit from weight loss treatment even if you don’t meet the criteria above. At Alabama Surgical Associates, we evaluate every patient on a case-by-case basis.
Use Our BMI Calculator and Learn More About Bariatric Surgery Candidacy

Weight Loss Surgery Doesn’t Have to be a Last Resort

There are many widely-held misconceptions about bariatric surgery. People believe that it is only for those who have extreme obesity or that it is an “easy way out”. At Alabama Surgical Associates, our patients are regular people who are fed up with diets that don’t work. Bariatric surgery patients put in a lot of effort to get to their goal weight; before and after surgery, patients work closely with our surgeon and registered dietitians to create healthy habits.

If diets have failed you in the past or if you have a family history of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, you don’t have to wait until your health is at risk — having weight loss surgery now can kickstart a healthier and more active life.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

More than 70% of Americans are overweight and almost 40% of us have obesity. So why aren’t more people seeking out weight loss surgery? Maybe they would if they realized the potential benefits! Benefits of surgeries like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass include:2,3,4

  • Long-term remission of Type 2 Diabetes
  • Reduced risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
  • Reduction of the hormones that cause food cravings
  • Significant, sustainable weight loss
  • Greater confidence and self-image
  • Relief from joint pain
  • Improved fertility

Contact Us for Effective Weight Loss Solutions in Huntsville

Want to learn more about the weight loss surgery process? Read our guide to preparing for bariatric surgery or take a look at our step-by-step bariatric surgery timeline. The best way to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment with an experienced weight loss specialist. Contact us with any questions or to schedule your consultation appointment today.
 
 
 
1 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Estimate of Bariatric Surgery Numbers, 2011-2018. Available: https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers. Accessed January 31, 2020.
2 Pories, WJ. Bariatric Surgery: Risks and Rewards. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Nov; 93(11 Suppl 1): S89–S96. doi: 10.1210/jc.2008-1641
3 Cleveland Clinic. 7 Bariatric Surgery Benefits Besides Helping You Lose Weight Available: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-bariatric-surgery-benefits-besides-helping-you-lose-weight/ Accessed January 31, 2020.
4 World Journal of Gastroenterology 2015 Nov 7; 21(41): 11804–11814