So, You're Considering Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery to treat morbid obesity is being performed more often all the time. Maybe you've wondered if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery and how you can find out more information about it. Just who qualifies to have weight loss surgery?

Obviously, weight loss surgery is a serious consideration reserved for more extreme cases of obesity. Generally you must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more to be considered morbidly obese. That is roughly 100 pounds of excess weight and up. A BMI of 35 or more will be considered if there are co-morbid conditions present like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint problems or diabetes. The Body Mass Index is a calculation that considers your weight in terms of your height. You can check yours here. You should also have an extensive history of diet and exercise to show that you have attempted to control your weight.

If you think you meet these qualifications for weight loss surgery, here are some things you can do.

Check with your insurance provider
First you need to know if your health insurance covers weight loss surgery. Many do but others exclude weight loss surgery either totally or allow it only in cases of proven medical necessity. You will want to know where you stand on coverage before proceeding any further. Contact your benefits department or your provider directly.

Research the Options
This is the most important step of all. There are numerous kinds of weight loss surgeries available: RNY, Duodenal Switch, Lap Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy. You should be familiar with each type of weight loss surgery, what the pros and cons of each one are and which one would be a good fit for your situation. It cannot be stressed enough that you must research the options of weight loss surgery thoroughly. You are considering permanently altering your anatomy. You are responsible for making an informed choice. One helpful website is obesityhelp.com. There you will find not only factual information and links to specific surgery sites, but a community of forums with people in all stages of the process of weight loss surgery.

Consult your Primary Care Physician
Your doctor should be aware of your desire to have weight loss surgery and be part of the process. He or she will be part of your aftercare and you want to be sure that you have the support you need. Your physician can also recommend weight loss surgeons in your area from a professional standpoint. This will help you find a surgeon with a good reputation and success rate. Additionally, your physician may be able to verify your diet history and provide a letter of medical necessity if it is required for you to qualify for weight loss surgery.

Call the Surgeon
Most surgeons have regular seminars to present the weight loss surgery overview to those interested. Make an appointment to attend. You will learn what types of surgeries the practice performs, what is involved and what you have to do to qualify. You'll be able to ask all your questions and generally, there will be former patients available to present first-hand experiences. There is no rush to make an immediate decision to have weight loss surgery, so give yourself some time to think.

Your friends and family will have their own opinions and concerns about weight loss surgery. They may be encouraging or strongly discouraging. Regardless, it is your responsibility to separate myth from fact about weight loss surgery in order to make an informed decision.

sources
Adult BMI calculator, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
Obesityhelp.com
Daniel J. DeNoon, "Morbid Obesity Bulge Gets Bigger", WebMD Medical News