Am I a Candidate for Surgical Weight Loss?

Struggling to lose weight despite making enormous efforts with diet and exercise? You might qualify for weight loss surgery. With new guidelines expanding eligibility, now is the time to see if you’re a candidate.

Weight loss surgery is an effective tool for treating obesity, often leading to significant, long-term weight loss and improvements in obesity-related diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

While life-changing, achieving success requires dedication to lifestyle changes, particularly in the amount and types of food you can eat.

At Ohio Bariatrics and Laparoscopy in Springboro, Ohio, Dr. David Schumacher, an expert surgeon with over 4,000 weight loss surgeries, carefully evaluates each patient before recommending surgery. His bariatric surgery qualification process takes time but ensures patients make the most informed decisions.

Are you a candidate for surgical weight loss? Read on to learn about the qualification process.

Qualifications for surgical weight loss

Several factors play a role in determining eligibility for weight loss surgery, including age, health status, motivation, and commitment to lifestyle changes. However, body mass index (BMI) is a screening tool that estimates body fat and weight status.

According to the latest guidelines from the American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (ASBMS), you may qualify for weight loss surgery if you meet one of the following criteria:

BMI 35 or higher
BMI 30 or higher with Type 2 diabetes
BMI between 30 and 34.9 with weight-related diseases
BMI between 30 and 34.9 after unsuccessful weight loss attempts

Updated in 2022, the qualifications have expanded access to weight loss surgery by including lower BMI classes and removing the weight-related disease requirement.

Is surgical weight loss for you?

A BMI of 30 or higher doesn’t automatically mean surgical weight loss is right for you. That’s why our team conducts thorough evaluations to determine the safest and most effective weight loss solution for you.

Age, previous attempts at weight loss, and overall health are critical parts of our decision-making process. We also consider your goals, attitude, readiness for change, and post-surgery expectations.

Our process requires patience, but the benefits of surgical weight loss often outweigh the risks.

Life after surgery

Most people experience rapid weight loss after surgery, shedding 30%-50% of their excess body weight in the first six months. However, the key to long-term success lies in creating sustainable healthy habits. That’s why we provide continued support after surgery, guiding you in nutrition, activity, and behavior changes that help you maintain lasting results.

Research shows people sustain weight loss for 10 or more years, benefitting their physical and emotional well-being.

Are you struggling to reach your weight goals? Are you wondering if surgical weight loss is right for you?

Call us today or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schumacher to learn more about your options and take that first step toward a healthier future.