Do I Qualify for Surgical Weight Loss?

Thanks to advances in medical understanding, technology, and technique, surgical weight loss has evolved into an increasingly popular, minimally invasive procedure available to millions of Americans. 

However, it is a life-altering procedure, and success requires a significant personal commitment. Weight-related health conditions also play an essential role in determining your eligibility for weight loss surgery.

Dr. Michael Sutker is a board-certified surgeon serving the communities of Dallas and McKinney, Texas, with top-level surgical services, including minimally invasive robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass for weight loss. 

Read what Dr. Sutker and his team say about the long-term benefits of surgical weight loss and what to expect before and after the procedure.

Who is a candidate for surgical weight loss?

People with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 are eligible for weight loss surgery. You may also qualify for bariatric surgery if your BMI is 35-39 and you have developed weight-related health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease. You can click here to see what the BMI calculator says your number is.

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of numerous chronic conditions, including:

• Stroke
• Heart disease 
• Certain cancers
• Early osteoarthritis and other painful joint disorders
• Liver disease
• Peripheral artery disease

Surgery has helped many people achieve their weight loss goals, frequently offering rapid and lasting results for individuals who closely adhere to pre-surgery and post-surgery guidelines provided by their care team. 

What happens during the pre-surgical evaluation?

The evaluation for surgical weight loss includes a physical exam, a thorough review of your medical history, and various lab studies to evaluate your current health status. Dr. Sutker also discusses what to expect during and after the procedure.

Because the most successful bariatric surgeries (gastric sleeve and gastric bypass) alter your digestive system’s structure and function, you can expect nutritional counseling, a psychological assessment, and discussions regarding your motivation, weight-loss history, and eating behaviors.

If your results indicate you’re a good surgical candidate, you begin pre-surgical preparation. This phase includes changes in diet, increased exercise, and tight management of pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes and elevated blood pressure. These measures typically result in weight loss before the surgery and help ensure a successful outcome after surgery.

How quickly will I lose weight after surgery?

Results vary from one person to the next. However, clinical studies show that most people lose weight rapidly following surgery, with up to 50% loss of excess weight in the first six months and 77% within 12 months.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sutker today for more information about weight loss surgery. Call the office or request an appointment online.