5 Warning Signs Your Health and Body Are Ready for Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, can be a life-changing procedure. There are often a number of warning signs that a person may benefit from bariatric surgery.

Dr V. Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare in Sydney is a certified bariatric surgeon. He takes pride in helping patients lead healthier lives through weight loss surgery. Here, Dr Kuzinkovas discusses five warning signs that your health and body are ready for bariatric surgery.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for patients suffering from obesity. There are several different types of bariatric surgery including gastric bypass, Lap Band and gastric sleeve. If you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, you should talk to your surgeon about your different surgical options. Keep reading for signs that you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.

1.    You Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or Higher

A person’s body mass index (BMI) is considered to be a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. BMI is calculated using a person’s height and weight. A BMI of 30 or above corresponds to a weight status of obesity. A BMI of 40 or higher suggests that a person may be morbidly obese. This BMI is one of a number of warning signs that may indicate a person is ready for bariatric surgery.

2.    You Have a BMI of 30 and a Serious Health Condition

A patient with a lower BMI may also qualify for bariatric surgery if they also have a serious health condition. Do you have a BMI of 30 or higher? Do you also suffer from type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure or some other serious health condition? If you answered yes to both questions, then that may be a warning sign that you are ready for bariatric surgery. 

3.    Other Methods of Weight Loss Have Been Unsuccessful

Not everyone is successful with conventional methods of weight loss. If you have a history of unsuccessful weight loss through lifestyle changes or medications, then you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.

4.    You Are Ready To Make Significant Lifestyle Changes

Bariatric surgery isn’t a magical fix for weight loss. It still requires that patients make significant lifestyle changes. If you are experiencing any of the above warning signs and are prepared to make significant lifestyle changes then you may be ready for bariatric surgery.

5.    You Have Talked To Your Doctors About Bariatric Surgery

Your surgeon isn’t the only physician that you should speak to before undergoing bariatric surgery. You should also talk to any other medical providers who are currently treating you. You may also want to talk to a dietician and a mental health professional.

Contact Dr V. Kuzinkovas To Discuss Bariatric Surgery

If you recognize any of the above warning signs, then you may benefit from bariatric surgery. Contact Dr Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare at 1300 551 533 to discuss weight loss surgery and how it may benefit your health and body.