Question 1

Who would qualify for weight loss or bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

Qualification for weight loss surgery is based on the BMI or body mass index, which is a calculation made with your height and weight. There are many online calculators where you can input your height and weight to determine your BMI. Patients with a BMI of over 40 qualify for weight loss surgery, and those patients who have obesity-related medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol would qualify for weight loss surgery with a BMI of 35 or above.

Question 2

Is it safe to have weight loss bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss surgery has become very safe over the past 20 years, particularly with the advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques. The risk of complications today, after weight loss surgery is very low, and the risk of death is almost unheard of today.

Question 3

What is the age criteria for bariatric weight loss surgery?

Accepted Answer

As an adult surgeon, I typically treat patients who are 18 years or older. Although some patients younger than 18 can have weight loss surgery at specialized centers. In terms of an upper age limit, there's no strict cut-off. It's more about learning about the individual patient and seeing whether they are individually a good candidate for surgery based on their special circumstances.

Question 4

How long is the recovery time after bariatric weight loss surgery?

Accepted Answer

With advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques over the past 20 years, weight loss surgery has become very safe, with the minimum of pain and quick recovery times after surgery. For patients who have office-type jobs, they generally take no more than 1 to 2 weeks off from work, while patients who are physically demanding jobs will sometimes take a little longer like 4 to 6 weeks off after surgery. I'm Dr. Brian Chin, thanks for listening

Question 5

What are your Doctor tips for Bariatric weight loss surgery?

Accepted Answer

First and foremost, I recommend patients learn as much as they can about the disease of obesity and about the different treatment options. What we do know from multiple research studies is that surgery offers the most effective means of achieving weight loss and sustaining that weight loss long term, especially compared with simple diet or medications. I'm Dr Brian Chin, thanks for listening.

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