By Dr. Manish Verma, General Surgery

Bariatric Surgery is a type of weight loss surgery used to treat obesity in people. The concept behind the surgery is to reduce the size of the stomach in order to get the desired result. However, there are certain factors which you must consider before planning to undergo weight loss surgery, they are –

1. Diet and exercise have been unsuccessful:

A person may consider bariatric surgery to lose weight if following a regimen of proper diet and exercise has been unsuccessful in giving the desired results.

2. BMI greater than 40:

A person whose body mass index (BMI) is greater than 40 is considered to be extremely obese and weight loss surgery is recommended for them provided they can undergo the surgery in a healthy condition.

3. Presence of various weight-related complications:

Being overweight can lead to various disorders such as diabetes, sleep apnea and various heart diseases. Undergoing a bariatric surgery in some cases can assist in reducing symptoms of these complications.

4. Prepared to make drastic lifestyle changes post surgery:

You need to make certain lifestyle changes such as following an exercise regimen and a proper diet to keep off the weight. Moderate eating habits are recommended after weight loss surgery to maintain optimal weight levels.

5. Need relief from joint pain:

Bariatric surgery may lead to relief from joint pain such as chronic inflammation resulting from rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Suffering from fertility problems due to obesity:

Weight loss surgeries may help in ovulatory functions in obese women.