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Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Articles
Am I a Good Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Typical gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® surgery patients include:
- Patients who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or more
- Patients who experience life-threatening conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease and obesity
- Patients who have large body frames that interfere with social life, employment and daily function
- Patients ages ranging from 20 to 60 years old
- Patients who have attempted a supervised diet plan but have failed
Weight loss surgery candidates should understand the potential risks involved. Certain patients may experience infections at the incision sites. Others may experience pulmonary embolism or a block of blood flow to the lungs, peritonitis, a leak from the stomach, loosened staples, and dumping syndrome, which occurs when food moves rapidly through the body.
As with any type of elective surgery, patients should keep in mind that they need to set realistic expectations. Being a good candidate means understanding that weight loss surgery may prevent certain health risks and improve overall appearance. These changes will improve your lifestyle and the quality of your life, but keep in mind that they will not completely turn your life around and solve major social problems.
Speak to a qualified Board Certified Surgeon about the different weight loss surgery options. Take the time to ask your surgeon if he/she thinks you are a good candidate. During your first consultation, be open and honest about your expectations and goals, as well as the extent of the procedure, costs, risks and recovery.
Given all these factors, it is up to you to decide whether or not weight loss surgery is right for you. It is always recommended to educate yourself on the procedure and consider the pros and cons. Good luck!
