One of the most common questions we hear at My Destination Weight Loss is, “How do I qualify for weight loss surgery?”
While each patient we see here at our medical weight loss clinic is unique, we follow standardized guidelines when it comes to determining who is a good candidate for bariatric surgery such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and LAP-BAND.
If you meet the following criteria, you may qualify for weight loss surgery:
You’ve Struggled With Excess Weight For A Long Time
Weight loss surgery is not a ‘quick fix’ – it’s a medical procedure designed to help people who have spent years struggling with being overweight or obese.
Most insurance providers will request proof of previous attempts to lose weight through lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise). It’s important to document any diets you’ve been on, support groups you’ve attended, or exercise plans you’ve participated in.
Your Body Mass Index Is Over 40 (or 35+ With Comorbid Conditions)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of the amount of fat on your body in relation to your height. In most cases, patients need to have a BMI of 40 or higher to qualify for weight loss surgery, however, those with a BMI of 35 to 40 may be approved for a bariatric procedure if they also have a comorbid condition related to being overweight, such as pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiac disease.
You’re Committed To Lifelong Changes To Your Diet & Lifestyle
To qualify for weight loss surgery, you need to commit to making radical, life-long changes. Changes in food include amounts, and types, of food you eat, otherwise, you could end up regaining your unwanted pounds.
Since regular exercise helps to promote health and wellness, you’ll need to be physically active after your weight loss surgery.
You Have Realistic Expectations
Patients who are interested in bariatric surgery need to have realistic expectations when it comes to how much weight they can expect to lose, and how long it will take to reach their goal weight. Depending on the procedure, it may take many months, or even years, before patients achieve their ideal BMI following weight loss surgery.
For More Information
To learn more about whether or not you qualify for weight loss surgery, contact us here at My Destination Weight Loss or click here to sign up for our complimentary online weight loss seminar. Reach us by phone in Albertville at 256.840.5547 or Guntersville at 256.571.8734.
