Your Journey to a Healthier Life Starts Here
Excess body weight can keep you from enjoying life, and you think you are ready for weight-loss surgery. Your weight-loss surgery journey begins with education to determine if weight-loss surgery is right for you. We cover several types of weight-loss surgery, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each surgery has its pros and cons, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and health status and your healthcare professional. A healthcare provider can best diagnose your weight issue and give you the best options according to your health and lifestyle. We hope we can help you learn more about weight loss surgery and to further investigate just what it takes to put your life on a path that leads you back to health and enjoying life again.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you've come to the right place. GastricBypass.com is one of the leading most respected resources for weight-loss surgery information on the web. Self education is important and you will want to schedule a consultation, but before your first visit, we recommend that you learn as much as you can by exploring the four steps below.
Initial Consultation:
The first step in your journey is education. Learn as much as you can then schedule an initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the your medical history, current health status, and weight-loss goals to determine if weight-loss surgery is a good option for you. How do you know if you can even be considered for weight-loss surgery? Scroll down to the section below to determine your BMI.
Pre-operative Evaluation:
If you are deemed a candidate for weight loss surgery, the next step is a clinical assessment and pre-operative evaluation to determine if weight-loss surgery is safe and appropriate. The clinical assessment should be done over a period of time and by a multidisciplinary team that includes a dietitian, a physician, a surgeon, and, a psychological assessment to ensure you are mentally prepared and equipped for this life change. Understanding insurance coverage, financial considerations, and making necessary arrangements for surgery.
Surgery:
Once the pre-operative evaluation is complete, the patient can schedule their weight loss surgery. The type of surgery chosen will depend on the patient's individual needs and preferences, as well as the surgeon's recommendation. It may involve various types of surgical procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or adjustable gastric band. The surgical procedure is performed by a qualified bariatric surgeon and depending upon which procedure, may require hospitalization and post-operative care.
Balance Body & Mind
Weight loss surgery requires a balance of mind and body, a commitment to lifestyle changes, including what you eat and how often you exercise. Psychological and emotional support, as well as support from a support community is recommended. Regular follow-up appointments with the bariatric surgeon and other healthcare professionals will also be necessary to monitor the your progress and address any complications or concerns that may arise while on your journey to a healthier life.
How do you know if you are a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?
Weight-loss surgery candidacy depends on each individual and their specific evaluation. However, each possible candidate will need to meet specific criteria to be accepted for a weight loss surgery procedure. Besides the criteria listed below, many other factors will be considered by your physician such as age, metabolic, functional, and psychological state.
- A BMI that is greater than 40, surgery should be considered. If it is greater than 35, and is accompanied by a serious comorbidity, surgery may be medically necessary. To find out your BMI, use the BMI calculator below.
- Tried dieting, especially medically-supervised dieting, and have been unable to achieve a sustained healthy body weight.
- Comorbidities from being overweight? We look for health effects that are known to be caused by, or aggravated by serious obesity.
- Willingness to make a life-long commitment to making lifestyle changes.
To use the BMI Calculator below, first convert your height and weight to metric units, then input the results in the calculator below:
pounds
BMI Calculator Chart
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Healthy |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 - and Above | Obese |
Calculate Your BMI
BMI is only a surrogate measure of body fatness because it describes excess weight rather than excess body fat and does not take into account factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass. The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) calculator generates the number of calories your body burns per day at rest. Your BMR with activity factor is the number of calories your body burns per day based on the activity factor you selected.
Improve Your Life
Only you can choose to improve your life. Weight-loss surgery is a potential solution that can help individuals to achieve significant weight loss and improve related health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain. In addition, weight-loss surgery can also lead to an improvement in mental and emotional well-being, reducing depression and anxiety, and increasing self-esteem, resulting in a better quality of life.
It is important to note that weight-loss surgery is not a quick fix but rather a tool that can assist in making lasting lifestyle changes to achieve weight loss and health goals. To maintain long-term success, commitment to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ongoing medical follow-up are essential.
Insurance Coverage?
What about insurance coverage and financial considerations of weight-loss surgery?
Common Myths
What are some common myths associated with obesity?
FDA approved?
Which medical weight-loss procedures and devices/products are approved by the FDA
Your Healthy Choices
When individuals prioritize their health and make positive changes, it can inspire and motivate others around them, creating a ripple effect of health-conscious behaviors within their families, communities, and social circles.
Connect
Attend educational sessions and support groups to learn more about the surgery, recovery process, and lifestyle changes required for long-term success.
Go Natural
Eating natural foods, also known as whole foods or minimally processed foods, can have numerous benefits for our health and well-being.
Schedule Exercise
weight-loss surgery is not a magic solution and requires significant lifestyle changes and adherence to a strict post-surgery diet and exercise plan.
Celebrate Success
Achieving better health often involves making intentional and sustained efforts to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and the results are worth recognizing and celebrating.