What are the criteria to qualify for weight loss surgery?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have struggled with my weight for years and now have high blood pressure joint pain, and I am close to diabetes. I have tried dieting and exercise, but nothing seems to work long-term. I am considering weight loss surgery but do not know much about it. What are the main differences between the types of surgery? How do I know if I qualify? And what is the recovery process like?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries, also known as bariatric or metabolic surgery, change the digestive system to help with weight loss. These surgeries are recommended when diet and exercise have not worked or when weight-related health problems are severe. Metabolic surgery is the most effective obesity treatment and can also help improve conditions like high blood pressure. Most people with obesity who have prediabetes eventually develop type two diabetes, but bariatric surgery can reduce this risk by 20 times. After surgery, most patients stay in the hospital for one to three days and can start returning to normal activities within four to six weeks. If a gastric band is placed, follow-up appointments are needed to adjust the band based on weight loss and food intake. The risk of death from bariatric surgery is very low (about 0.1 percent), and the chance of major complications is around four percent. Possible causes of these health issues include obesity, high blood pressure, and prediabetes, and metabolic surgery is a recommended treatment option.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.