Things You Should Consider Before Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery offers an effective solution for people struggling with obesity that are no longer seeing results from diet and exercise. Bariatric surgery provides an effective alternative that will help men and women reach a healthier weight and lead a healthier life.

If you’ve thought about getting bariatric surgery, take some time toresearch what surgery entails and what will qualify you for surgery along with the risks, benefits, costs, and recovery, Being well informed will help you to be better prepared and increase your chances of a successful surgery and long-term outcome.

At Las Vegas Bariatrics, we believe that patient education is crucial for a successful surgery and for sustaining results. During a consultation, board-certified bariatric surgeon, Dr. Bernie Hanna, will thoroughly answer any questions you may have and discuss everything from your medical history to recovery, but there are some basic things you should know before calling to schedule a consultation. Here are a few things you might want to consider and research before getting bariatric surgery.

There Are Different Types Of Bariatric Surgery

Contrary to a popular misconception, bariatric surgery isn’t just one fix-all weight loss surgery. There are different types of surgery, each offering individual benefits for individual situations. Two of the most successful types of bariatric surgery are sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, but there are other options.

Each type of surgery differs in procedure and qualifications, so it is important to thoroughly understand what each offers in order to make the best decision on the surgery that will most benefit you.

What Qualifies You For Bariatric Surgery

A good candidate for plastic surgery will be a someone who:

• Has a BMI of 40 or greater or is more than 100 pounds overweight
• Has a BMI of 35 or greater and has one or more obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, other respiratory disorders, and gastrointestinal disorder
• Cannot reach weight loss goals or maintain a healthy weight for extended time
• Has made significant effort towards weight loss through typical methods, but has not seen results
• Is 18 years of age or older
• Meets requirements for medical history and current physical condition

Is Bariatric Surgery Covered By Insurance?

Most major medical insurance providers offer a certain amount of coverage for bariatric surgery, but unfortunately not all do. Weight loss surgery can be quite expensive, so make sure that you have checked with your insurance provider about your available coverage or have a concrete understanding of the cost of surgery.

The Benefits Of Bariatric Surgery

The greatest benefit of bariatric surgery is achieving a significant weight loss and sustaining it in order to live a healthier life. Weight loss from bariatric surgery can boost self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-image while also providing other benefits such as:

• Long term weight loss
• Relief, improvement, or freedom from obesity-related conditions including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, gall bladder disease, joint pain, depression, and more.
• Improved infertility

The Risks Of Bariatric Surgery

There are risks to bariatric surgery, just as there are with any other surgical procedure. Some complications can include, infection, bleeding, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, and intestinal obstructions. Some types of bariatric surgery are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which reduces the level of risk, however it’s impossible to label any surgery as risk-free. You can reduce the level of risk during surgery and during recovery by following the specific precautions and instructions given by your surgeon.

For more detailed information about bariatric surgery or to schedule a consultation, call us at Las Vegas Bariatrics today at (702) 384-1160.

Helen

Helen Bradley is a health blogger and the founder of her own blog about fitness. She has been blogging for three years now and loves to share what she learns with others. Helen enjoys reading, cooking, and staying active outdoors.