When Should I Consider Weight Loss Surgery?

Duodenal Switch, Gastric Band, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve

Yesterday I had a patient arrive to the office with a BMI >50, a 10-year history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and central obesity. She indicated that she had contemplated bariatric surgery for years, but her Primary Care Physician didn’t feel she was “heavy enough” to consider operation. This perception couldn’t be more misunderstood and is very common among patients and physicians alike.

It is not just the weight or one’s appearance that should drive one to bariatric surgery. Significant weight gain in any form or fashion is not healthy. It can contribute to diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cardiac atherosclerosis, joint abnormalities, inactivity, hernias, sleep apnea and sudden death, back pain, pulmonary hypertension, and multiple additional medical issues. Not only does weight gain increase one’s health risk, but it inhibits the care that can be offered by a medical professional. When a patient begins to develop metabolic issues such as diabetes, hypertension and central obesity, it is time to gain control of one’s weight and to consider surgery. The resolution of these diseases can be over 90% with bariatric surgery.