Surgery should not be considered until you and your doctor have evaluated all other options. As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with this procedure. Your doctor must determine if you are an appropriate surgical candidate.
Weight loss surgery is typically reserved for those individuals 100 pounds or more overweight (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 40 or higher) who have not responded to other less invasive therapies such as diet, exercise, medications, etc.
In certain circumstances, less morbidly obese patients (with BMIs between 35 and 40) may be considered for surgery (patients with high-risk co-morbid conditions and obesity-induced physical problems that are interfering with quality of life).
Surgery should not be considered until you and your doctor have evaluated all other options. The proper approach to weight-loss surgery requires discussion and careful consideration of the following with your doctor:
Success of surgical treatment must begin with realistic goals and progress through the best possible use of well-designed and tested operations.
As with any surgery, there are operative and long-term complications and risks associated with weight loss surgical procedures that should be discussed with your doctor. Possible risks include, but are not limited to:
If surgery is performed laparoscopically and complications occur during the operation or there are technical difficulties, your doctor may choose to perform open surgery. A detailed list that describes various complications is provided in your Bariatric Handbook when you begin preparing for surgery.