Do I Qualify for Outpatient Bariatric Surgery?
Obesity is a complex and serious medical condition that can lead to a variety of health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and sleep apnea, among others. For individuals struggling with obesity, bariatric surgery may be a viable solution to achieve long-term weight loss and improve their overall health and quality of life.
Bariatric surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that involves altering the size and/or shape of the stomach to limit the amount of food that can be consumed, leading to weight loss. While bariatric surgery used to be performed only in a hospital setting, advancements in medical technology and techniques now allow for some procedures, such as the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, to be performed on an outpatient basis.
New Life Bariatric Surgeon Dr. K. Robert Williams, Jr. is now performing the outpatient gastric sleeve on qualified patients at Premier Surgical Surgery Center in Knoxville.
But who exactly may qualify to be a candidate for sleeve gastrectomy outpatient bariatric surgery? Here are some of the key factors that are taken into consideration provided by the team at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville, TN.
Key Factors to Consider
Age: Typically, bariatric surgery candidates are over the age of 18. While there is no upper age limit, most bariatric surgeons prefer patients under the age of 50. This is because older patients may have a higher risk of complications during and after surgery.
Body Mass Index (BMI): A patient’s BMI is an important factor in determining whether they are a good candidate for bariatric surgery. In general, patients with a BMI of 40 or higher are considered morbidly obese and are good candidates for bariatric surgery. However, some patients with a BMI of 35 or higher may also be eligible if they have weight-related health conditions.
Cardiac and Pulmonary Health: Patients with significant cardiac or pulmonary diseases may not be eligible for bariatric surgery. These conditions can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, and may make it difficult for patients to tolerate the physical demands of the procedure and recovery.
Motivation: Patients who undergo bariatric surgery must be committed to making long-term lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet and engaging in routine exercise. Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix for weight loss, and patients who are not motivated to make these changes may not be successful in achieving and maintaining weight loss.
Overall Health: Patients should be in generally good health and free from any conditions or medications that could increase the risk of complications during surgery.
Find Out if You Qualify
Ultimately, bariatric surgery can be an effective tool for achieving long-term weight loss and improving overall health for individuals struggling with obesity. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. If you are considering bariatric surgery, it’s important to consult with our bariatric team at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery to determine whether this procedure is right for you.
Learn more at https://www.newlifebariatricsurgery.com/am-i-a-candidate/