Weight Loss Surgery:Who Qualifies?
Most people want to lose weight at some point in their lives. While diet and exercise are still the most popular weight loss solutions, there is another option for some people. Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, can be an effective way to lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off.
There are several different kinds of weight-loss surgeries. Patients and their healthcare providers determine together which one is best for each individual patient. These surgeries either reduce the size of the stomach,cause the intestines to absorb fewer calories, or make patients feel full faster through hormonal changes. Sometimes a combination of techniques is used for the best possible outcome.
Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?
As many as a third of U.S. adults are considered obese. Whether a patient qualifies for weight loss surgery is based on his or her BMI. A normal BMI is between 18 and 25, over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is considered obese. Patients with a BMI over 35 with an obesity-related medical condition, or over 40 without any such conditions, are considered to be morbidly obese, and generally will qualify for weight loss surgery.
Something else to consider is your history. What diet and exercise programs have you tried in the past? Patients who are unable to lose weight even after dieting and exercising are oftentimes eligible for bariatric surgery. In fact, most patients who undergo weight loss surgery have been able to lose weight in the past, but ended up regaining the lost weight.
A third important consideration is your overall health. Obesity can cause many health problems including heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. If you suffer from one or a few of these conditions, you may qualify for weight loss surgery. Some health problems caused by obesity can improve and oftentimes be cured by losing weight.
How much does weight loss surgery cost?
The cost of your weight loss surgery will depend on a number of factors. The type of surgery you’re having, your healthcare coverage, the facility you choose and any follow-up procedures you need are all factors. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover weight loss surgery. If your insurance plan does not include weight loss surgery coverage, talk with your doctor about the costs of self-paying.
Think you qualify?
If you think you are ready to talk to a doctor about weight loss surgery, contact Bass Medical Group. They have been helping patients achieve their weight loss dreams for more than 20 years. Their elite team includes the best bariatric surgeons in Northern California. Call 925-350-4044 or contact them online to schedule a consultation.
The Best Bariatric Care in California
BASS Medical Group and Dr. Brian T. Chin offers some of the best bariatric care in northern California. Our team is ready to make you as comfortable as possible during your recovery from your surgery. If you are interested in gastric bypass surgery and want to know more, contact our expert bariatric surgeons to find out if this surgery is right for you.
